The surf’s always up in the sunny ‘Land Down Under’. The only problem is, with over 50,000 kilometres of sparkling coastline, how do you choose the best places to surf in Australia?
From gentle waves for beginners to secret spots that attract the world’s elite surfers, we’ve got you covered.
Best places to surf in Australia for beginners
Noosa, Queensland
A family-friendly favourite, Noosa offers a smorgasbord of breaks for everyone, especially if you’re a beginner. With a National Park right on the sand and enough restaurants to keep the fussiest eaters happy, it’s also a dream holiday spot. Take a lesson in shallow waters at Main Beach, join the longboarding locals at First Point or head to Little Cove, where the forest meets the sea. To get there, Noosa is an easy drive from Brisbane.
Byron Bay, New South Wales
Byron Bay surf is legendary amongst locals and tourists alike. Whilst international visitors come to try Australian surf tours, everyone can have a go in this chilled-out hippy town. The Pass is the top spot, with a right-hand point break you can ride for metres, all the way to the beach. Belongil Beach is less crowded and Wategos Beach is framed by luxury homes on the hill. Fly into the Gold Coast, for a short drive over the border to Byron Bay.
Best places to surf in Australia for beach-lovers
Northern Beaches, New South Wales
The Northern Beaches stretch from Manly to Palm Beach, so take your pick for a Sydney surf along iconic strips of sand. Catch a morning wave at Queenscliff, in Manly, then stop for a bite at beach restaurants with panoramic views. Or, stay at Narrabeen, with three kilometres of sand to sunbake on, after a day spent surfing with the locals.
Gold Coast, Queensland
The Gold Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Australia, along with the famous Quicksilver Pro, at Snapper Rocks. For parties, clubs and shopping with your waves, Surfers Paradise is the place to be. Join the locals at Burleigh Heads for a relaxed surf or find a spot to yourself at the Spit. The breaks at Kirra Beach challenge advanced surfers, whilst beginners can avoid a wipeout, at Greenmount.
Best places to surf in Australia for Pros
Bells Beach, Victoria
Perhaps one of Australia’s most famous beaches, Bells attracts professionals for its powerful swells and intriguing backdrop of red-tinged cliffs. Set along the Great Ocean Road, it hosts the Rip Curl Pro, to prove its surfing clout. Nearby you’ll find Winkipop, with a world-class right-hand point break and the charming coastal town of Torquay. Fly into Melbourne and it’s an easy drive to that famous swell.
Margaret River, Western Australia
If you love a crisp vino after your surf, take a holiday to the famed wine region of Margaret River. You’ll find right-hand barrels at Injidup, big peaks at Surfers Point and left-hand breaks at Cowaramup Bay. Best of all, you’ll catch spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets, every day. Margaret River is an easy three-hour drive south from Perth.
Off the beaten track
Tasmania
Tasmania doesn’t often come up in the same sentence as ‘surf’, but it most certainly brings it. Here, you’ll find uncrowded, top-notch cold water breaks on the edge of pristine world heritage areas. Try Shipstern Bluff if you dare, with rides as long as 40 metres and possibly a shark sighting or two.
East Coast spots of Eaglehawk Neck and Bicheno offer consistent swell. If you go to South Cape Bay, you’ll get to say you caught a wave at Australia’s most southerly surf beach.
Bragging rights and a wild ride combine for the ultimate summer fun at one the best places to surf in Australia.
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.com.au on 23 January, 2017. The prices are quoted in AUD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
