Best Surf Spots In Australia You Need To Surf This Year
Are you looking for the best surf spots in Australia? Well, look no further!
I’ve traveled all over the Australian coast (at least the surfable side) and managed to score some epic waves across the continent.
From beginner-friendly beach breaks to slabby point breaks, Australia is one of the best surfing destantions in the world.
The continent get pretty consistent swell year-round. Although, places like the Gold Coast and Bells Beach only light up when all the elemnts align.
In this guide, we’ll take you deep into the Aussie surf culture, explore epic breaks across every coast, and help you plan a surf trip that matches your skill level and spirit.
Get ready to a dream surf in Australia, let’s go!
TL;DR
Australia’s coastline is packed with epic waves. From the Gold Coast to Margaret River, the best surf spots in Australia serve up long rides, heavy reefs, and cruisy beach breaks—all year round, all skill levels.
Where are the best surf spots in Australia?
Australia is a huge continent. Listing all the best spots would be a very long list indeed.
I will highlight some of the best spots in every state, along with some hidden gems I discovered on the road.
Honestly, there are some spots that I can’t even name. I drive thousands of kilometers and stopped at random beaches to surf.
So I’ll leave it up to you to explore a bit.
Western Australia Surfing
There’s a reason they say “west is best” in Australia.
The west coast of Australia is wild, rugged, and full of potential setups.
Margret River
Margaret River isn’t just a wine region—it’s a heavy hitter on the world surf stage.
Hosting WSL events and drawing the best surfers in the world. While you’ll mostly find heavy reef breaks and hollow waves here, there are still some beginner friendly spots.
When it comes to surfing in the Margret River region, there are plenty of options. Here are a few:
Main break- Thick and heavy when big, not a beginner-friendly spot.
The Box- only works on certain conditions and will challenge even the best in the world.
River mouth- beginner friendly spot on smaller days.
The Red Bluff
Surfing in Red Bluff was one of the most epic adventure I’ve ever done.
Getting there is a mission and you can forget about phone reception and flushing toilets. This place is as rugged as it can get.
The wave is a heavy left-hand point break. Definitely not a beginner-friendly one.
Going in and out to the spot through a keyhole in the reef means you’ll need to time you’re paddle and be very comfortable with the reef.
If you like remote places, don’t miss out on this one!
Getting There: You’ll need a 4WD and a sense of adventure. No shops, no signal, just you and the Indian Ocean.
Geraldton
Often overlooked, Geraldton has some surprisingly punchy beach breaks and reef setups—especially when the wind cooperates (which, to be fair, is rare). Chek out:
Flat Rocks – Consistent left-hander that works on various tides
Back Beach – The go to spot when everywhere is flat. A moody beach break that can deliver some heavy waves when the elements align.
Local Tip: The wind kicks up early here, so aim for early morning sessions or keep your eye on offshore days.
South Australia Surfing
SA keeps a low profile, but the waves? Loud and proud.
It’s a state full of hidden gems and heavy beach breaks, ideal for surfers who like solitude and don’t mind chilly water.
Oh and it’s the sharkiest water in Australia so…
Some known spots include:
Cactus Beach – Long lefts, A-Frames and heavy tubes all in one bay.
Waitpinga Beach – Raw beachie energy close to Adelaide. Heavy when it’s on.
Middleton – Softer and cruisier. Good for learning or just logging some mellow rides.
Local Tip: Be ready for long and hot days out. Stock up on essentials like fuel, water, and food!
Victoria Surfing
Victoria is the birthplace of Aussie surf culture. Only an hour from Melbourne, brand names like Rip Curl and Quiksilver started in Torquay town. And it’s easy to see why.
The Southern Ocean delivers raw, consistent swell, and there are waves all over the coastline.
You’ll need a good wetsuit—and maybe a bit of courage. Check out:
Bells Beach – Australia’s most famous wave. Long rights and legendary status.
