If you're looking for surfing in Brisbane, you'll have to head out of the city to see what Queensland has to offer. From Bribie Island to Snapper Rocks, here are the best surf beaches Queensland surfers can enjoy. Check them out!
| Beach | Skill Level | Wave Type | How to Get There | Best Surf Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Stradbroke Island – Main Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Exposed beach break with powerful, peaky waves | Ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich + drive | Winter and early spring |
| Cylinder Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Sheltered beach break with mellow, peeling waves | Ferry from Cleveland to Dunwich + short drive | Summer and early autumn |
| Bribie Island – Woorim Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break with soft, mushy peaks | Drive north via Bribie Island Bridge | Spring and summer |
| Moreton Island – Tangalooma Beach | Beginner | Gentle shore break or wind swell | Ferry from Port of Brisbane to Tangalooma | Summer |
| Noosa Heads – Main Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Sheltered point break with long, mellow waves | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Autumn and winter |
| Sunshine Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Open beach break with strong, punchy peaks | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Winter |
| Coolum Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break with multiple peaks | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Autumn and winter |
| Alexandra Headland | Beginner to Intermediate | Point and beach break mix with long right-handers | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Winter and spring |
| Mooloolaba Beach | Beginner | Sheltered beach break with soft waves | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Summer and early autumn |
| Currimundi Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break with peaky waves | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Autumn and winter |
| Kings Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Sheltered beach break with soft, crumbly waves | Drive north via Bruce Highway | Summer and early autumn |
| Burleigh Heads | Intermediate to Advanced | World-class right-hand point break | Drive south via M1 Pacific Motorway | Winter and autumn |
| Snapper Rocks | Advanced | Long, fast, and hollow right-hand point break | Drive south via M1 | Late summer to early winter |
North Stradbroke Island Main Beach
The Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island offers some of the most consistent surf near Brisbane. Here, the waves are powerful and raw, which means they're best suited to surfers who can handle open ocean energy. This long stretch of sand backed by dunes and bushland has a remote, untouched feel. It's also one of the closest surf beaches to Brisbane, boasting true wave power. If you find yourself looking for something similar among NSW's best surf beaches, we'd recommend Maroubra Beach.
North Stradbroke Island’s Main Beach is the closest reliable surf beach to Brisbane, offering consistent, powerful waves just a ferry ride away.
Cylinder Beach (North Stradbroke Island)
Cylinder Beach is a beginner-friendly surf beach near Brisbane. It's sheltered from southerly winds, which means when the other Stradbroke breaks are blown out, this is the go-to spot. Typically, the waves at Cylinder Beach are smooth and easygoing, which makes them excellent for learning or cruising on longboards. There are also nearby cafes and calm swimming zones, making it a popular destination for families and weekend surf getaways.
Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island is a favourite for learners thanks to its sheltered conditions and smooth, mellow waves.
Bribie Island - Woorim Beach
Woorim Beach can be accessed by car without taking a ferry. The waves here are forgiving, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners or longboarders. It's not known for power or size, but it does offer a nice day trip when conditions are decent. The town is family-friendly and provides a relaxing coastal escape from the city.
Moreton Island - Tangalooma Beach
Tangalooma Beach is mainly known for snorkelling, kayaking, and dolphin spotting so it's hardly one of Australia's best surf beaches. Still, there's the chance that when conditions are right, it offers tiny rideable waves. For absolute beginners, this beach can provide a nice opportunity for surfing in Brisbane. With its beautiful, crystal-clear bay and calm waters, it's ideal for trying out a foam board for the first time. This won't satisfy any experienced surfers, but for those wanting to get started, it's not bad.
Noosa Heads - Main Beach
Noosa Main Beach is one of the most famous surf beaches in Queensland. Its slow peeling waves make it great for learning or longboarding. The protected bay and scenic headland backdrop create a great atmosphere. It's also part of a National Surfing Reserve and a great destination for surf schools and families. Like Fairhaven Beach, one of the best surf beaches in Victoria for beginners, conditions can rise to meet the needs of more experienced surfers.
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach is raw, powerful, and exposed to consistent swell. The waves here are great for experienced surfers after steeper drops and more push. On the right day, it can deliver fast, hollow waves and long rides. When the points are too crowded or too slow, this is a local favourite.
Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is one of the most reliable surf spots on the Sunshine Coast. It offers something for almost every level of surfer. It has plenty of space and consistent waves, making it a popular destination for weekend trips among locals. When the swell is filling in, it's a great stop on any Queensland surf trip. For those on a trip to Adelaide, Middleton Beach, one of SA's best surf beaches, could offer a similar experience.
Alexandra Headland
Known locally as "Alex", this beach offers fun and consistent waves. The point can deliver long, running rights for intermediate surfers and longboarders. The beach section is excellent for learning when the swell is small. This relaxed, scenic surf spot has an easygoing feel and strong local surf culture.
Take a look around Alex before you go.
Mooloolaba Beach
Mooloolaba Beach is ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a mellow, safe surfing experience. The headland is sheltered from larger swells and wind, making the conditions smoother and more manageable. This isn't a high-performance wave, but an excellent spot for learning, especially on a foam board. This calm, clean beach is close to cafes and surf schools.
Currimundi Beach
Currimundi is one of the lesser-known gems on the Sunshine Coast. Here, you can find consistent breaks without the crowds. The waves are usually gentle enough for beginners, but they can become more powerful on bigger days.
of Queensland's population lives within 50km of the coast!
Kings Beach (Caloundra)
Kings Beach is one of the most accessible and family-friendly surf spots in Caloundra. With gentle waves, it's ideal for beginners or casual surfers seeking an easy ride. When the conditions are good, it's a fun spot to surf.
Burleigh Heads
One of the most iconic surf spots in Queensland, Burleigh Heads offers long, powerful rides that wrap around the rocky point. It attracts both locals and professionals seeking long barrels and open faces. The inside section is sheltered by the headland, so it's surfable on a variety of swell sizes. A vibrant surf scene, great views, and the national park on the headland, this is a must-surf destination. If you're looking for barrels among WA's best surf beaches, we'd recommend Margaret River's Main Break.
Snapper Rocks
Snapper Rocks is one of the most legendary surf spots in Australia and the starting point of the famous Superbank. On the right swell, you can ride a single wave for hundreds of metres all the way to Greenmount. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you're chasing barrels, speed, and surfing on a global stage, you can't beat Snapper.
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