What to Anticipate When Surfing in Australia

With over 10,000 beaches across the country and fantastic waves crashing on nearly all of them, it’s no surprise that surfing in Australia is a way of life for many locals, whether you're enjoying the warm waters of the east coast or paddling in the cooler seas of the south coast.

Australia boasts the second-largest population of surfers in the world, second only to the USA, with the Gold Coast in Queensland having the highest per capita concentration of surfers globally. If you’re dreaming of a wave-riding vacation, Australia is the perfect destination.

Essential Tips for Surfing in Australia

Being a surfer means always searching for the best waves with fewer crowds, often leading to solo adventures and carving your own path. With thousands of beaches available in Australia, this is certainly achievable, but it’s crucial to prioritize your safety.

Understand Your Limits

If you're just starting out, have courage but avoid being reckless. There's a reason beginners often start on smaller waves and stick to popular spots where they can surf alongside others. Many Australian surfers have a lifetime of experience and understand how unpredictable the waves can be. Always stay within your comfort zone.

Familiarize Yourself with Currents and Rips

No matter which beach you choose, take some time to research before you dive into the surf. Understand the behavior of the currents and ask local surfers for advice before entering the water.

Be Mindful of Surf Etiquette

Understanding surf etiquette is nearly as crucial as recognizing your limits. Familiarize yourself with the rules of sharing the waves. There's a hierarchy to respect: don’t take waves from others, yield to the surfer closest to the wave’s peak, avoid dropping in on fellow surfers, and ALWAYS paddle behind someone already riding the wave.

Always Seek Assistance

As previously mentioned, many Australian surfers have spent their entire lives on the waves, so they possess a wealth of knowledge. Fortunately, the surf community is welcoming, so don’t hesitate to ask locals for guidance, especially if you’re new to the area. Learning the ropes from those in the know is one of the best ways to ensure your safety.

Surfing Seasons in Australia

If you're wondering about the best times to surf in Australia, you'll be pleased to find that every season has its advantages. From December to February, summer brings hot, humid conditions, but waves can be unpredictable. This period is peak tourist season, particularly for surfers hoping for cyclones to generate epic waves lasting over a week. However, from March to May, autumn is often regarded as one of the prime surfing seasons, offering milder weather, fewer tourists on the beaches, consistent swells, and the warmest waters.

For those seeking consistent waves in Australia, winter is typically the prime season. Although the water may be a bit chilly during these months, there are significantly fewer tourists, and the swells are much more dependable. If there’s a season to avoid, it’s spring; during this time, both the weather and swells tend to be unpredictable, and the water can be quite cold, though you will still find some waves.

Premier Surfing Spots in Australia

If you’re on the hunt for surfing hotspots, the east coast of Australia is among the most popular areas. The northern coast has limited surfing options due to numerous coral reefs, jellyfish, and the occasional saltwater crocodile. The east coast features renowned regions like Queensland and New South Wales, while the south coast boasts the iconic Great Ocean Road.

Gold Coast, Queensland

What sets the Gold Coast apart is its excellent year-round conditions that provide reliable surf, warm waters, well-patrolled beaches, and some of the best point breaks around. With over 50 kilometers of coastline, you’re unlikely to miss out on a wave, though you might occasionally need to grab your longboard for the smaller swells. Advanced surfers will want to focus on the point breaks, but due to the crowds, beginners should stick to the beach breaks instead.

South Stradbroke Island, located by the Southport Seaway, is a favored beach break known for its reliable banks and beautifully hollow waves, perfect for surfing. Another prime spot is Duranbah, which lies on the border between the Gold Coast and New South Wales. This beach hosts many regional surfing competitions and is a true haven for surfers. Both beaches face different directions, allowing them to catch swells when the rest of the coast may not, but there are several other notable beach breaks to explore, including Main Beach, The Spit, Palm Beach, Tugun, Mermaid Beach, and Narrowneck.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Further north than the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast marks the last surfing stop before reaching the vast Great Barrier Reef. This coastline features legendary surf spots that produce swells over more than 40 kilometers of eastern Australian beaches. One standout location is Noosa, renowned as a surfing mecca in Australia, where incredible right-hand point breaks occur as typhoon swells sweep through Noosa National Park from the Coral Sea. These waves are some of the most enjoyable and manageable for surfers of all skill levels, though beginners should practice a bit before tackling Noosa.

If you're surfing in winter, be sure to join fellow surfers heading from Noosa to Sunshine Beach, which offers the opposite swell to the heads and delivers remarkably consistent beach breaks, averaging between 5 to 9 feet. Additionally, several other beaches along the coast are worth exploring for surfers of all levels, including Caloundra at the southern end, family-friendly Mooloolaba, Mudjimba Island, Marcoola Beach, Point Perry, and Coolum Beach.

New South Wales

New South Wales is the most populated state in Australia and boasts some of the most desirable beaches, including Sydney, a global surfing hub. Near Sydney, you'll discover Byron Bay, which features seven surf breaks. Once a quiet fishing village, Byron Bay has transformed into one of the premier surfing locations worldwide, catering to surfers of all levels. Among these breaks, The Pass is often regarded as the best, but each offers a unique experience. South of Byron Bay lies Lennox Head, celebrated for having the finest right-hand point break in the country, while Coffs Harbour further south presents various surf breaks suitable for all skill levels.

On the outskirts of Sydney, you'll encounter the surfing gem that is Bondi Beach, perhaps the most iconic surf beach for international visitors, and beloved by locals as well. Bondi Beach features both left- and right-breaking waves, making it accessible regardless of your stance. The beach's popularity means there are ample surfing lessons available for beginners, making Bondi an excellent place to learn to surf and a perfect launching point for tackling Australia's more challenging breaks.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Heading to the south coast, you arrive at a prime surfing destination that attracts surfers year-round: the Great Ocean Road. This coastal stretch extends from Torquay to Warrnambool and has been celebrated as a surfer's haven since the 1960s. Torquay and Bells Beach are two major surf spots along this route, featuring exposed points and reef breaks. While beginners might want to avoid this area, experienced surfers will relish the challenge it presents. Another notable surfing location in Victoria is Phillip Island, which boasts a variety of top-quality waves.

Western Australia

While Western Australia may not draw as much attention as New South Wales or Queensland, it boasts numerous beloved surfing spots that attract thousands of surfers year-round. Margaret River stands out as a favorite among both locals and tourists, featuring a mix of challenging advanced spots and a few breaks suitable for beginners. The highlight of Margaret River is Prevelly Park, home to Main Break, which offers some of the most intense and technical surf conditions, complete with bowls, bumps, and heavy barrels.