Torquay – The birthplace of iconic surf brands, plenty of waves to be found.
Johanna – Remote beach break with power. Bells’ big-swell backup.
Local Tip: Currents here are gnarly. If in doubt, don’t paddle out!
New South Wales Surfing
If surfing were a religion, NSW would be the holy land.
From the laid-back points of Byron Bay to the city breaks of Sydney and the punchy reefs further south, this stretch of coast is pure surf culture.
It’s the most accessible surf zone in Australia, perfect for beginners surf schools and surf camps, pros chasing barrels, and everyone in between chasing good times.
Sydney
Sydney is home to world-class surf spots. Some would argue i has the best surfing in Australia.
For me it’s not the case but I can see it being on of the best surf locations in the country.
Big waves, small waves, gentle waves or slabby heavy waves Sydney has it all. Some of the spots are:
Manly Beach- Manly beach is perfect for all levels but really gets fired up when the swell picks up a bit.
The ease of getting there and the fact there’s plenty of surf schools and shops around make it one of the more crowded spots in the city,
Bondi Beach- even before coming to Australia I used to watch the bondi beach rescue. I never though that one day ill see those guys in person haha.
Anyway as for the surf, it’s a beach break with a beginner friendly spots in the south side of the bay (vloser to the rocks).
It’s a great spot to learn to surf.
Some other spots in the city include Avalon, Whale Beach and Freshwater.
Byron Bay
Some consider Byron Bay to be the hippie town of Australia, and as soon as you get there, you’ll understand why.
The vibe is laid back and seems as if the only worry is whether you’ll order an avo toast or a smoothie bowl for breaky.
In the water, though it’s a bit different, the crowds are gnarly and often unforgiving. Here are some spots in town:
The Pass- Byron’s most iconic wave. A long, peeling right-hand point break that’s perfect for all levels.
On smaller days, it’s a paradise for longboarders; when it’s bigger, shortboarders can carve down the line for ages. Expect big crowds and a cruisy vibe.
Wategos Beach- Wategos is sheltered and super mellow wave. Great for beginners and longboarders looking to glide on small, clean waves.
Belongil Beach- Located just north of the main town, Belongil has fun sandbanks and fewer people than The Pass. Good for early learners and those looking for a bit more space.
Lennox Head
A world-class right-hand point that’ll test your timing and your patience. Less forgiving than Byron, more rewarding if you nail it.
Local Tip: Avoid the crowds by paddling out at lunch time, middle of the week, or when everyone else is working. 😂
Queensland Surfing
Queensland is Australia’s tropical surf playground.
With year-round sunshine, crystal-clear water, and some of the longest rides in the country, it’s no wonder this coast is a magnet for wave lovers from around the world.
From the high-performance proving grounds of the Gold Coast to the dreamy, cruisy lines up north in Noosa, QLD serves up surf for every level.
Whether you’re chasing barrels, nose rides, or just your first green wave, you’ll find something that fits.
The Gold Coast
This is the epicenter of performance surfing in Australia. The Gold Coast is packed with punchy points and beach breaks—and yes, also packed with people. But if you don’t mind sharing, the payoff is worth it.
Snapper Rocks / Superbank – Possibly the longest wave in Australia. Snapper links into Greenmount, Kirra, and beyond on the right swell. Expect crowds and pros in the lineup.
Burleigh Heads – Classic right-hand point with a solid barrel section. Great for intermediate to advanced surfers when it’s firing.
Currumbin Alley – Mellow inside section perfect for learners, but with a fun wall further out for those who can paddle deeper.
Local Tip: Paddle etiquette is everything here. Respect the locals and don’t drop in—you will be called out.
Sunshine Coast
About three hours north of the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is like its slower version. It’s perfect for road-tripping surfers or those looking to escape the bustle.
Alexandra Headland (Alex) – Fun, consistent right-handers that are forgiving for learners but fun for all levels.
Mooloolaba Beach – Soft, cruisy waves great for logging and beginners.
