The land down under is known for many things, including kangaroos, sunshine and laid-back living. But it’s also a surfer’s paradise (which is also a place, but we’ll get to that!). With thousands of kilometres of coastline facing several oceans, there’s an Australian wave for every type of surfer. We’ve got everything from world-famous point breaks to cool city beaches that are just waiting for you to explore.
Many of Australia’s best surf beaches can be found near our favourite coastal towns, so a trip to the beach can be followed up with local cafés, scenic drives and plenty of places to explore. From Queensland to Tasmania, our guide will walk you through the best spots for surfing and where to stay.
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Surf culture in Australia
Surfing is a major part of life in Australia. People get up early to go to the beach with their mates, surfboards strapped to the car and finish up with a post-surf coffee looking out over the water. Surfing isn’t just a seasonal hobby; it’s a big part of everyday life here.
And we reckon there’s no better place for it in the world. You’ve got reef, point breaks and so much more to check out. And it’s not just for everyday surfers; big international competitions are held on the Gold Coast, Torquay and Margaret River, while relaxed longboarding culture is the vibe in Byron Bay and Noosa. Many of the world’s champion surfers are from Australia, so it’s an excellent place to learn, plus there are a host of surf schools and board shops you’ll find on the beach.
It’s the variety that people find most appealing. Australia’s surf map includes beginner’s beaches, easy-going points and then more challenging routes for experienced and pro surfers. Surf safety is taken very seriously here too, so it’s important to check conditions before you set out and always follow local advice.
Best time of the year to plan a surf trip Down Under
The good news is that there is never a bad time to plan a surf trip Down Under! Australia is huge, and the conditions will vary between the different regions, so you can find good surf year-round. Planning for the best surf breaks in Australia will really depend on when you want to visit, and what else you want to do during your time here.
Autumn and winter are excellent for consistent swell, especially in the south-east, but temperatures will be cooler as you travel south. Summer will give you warmer conditions and smaller waves, so it’s a great time for newbies. If you want warm temps throughout the year, head to Northern Queensland which stays pretty mild, but for Victoria and Tasmania you’ll need thicker wetsuits, especially in winter.
Before you go anywhere, check out an Australia surf map to see where everything is, as this will help you plan according to coastlines. You’ll also want to check a surf forecast every day and ask local lifeguards and surf schools what the conditions are like. It’s just as important as finding a good spot!
Australia's best surf beaches
As we’re sure you’re aware, Australia is pretty vast! There’s thousands of kilometres of coastline, and each state offers something totally different. Queensland is the place to go for warm point breaks while New South Wales is home to many of Australia’s legendary surf towns. Here’s our guide to where to surf in Australia according to state.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland is well known for warm weather, and the water and surf conditions are excellent. The main surf season runs from late summer to autumn, when the more tropical weather brings decent, consistent waves. In winter, you can enjoy clear skies and cleaner conditions, but the swell might vary. The Gold Coast is also where you’ll find Surfers Paradise, so make sure you spend some time there and see what surf culture in Australia is really about!
We reckon you should start on the Gold Coast. Snapper Rocks is at the start of the Superbank, where you can enjoy long, fast rides when the banks swell and line up. It can be really busy here, so you need to be mindful of surf etiquette and confident wave selection. If you want a more challenging surf, head to nearby Kirra, where you can enjoy powerful barrels, perfect for highly experienced surfers.
If you head further north, you can check out Noosa and enjoy longboarding, as well as take in some awesome views. On calmer days, beginner surfers could get some fantastic waves, but the larger swells are better left to those with a little more confidence and local awareness. You can also go to Alexandra Headland and other Sunshine Coast beaches to experience different types of surf and some of Australia’s best surf beaches.
Oaks Gold Coast Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the Gold Coast, with excellent facilities, comfy rooms and an outdoor pool. It’s located in Broadbeach, which is convenient for getting to Snapper Rocks and Kirra, but you’ll need a little more time to get to them during peak season.
