The 10 best surf beaches in Australia
If you want to catch a wave, here’s where you should be heading.
There are almost 12,000 beaches in Australia, and we all have a favourite, whether you’re from Bondi or Bells Beach, Wangaratta or Wagga Wagga. There are some pristine stretches of coastline, however, that appear to have been specially created for surfers.
It takes a lot for an excellent surf beach to come about. The land has to face the right direction, the reef or sandbank has to be shaped just so, and it certainly helps if no one knows about it. For this list though, we’re not prejudiced against beaches that typically attract a crowd; every beach is on the table.
With that in mind, we’ve combed the charts and surfed widely to bring you 10 of Australia’s best beaches to take your board to. What would you add to the list?
The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW
Curling around the outstretched eastern point of Byron Bay is the iconic Pass. Instantly recognisable from photos of leathery, tanned surf gurus standing laconically on 10-foot planks, the wave is known as the heart of Byron Bay. Typically very busy, the wave is still a delight (when you can catch one). Stretching parallel to the beach, which negates the long paddle out, the break is a beautiful right-hander and perfect for longboarding. Well worth navigating the crowds if you get the chance.
Lennox Point, Lennox Head, NSW
Packed with long carvable sections and barrels on a good day, Lennox Point is surfer heaven. The first surf reserve in the world is eerily similar to South Africa’s famous J-Bay and is far less packed than the aforementioned Pass, which is just 20 minutes’ drive north of Lennox Head. It’s well worth the short drive if you want some peaceful rights to work with.
Angourie Point, Angourie, NSW
Sensing a theme here? NSW’s north coast delivers the goods when it comes to picturesque point breaks. Near the sleepy town of Yamba, which has become holiday gold for people wanting to escape the Byron hordes, Angourie Point breaks to the right along a rocky point and offers some long, joyous waves to tear up.
Aussie Pipe, Jervis Bay, NSW
One of the few reef breaks on this list, Aussie Pipe is no easy ride, which is why it’s named for the iconic Hawaiian steamroller. Located in Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay, the spot offers short but thrilling thumpers reminiscent of the hollow sucking waves Hawaii is famous for. It’s a dangerous break but if you can handle it, you’ll be hard pressed to find better waves.
Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta, QLD
Snapper Rocks is up there with the best surf beaches in the world. Offering an incredible 2km ride if you’re lucky, the wave is deceptively powerful, sucky and strong, so you’d better be prepared if you’re paddling out. You certainly won’t be alone. As packed on a good day as any wave in the world, the Snapper Rocks traffic is no joke.
Kirra, Coolangatta, QLD
Right next to Snapper Rocks (in fact, you can surf on to Kirra on waves caught at Snapper Rocks if you are lucky), Kirra used to be the crown jewel of the region. Sadly, since the sandbank was turned into “the Superbank” to allow for safe shipping on the Tweed River mouth, Kirra hasn’t returned to its former glory. Still, on a good day, Kirra is a formidable right-hander that will give an incredible ride.
Noosa, Sunshine Coast, QLD
If you aren’t looking for thumping waves and want something a little more languorous, Noosa is for you. Away from the flash restaurants and bars of Hastings St, the holiday hub north of Brisbane has long, postcard-ready breaks. It’s not a hippie haven any more but you can still slow down and check out.
The Point, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Just north of the twin powers of Kirra and Snapper Rocks is The Point at Burleigh Heads. It’s a barrel brigade here when the conditions align and things are right. If you’re in the Gold Coast region, you need to be hitting The Point to complete your holy pilgrimage.
Bells Beach - Torquay, VIC
Made famous in 1991 film Point Break (although the final scene was actually filmed in Oregan), Bells Beach is renowned for its consistent power. Ridiculously exposed to southern swells, Bells is a cold, strong wave that is heaven for anyone who loves a cutback. Home to the iconic Rip Curl Pro, if it’s good enough for the best surfers in the world every year, it’s good enough for you.
Main Break, Margaret River, WA
Some of the best surf beaches in Australia are found on the coast of Western Australia, but none are as good as the Main Break at Margaret River. The southern surfing haven and wine paradise is a place for serious surfers, and Main Break cements just that. Offshore, reefy and big, Main Break is a graduation point – surf here and you know for certain you can handle the big leagues. Need inspiration? Watch the experts here at the annual Margaret River Pro.
This story was published in December 2021 and has since been updated.