Point Cartwright – Harder to score but worth it when it’s on! Hollow right-hander. Less crowded and more powerful than nearby breaks.
Local Tip: There are tons of uncrowded beachies between the points—drive around and you’ll find something working.
Noosa Heads
Noosa is a national treasure for longboarders and anyone who loves a mellow peel. On a solid east swell, the points here can connect into rides that go forever (or at least feel like it). The whole area is part surf spot, part zen retreat.
First Point – Dreamy right-hand point break perfect for longboarding. Smooth, slow, and beautifully lined up.
Tea Tree Bay – Inside Noosa National Park, this break offers slightly more power and speed, with a more adventurous paddle-out.
Granite Bay – More exposed and a bit punchier. Less crowded due to the hike in, and rewarding when it’s on.
Local Tip: Noosa can get absolutely packed during swell events and school holidays, so arrive early and pack some patience.
Tasmania Surfing
Still on my bucketlist, Tasmania is a wild surf destenation and not for the fain harted. Unfortantly, this time I had to skip it but I will be back Tasi!
Tasmania’s surf scene is about quality over quantity. It’s cold, remote, and not always forgiving—but if you’re chasing raw beauty and serious slabs, Tassie delivers.
Shipstern Bluff – Home of the mutant step. Watch it from a boat unless you’re a pro.
Clifton Beach – Consistent and beginner-friendly, just outside Hobart.
Marrawah – Wild west coast waves with barely anyone around.
Best Time to Surf in Australia
With thousands of kilometers of coastline and multiple swell sources, Australia has somewhere to surf all year round. But choosing the best time will heavily depend on your skill level. Here’s an overview:
- Best for Beginners: November to February (smaller swells, warmer water, surf schools in full swing)
- Best for Big Swells: May to October (east coast cyclone leftovers + winter power on west/south coasts)
- Avoiding Crowds: Hit popular spots mid-week or off-peak months like February or November
- Shark Awareness: Avoid murky water, river mouths, and dawn/dusk sessions, especially in WA & SA
Best Surf Camps In Australia
Australia is a one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf.
And there’s no better way of doing it than going on a surf camp!
A lot of beaches in places like Sydney, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast to name a few have easy access to the beach, making it easy for first timers ro exeprince surfing.
With world-class waves there’s practicly a surf camp for every level of surfer.
Here’s one example:
Mojo Surf Byron Bay
The 4-day Surf & Stay Camp in Byron Bay by Mojosurf is the perfect mix of waves and adventure.
You’ll get daily surf lessons with experienced instructors, plus time to explore Byron’s beaches and laid-back culture.
Accommodation is in a shared tipi or dorm (4–6 beds) with access to a communal kitchen and bathroom.
Check out the full guide to the best surf camps in Australia
Conclusion
Australia is home to some of the world’s most diverse and unforgettable waves.
From the raw reefs of Western Australia to the long points of Queensland and the historic breaks of Victoria, each region offers its own unique vibe.
With the right timing, local know-how, and a sense of adventure, you’ll find the best surf spots in Australia aren’t just places—they’re experiences that stay with you long after the ride ends.
So, pack your wetsuit and book your ticket to one of the most diverse surf destinations in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best surf spots in Australia for beginners?
Bondi Beach in Sydney is one of the most iconic surf spots, known for its surf schools and friendly atmosphere. Another great option is Manly Beach, which not only provides consistent waves but also has a vibrant surf culture.
What are the top surf spots in Western Australia?
Margaret River is one of the best, known for its powerful waves and stunning natural scenery.
Where can I find the best surf spots in New South Wales?
Sydney features several popular spots including Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, which are both easily accessible and packed with surfers of all skill levels. Byron Bay offers beautiful beaches and stunning coastlines as well.
What is the best time of year to surf in Australia?
Generally speaking, Autumn and Winter are the best times of year to surf in Australia, that is between March-August. But there’s surf year-round.
