New South Wales has some of Australia's best surf beaches. Sydney alone boasts numerous world-class beaches, just minutes from the city. From the shores of Bondi and Manly to the powerful waves at Maroubra and Narrabeen, here are some of the best beaches for surfing near Sydney and around New South Wales!
| Beach | Skill Level | Wave Type | How to Get There | Best Surf Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bondi Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break | 8 km east of Sydney CBD | Autumn (March to May), early mornings |
| Manly Beach | Beginner to Advanced | Beach break | 30-min ferry from Circular Quay | Autumn and winter (March to August), early mornings |
| Maroubra Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Beach break | 10 km SE of Sydney | Winter (June to August) |
| Cronulla Beach | Beginner to Advanced | Beach and reef break | Direct train from Sydney CBD | Autumn and winter (April to August) |
| Freshwater Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break | North of Manly | Summer and autumn (December to May), early mornings |
| Palm Beach | Intermediate | Beach break | 1.5 hrs north of Sydney by car | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Curl Curl Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Beach break | South of Dee Why | Autumn and winter (April to August) |
| Narrabeen Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Beach break | 23 km north of Sydney | Autumn and winter (March to July) |
| Avalon Beach | Intermediate | Beach and reef break | 45 km north of Sydney | Autumn and winter (April to August) |
| Avoca Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break | 90 mins north of Sydney | Autumn (March to May) |
| Terrigal Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break | 90 mins north of Sydney | Summer and autumn (December to May) |
| Nobbys Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break | Newcastle, 2.5 hrs north of Sydney | Spring and summer (October to February) |
| Merewether Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Beach and reef break | South of Newcastle CBD | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| The Farm (Killalea) | Beginner to Intermediate | Point and beach break | 1.5 hrs south of Sydney | Autumn and winter (April to August) |
| Seven Mile Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break | 2 hrs south of Sydney | Spring and autumn |
Bondi Beach
This is one of the most iconic surf destinations in Australia. Close to the city and full of golden sound, it features mellow waves ideal for beginners, especially by the southern end. It's often crowded, though; however, local surf schools operate year-round.
Manly Beach
Manly Beach is popular among Sydney surfers. It features a variety of breaks and laid-back surf culture. The more powerful waves are located at the northern end. In contrast, the southern end, near Queenscliff, is better suited for beginners.
Manly is just a 30-minute ferry from Circular Quay, making it one of the most scenic and convenient surf trips from the heart of Sydney.
Maroubra Beach
Marouba is one of Sydney's more underrated surf beaches. Quieter than Bondi but with powerful waves, it's a designated National Surfing Reserve. The northern end has more manageable waves, while the southern end is better suited for experienced surfers.
Cronulla Beach
Cronulla Beach is a long stretch of surfable coastline with multiple breaks suitable for all levels, much like some of Western Australia's best surf beaches. While the main beach is ideal for beginners, the nearby reef spots like Shark Island or The Point are better for more advanced surfers. You can access it by train and it's very popular with locals in southern Sydney.
Freshwater Beach
Freshwater Beach is a popular spot, but it's also a historic spot for surfers. This is where Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing to Australia in 1915, though it quickly spread. Now you can find surfing beaches in South Australia, Queensland, and beyond. This beach has beginner-friendly waves and is a safe environment for learning. It's also home to a local surf community and popular surf school programmes.
Freshwater Beach is where Duke Kahanamoku famously introduced surfing to Australia in 1915. It’s now a historic and learner-friendly surf spot.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is the northernmost beach in Sydney. Uncrowded waves, complete with scenic beauty, the northern end offers more powerful conditions for confident surfers. In contrast, the southern end, near the rock pool, is calmer. The consistent surf and picturesque surroundings make it worthwhile for a day trip.
Curl Curl Beach
Curl Curl Beach, or "Curly" as it's known locally, offers power and consistency. This is where you can find some of the heaviest waves in the Northern Beaches area. Popular with locals, especially if you're looking for strong, uncrowded conditions near the city.
Narrabeen Beach
Narrabeen is a great surf spot. North Narrabeen is known for producing heavy barrels that even experienced surfers will find challenging. It's generally regarded as one of the best high-performance breaks in New South Wales.
beaches in NSW are surfable. You could surf a different beach every day of the year!
Avalon Beach
Avalon Beach has reliable waves, especially at the southern reef near the headland. Its clean lines and less crowded conditions compared to neighbouring beaches make it a favourite among locals. The surrounding town is charming, and it's a peaceful and scenic surf destination.
Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach offers consistent waves and is popular for weekend getaways for Sydney surfers. Looking for steeper waves? Try the northern end. The southern end tends to offer mellower conditions for learners.
Terrigal Beach
Terrigal Beach is a family-friendly surf spot for learners and longboarders, just like some of the top surf beaches in Queensland. While it doesn't produce heavy waves, it's consistent and safe, especially by the lagoon entrance. The beachside town features cafes, surf schools, and plenty of space.
Enjoy this VLOG of surfing in NSW for inspiration.
Nobbys Beach (Newcastle)
Nobbys Beach is an accessible and beginner-friendly surf spot in Newcastle sheltered by the breakwall. This allows mellow waves perfect for surf lessons or more relaxed sessions. It's also conveniently located near the city centre, making it ideal for surfers and beachgoers.
Merewether Beach (Newcastle)
While some of Victoria's best surf beaches can boast the Rip Curl Pro, Merewether is a world-class surf break and part of the Surfest competition circuit. Famous for its long, clean rides and serious swell, it's a hotspot for local pros. For anyone in the Newcastle region, it's a must-visit destination. Dixon Park and the reef offer the biggest swell.
The Farm (Killalea Beach)
The Farm is a surf spot within a national surf reserve. With natural beauty and cruisy waves, it offers long, forgiving rides. It's popular with longboarders and surf schools, and the remote setting and consistent conditions make it a peaceful surf trip from Sydney.
Seven Mile Beach (Gerroa)
Seven Mile Beach is an excellent option for beginners and longboarders. With gentle waves and a vast sandy shoreline, there's plenty of room to spread out. The consistent swell and scenic location make it a staple of the South Coast surf map.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
