Top Beginner Surf Spots in Australia- The Ultimate Guide

Australia is a surfer’s paradise, offering some of the most iconic waves in the world. But where do you start if you’re new to the sport? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

As a beginner, you’re looking for gentle waves, a sandy bottom, and possibly a lifeguard on duty because you can never be too safe. 

With approx 11,761 recorded beaches in Australia, finding these desirable spots is not an easy task. Luckily for you, I’ve spent the past year driving through Australia’s coastline and picked my favorite beginner-friendly spots on this list. 

Just a DISCLIMAR here: I’m not a beginner, but I’ve been one, for quite a long time I would add haha. 

Alright, enough talking. Grab a pen and paper (or at least a digital version), and let’s explore the best beginner surfing spots in Australia. 

1. Bondi Beach, New South Wales

The iconic Bondi Beach is the very first beach I visited in Australia. I landed in Sydney at night, woke up, took a bus, and went straight to Bondi.

Getting there was fairly easy with public transport, and there are plenty of car parks if you’re driving. Although it gets packed, you can either arrive early or park somewhere else and walk to the beach.  

As I didn’t have a surfboard yet, I rented one from Let’s Go Surfing for about 30 AUD for 2 hours. It was really convenient because the surf shop is a couple of steps away from the beginner-friendly section of the beach (North Bondi). 

The wave itself is gentle and slow-breaking, especially when it’s not too big. This makes it perfect for beginners as it’s not too fast and hollow. Going further south along the beach would make it a bit challenging for those who are just starting out. 

Bondi Beach is considered to be one of the best surf spots in Australia, not only for beginners. So, don’t expect it to be empty. In fact, most of the time, it is pretty crowded. 

2. Noosa Heads, Queensland

Noosa Heads is a picture-perfect point break located in the northern part of Queensland, just a 40-minute drive from the Sunshine Coast or 2.5-3 hours from Brisbane.

Main Beach is where most beginners start, and for good reason. The waves here are super long and forgiving, which is ideal when you’re learning to balance and control your board. 

And because the waves are so mellow, you get plenty of time to practice your pop-up, adjust your stance, and just enjoy the ride.

Little Cove is another great beginner-friendly spot in Noosa. It’s just the next little bay from Main Beach when going to the National Park. It’s tucked away a bit more, giving it this peaceful vibe.

The waves at Little Cove are perfect for longboarding. They break slowly and peel beautifully along the shore, giving you plenty of time to practice turning and maneuvering your board.

One thing to keep in mind about Noosa is that it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Everyone wants a piece of those perfect waves, so if you’re like me and prefer a bit more space, try to go early in the morning or on weekdays. That’s when you’ll find the most relaxed conditions and fewer people in the water. 

3. Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay offers several beginner surf breaks with consistent, mellow waves and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The Pass is one of the top spots, offering long, gentle waves that are perfect for practicing your balance and timing. It’s a bit of a crowd magnet, but the vibe is always friendly, with plenty of fellow learners cheering each other on.

Wategos Beach is another beginner-friendly spot. It’s known for its small, smooth waves, which are ideal for beginners. It’s less crowded than The Pass, making it a great place to get some quality wave time without feeling rushed.

Byron Bay is also home to numerous surf camps and schools, making it easy to find lessons tailored to your skill level. I

The town itself is full of chilled-out cafes and surf shops, creating a surfer-friendly atmosphere that’s hard to resist. If you’re driving, get ready to spend some money on parking. 

If you don’t mind the walk, I recommend parking in town and walking to The Pass. There are limited amount of free parking spots, just make sure you move your car on time! 

4. Torquay, Victoria

Torquay, Victoria, marks the start of the famous Great Ocean Road, where you can visit some of the best surf beaches in Australia. Torquay is rich in surf history and known as the birthplace of Australian surf culture. 

For beginners, Cosy Corner and Torquay Front Beach are top spots. Cosy Corner offers gentle waves sheltered by the Point Danger headland, making it a great spot to practice without getting overwhelmed. The perfect place to learn how to surf! 

Torquay Front Beach is another beginner-friendly option. Its long, rolling waves provide plenty of opportunities to hone your skills.

Torquay’s surf culture runs deep, with the Surf World Museum showcasing its history and iconic brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver starting here. The town is filled with surf shops where you can pick up beginner gear—think soft-top boards and wetsuits suited to the local conditions.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first lesson or exploring the local surf history, Torquay is a fantastic place to start your surfing adventure along the Great Ocean Road.

Also, if you’re lucky enough to be there between late March and early April, you might catch the pros ripping it in Bells Beach on the WSL tour. 

5. Crescent Head, New South Wales

Crescent Head, New South Wales, is a hidden gem for beginner surfers looking to escape the crowded, well-known spots. This charming coastal town offers long, mellow waves that are perfect for learning, making it a dream spot for beginners.

The point break at Crescent Head is famous for its easy-going waves that peel slowly along the shore, giving you plenty of time to pop up and ride.

It’s one of those spots where you can catch wave after wave without the pressure of big swells or aggressive crowds. The gentle surf here makes it ideal for practicing your stance, balance, and turns—whether you’re on a longboard or just starting with a soft top.

Crescent Head has a range of accommodation options, from cozy beachside cabins to budget-friendly campsites, all within walking distance to the surf. The local surf schools offer personalized lessons that cater to all skill levels, with patient instructors who know the waves inside out. 

6. Manly Beach, New South Wales

Manly Beach is a top pick for beginner surfers, thanks to its consistent waves and easy access. Just a short ferry ride from the city, Manly offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and coastal charm.

The beach itself is well-known for its gentle, rolling waves, particularly at the northern end, where the surf is less intense and more suited to beginners.

Here, you’ll find designated beginner surf zones with wave conditions that are forgiving, allowing you to focus on your technique without worrying about big swells.

Public transport makes getting to Manly Beach a breeze—just hop on the ferry from Circular Quay, and you’ll be there in about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, the beach is just a short walk away, with plenty of cafes and shops to explore along the way.

Plus, numerous surf shops are nearby where you can rent or buy beginner-friendly gear, like soft-top boards and wetsuits, or even learn to surf. 

7. Scarborough Beach, Western Australia

Scarborough Beach, located just a short drive from Perth’s CBD, is a fantastic spot for beginner surfers. The long sandy beach offers plenty of breaking waves for everyone. 

The wave conditions at Scarborough are typically gentle; the only time of year when Scarbrough turns into a beast of a wave is winter time and on big swells.

Throughout the year, the beach is ideal for beginners to paddle out and practice catching waves without the intensity of stronger swells. 

Finding surf lessons at Scarborough is easy, with several surf schools offering beginner classes throughout the week.

If you don’t have your own gear, no worries—there are plenty of rental shops nearby where you can grab a soft-top board and wetsuit for the day.

Scarborough Beach is also known for its vibrant beach culture. The area is packed with facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend the day. 

Conclusion

Australia’s coastline offers a treasure trove of surf spots that cater to beginners, from the gentle waves of Noosa Heads to the laid-back vibes of Crescent Head.

Whether you’re taking your first lesson at Manly Beach or exploring the surf culture in Torquay, each location provides unique experiences and opportunities to hone your skills.

The consistent, mellow waves, welcoming surf communities, and easy access to surf schools make these spots perfect for anyone looking to dive into the surfing world. 

So, if you were thinking to learn to surf in Australia, now you know where to do it. Start your surfing adventure down under—there’s no better place to learn!