While many talk about Australia's other surfing locations, you might be surprised to find that surfing in Adelaide is possible thanks to the many quality breaks within a short drive from the city. South Australia's surf beaches are diverse, uncrowded, and full of character. No matter what you're looking for, SA has some of Australia's best-kept surfing secrets. Check them out!
| Beach Name | Skill Level | Wave Type | How to Get There | Best Surf Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleton Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Consistent beach break with soft, rolling waves | 1.5 hours south of Adelaide | April to August |
| Moana Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Soft beach break with gentle, peeling waves | 45 minutes south of Adelaide | December to March |
| Aldinga Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Soft beach break, ideal for longboards | 50 minutes south of Adelaide | December to April |
| Port Noarlunga Reef | Intermediate | Reef break with long right-handers | 40 minutes south of Adelaide | April to August |
| Second Valley Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Occasionally surfable beach and reef break | 1.5 hours south of Adelaide | June to September |
| Waitpinga Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful beach break with strong rips | 1.5 hours south of Adelaide | May to October |
| Parsons Beach | Advanced | Hollow beach break with steep, fast waves | 1.5 hours south of Adelaide | June to August |
| Goolwa Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Long, open beach break with soft waves | 1.5 hours south of Adelaide | December to April |
| Sellicks Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break with variable peaks | 1 hour south of Adelaide | December to March |
| Berry Bay | Intermediate to Advanced | Exposed beach break with strong peaks | 3.5 hours west of Adelaide | April to August |
| Daly Head | Intermediate to Advanced | Multiple reef and beach breaks | 3.5–4 hours west of Adelaide | May to September |
| Chinamans | Advanced | Heavy reef break with hollow barrels | 4 hours west of Adelaide | June to August |
| Moonta Bay | Beginner | Generally flat or small wind swell | 2.5 hours northwest of Adelaide | December to February |
Middleton Beach
Middleton Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in Adelaide, as it's excellent for both beginners and longboarders. Here, the waves are usually gentle and forgiving, which is why many choose it for surf lessons or to build confidence. Here, you can learn to surf while still catching decent rides. There are sandy stretches and local surf schools nearby. You have to visit it if you're on the South Australian coast!
Middleton Beach, Moana, and Goolwa offer the best beginner-friendly surf with mellow waves and local surf schools.
Moana Beach
Moana Beach is one of the nearest surf beaches to Adelaide. This spot is a favourite with locals and great for beginners and casual surfers. With small and manageable waves, a friendly atmosphere, and one of the few beaches in South Australia where you can drive your car right onto the sand, it's great for learning. There are local cafes, parking, and regular surf lessons.
Aldinga Beach
Aldinga Beach is a stretch of coastline renowned for its crystal-clear water. It's not typically known for its big surf, but it does offer clean, small waves that are perfect for beginners and longboarders. Much like Moana, you can also drive onto the sand here. It's also a great spot if you want to catch a few easy waves, enjoy the sun, and soak in the South Australian beach lifestyle. It's not one of the best surf beaches in Australia, but we'd recommend it if you're in the area.
Port Noarlunga Reef
Port Noarlunga Reef offers fun waves that break off the outer reef. When the swell is right, the ride can be long and clean, which is why it's popular with local surfers. Since the area is known for its marine wildlife and clear water, it's also popular with snorkelers and divers. This is one of the most distinctive surf spots in South Australia.
Second Valley Beach
Second Valley Beach is probably better known for the stunning scenery and rock formations. Still, it can occasionally offer some rideable waves. This sheltered spot requires the right conditions to line up. However, when they do, it's quiet and beautiful. If you want an adventurous day trip along the Fleurieu Peninsula and you'd be OK with not surfing, this could be a good choice.
Waitpinga Beach
Waitpinga is one of the most powerful surf beaches in South Australia. Its thundering beach break and raw ocean energy make it really popular with experienced surfers. Strong rips and shifting banks make this not suitable for beginners. However, when the swell is pumping, the locals love it.
Check out the waves at Waitpinga.
Parsons Beach
Parsons Beach is another place that's only really suitable for experienced surfers. Steep drops, fast sections, and powerful closeouts, it's a challenge any day of the week. More intense than Waitpinga, it's also often less crowded. This beach is a go-to spot if you're looking for barrels and bigger waves. This is one for surfers looking to push their limits. Sydney may boast Bondi Beach as one of NSW's most popular surf beaches, but SA has Parsons Beach.
Goolwa Beach
Goolwa Beach is probably one of the best places to learn to surf in South Australia. There's plenty of room to spread out, and it has easy, forgiving waves. On small days, it's ideal for beginners, but when the swell fills in, it offers excellent conditions for intermediate surfers. It's great for a day trip from Adelaide.
Sellicks Beach
Sellicks Beach is known for its natural beauty rather than its surf, but on the right day, you can get some fun waves. This peaceful spot, featuring white sands, calm water, and easy access, is worth the drive. You can even drive your car right onto the beach. Like Terrigal Beach, one of the top surf beaches in Victoria for beginners, the conditions here are better for longboarding or beginners. It's also just a lovely place to spend a sunny day.
Yes. Moana, Aldinga, and Sellicks beaches allow cars on the sand, making them easy-access surf spots.
Berry Bay
Berry Bay is a great Yorke Peninsula surf spot. With clean, powerful waves and scenic headlands, it offers different breaks depending on swell direction and wind. You can enjoy quality surfing with fewer crowds. Although it's a long drive from Adelaide, it's worth it if you're looking for a remote and memorable session.
Daly Head
Like Noosa Heads, one of Queensland's best surf beaches, Daly Head is another officially recognised National Surfing Reserve. This area has multiple breaks that offer variety for confident surfers. From fast point-like sections to heavy reef peaks, Daly Head is one of South Australia's premier surf destinations. When the swell lines up, make sure it's on your itinerary.
of coastline, South Australia is a great place to surf.
Chinamans (Yorke Peninsula)
Chinamans is one of the heaviest and most respected surf breaks in South Australia. This is a powerful left-handed reef for experienced surfers looking for barrels and big, challenging walls. There are shallow sections with strong currents, which is why this spot is just for advanced surfers with local knowledge. This is an exhilarating and humbling surfing location when the conditions are right. For advanced surfers looking for Western Australia's best surf beaches, we'd recommend Margaret River's Main Break.
Moonta Bay
Moonta Bay isn't a traditional surf spot, but it offers small, rideable waves when the conditions align. This is a good spot for soft-top boards or early learners who want to practice paddling and standing up.
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