Over on the Sunshine Coast, you’ve got Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, which is great for families and groups to stay in Caloundra, and has lovely grounds, a swimming pool and, most importantly for the kids, an on-site water park. Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort is perfect for surfers wanting to head out to Alexandra Headland Beach, with cool apartments, pools, barbecue facilities and an on-site gym.
Best for: Beginners should head to Noosa and other beaches for gentler conditions, while Burleigh is excellent for confident intermediates. If you’re a highly experienced surfer, check out Snapper Rocks and Kirra, you won’t be disappointed.
New South Wales (NSW)
Next up is New South Wales, which is an excellent shout if you’re looking for reliable surfing year-round. Autumn is a favourite with surfers because of the warm water and consistent swell, but the winter is the time to go for powerful waves. The further south you go, the cooler it gets, but it’s still warmer than Victoria or Tassie!
Byron Bay is a top spot for enjoying both surfing and immersing yourself in a cool surf-town vibe. The Pass is well-known for some long, right-hand waves which longboarders love, but it can get very crowded here. Main Beach and Clarkes Beach would be our picks for learners or those lacking a bit of confidence to surf when the swell is small.
Moving south of Byron Bay, Lennox Head is one of our top choices for a right-hand point break over a rocky bottom. Experienced surfers love it for the speed, current and take-off zone. Angourie Point near Yamba is another major place for where to surf in Australia thanks to its powerful right-hand waves and some committed locals.
It makes sense to stay in Sydney if you want a taste of city life with time in the water. Bondi Beach has a load of excellent surf schools, while Manly also packs some excellent breaks. The beach culture is immense, and people of different skill levels will find surfing conditions to enjoy.
Our top choice to stay here is Oaks Sydney Hyde Park Suites, which is handy for people wanting to see Sydney and enjoy some surfing (the proximity to the airport is ideal too for international visitors). It’s in the middle of the CBD so you can get to different spots easily by public transport. It’s also got an amazing rooftop pool, spa and gym to enjoy after a day out at the beach.
If you’re heading to northern New South Wales, Oaks Calypso Plaza Suites is right by Coolangatta Beach and has a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, heated lagoon pool and a children’s pool. There’s also a gym and sauna on-site. Byron Bay is about an hour away by car, so you can enjoy the best of both the Gold Coast and NSW during your visit.
Best for: Bondi, Manly and Byron Bay will be perfect for beginners wanting some lessons. Lennox Head and Angourie Point for more experienced surfers who understand point breaks, currents and line-up etiquette.
Victoria (VIC)
Over in Victoria, the Surf Coast has amazing conditions thanks to the powerful Southern Ocean swell. People flock here in the autumn, when the weather is more settled and the waves are more consistent. But if it’s bigger waves you’re after, then go in the winter. Just remember to pack your wetsuit as it’s a bit chilly year-round!
Let’s start with Bells Beach, which is near Torquay and is one of the most famous surf spots in Australia. Every year, it hosts the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach comp, so you can guarantee it’s popular with visitors. The exposed reefs are ideal for a substantial swell, with some long walls and super powerful sections. It’s not the one for beginners but could be a good place to watch and learn some tips!
Just up the road from Bells Beach is Winkipop, which has much faster surf and is one for the pros. It’s got a shallow reef and can get crowded with local pros, but it’s still just as good to watch them go at it from the cliffs!
Over in Johanna Beach, you can enjoy a taste of the Great Ocean Road. It’s a bit rugged, but a good choice if other locations haven’t got the best conditions. It gets a lot of swells, but there are some strong currents so the conditions are powerful and should always be assessed.
Both Oaks R Suites Geelong and Oaks Vue Suites Geelong are top choices for driving to Torquay, Bells Beach and the Great Ocean Road. Oaks R Suites Geelong is housed in a beautiful heritage-listed building and you’ll get to enjoy apartment-style accommodation, plus an on-site café and plenty of parking. Oaks Vue Suites Geelong is close to Eastern Beach and has recently refurbished studios and apartments with kitchen facilities, so it’s a fantastic option for couples and smaller groups.
Best for: The Surf Coast will really impress experienced surfers, and beginners should look at booking a lesson at a gentler beach around Torquay before building up the surfing hours. Geelong is a top shout for surfers who want to enjoy both the coast and city dining.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia has a long, exposed coastline, so it’s absolutely perfect for powerful waves. The Margaret River region has solid conditions from autumn into spring, and Perth’s beaches will give you really nice summer conditions. Water temperatures vary between regions, so check local surf and condition reports before deciding what to pack.
Margaret River is one of the world’s great surfing destinations and will give you some of the best surf breaks in Australia, including the famous Surfers Point. Nearby Prevelly is another excellent spot for some serious waves.
Scarborough Beach is more beginner-friendly, and its beach breaks can suit a range of abilities depending on swell and wind conditions. There’s also some excellent cafés and beachfront facilities around which make it easy to spend a full day here.
Oaks Perth Hotel is right in the middle of Perth, so it’s close to shopping, dining spots and public transport making it a great place to stay during your WA surf trip. Scarborough Beach is around a 20-minute drive when traffic is light, but you can get there using public transport too. Margaret River and Prevelly are approximately three hours south by car, so you’re better off turning these spots into a road trip instead of heading there daily from Perth.
Best for: Scarborough is perfect for beginners and intermediates on the right day, just remember to check conditions first. Margaret River and Prevelly have much heavier reef breaks that should only be attempted by more experienced surfers.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia’s surf coastline is much wilder and less developed than a lot of places on the east-coast. Autumn and winter will give you the most consistent swell, but the exposed beaches can be windy, cold and powerful. It can take a while to get to these beaches, so you need to plan carefully before you leave larger towns.
Cactus Beach, which is on the Eyre Peninsula, is a legendary spot for experienced surfers. It’s a bit remote, and the powerful waves are a major part of the appeal, making it one for beginners to avoid.
Waitpinga Beach, near Victor Harbor, is exposed to Southern Ocean swell so it’s known for strong currents. It can produce quality waves, but again, it’s a place that’s best left to the experts. Salmon Hole on the Yorke Peninsula is a much quieter choice, but the conditions can change quickly, and facilities aren’t as abundant as other locations.
Best for: South Australia is one for self-sufficient and experienced surfers who enjoy road trips and quieter beaches. Beginners should learn at a patrolled beach with a recognised surf school before even considering these more remote breaks.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tassie has some epic scenery and the cold, powerful Southern Ocean swell that some surfers thrive on. Autumn and winter are pretty consistent, but the water is a bit chilly year-round. You’re gonna need a wetsuit and some decent surfing skills here.
Shipstern Bluff is easily Tasmania’s most famous big-wave location. You’ll need to reach it by boat or on foot, and the actual waves are reserved for elite surfers with specialist equipment and support. That doesn’t mean you can’t experience the fun though, as watching the pros and enjoying the views is also an amazing thing to do.
If you want something more accessible, go to Clifton Beach, near Hobart. Beach breaks here suit different levels depending on conditions, and there are some local surf schools which makes it one of Tasmania’s more practical spots for beginners. Alternatively, Marrawah is on the north-west coast and gets steady swell and several breaks in more remote settings. The conditions can be powerful and changeable, so remember to stick to local advice.
Best for: Clifton Beach is the best for beginners. Marrawah suits experienced, independent surfers, and Shipstern Bluff should be considered one of Australia’s best surf beaches for an elite big-wave destination.
To wrap it up!
Surfers are gonna love everything Australia has to offer. You can visit the cold water in Tassie and immerse yourself in stunning scenery or really get involved in the surf culture along the Gold Coast and New South Wales. There are a lot of different picks for surfers of all levels, so make sure you do your research to find the best spots.
We think you should explore a single region in depth and work out your daily itinerary based on the day’s conditions. With Oaks properties to be found near the best surf spots in Australia, you’ll have somewhere cool and comfortable to relax after a day on the waves.
