From Bondi in New South Wales to Western Australia's Margaret River, Australia has waves for every kind of surfer. These are some of the best surfing beaches in Australia. We've selected a variety from across the country to cater to a range of levels, so there's bound to be something for everyone.
| Beach | State/Territory | Skill Level | Wave Type | Location | Best Surf Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bondi Beach | New South Wales | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break with mostly left- and right-hand peaks | 8 km east of Sydney CBD | Autumn (March to May) |
| The Pass (Byron Bay) | New South Wales | Intermediate to Advanced | Right-hand point break with long, peeling walls | 775 km north of Sydney | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Bells Beach | Victoria | Intermediate to Advanced | Right-hand reef break with long, fast walls | 90 km southwest of Melbourne | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Torquay Surf Beach | Victoria | Beginner to Intermediate | Mellow beach break with user-friendly waves | 100 km southwest of Melbourne | Summer and autumn (December to May) |
| Noosa Heads – Main Beach | Queensland | Beginner to Intermediate | Sheltered point break with mellow right-hand peelers | 190 km north of Brisbane | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Snapper Rocks | Queensland | Advanced | Right-hand point break with barreling walls | 100 km south of Brisbane | Late summer to early winter (February to June) |
| Middleton Beach | South Australia | Beginner to Intermediate | Beach break with rolling waves and multiple peaks | 80 km south of Adelaide | Autumn and winter (April to August) |
| Waitpinga Beach | South Australia | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful beach break with heavy shore breaks | 100 km south of Adelaide | Winter and spring (May to October) |
| Scarborough Beach | Western Australia | Beginner to Advanced | Beach break with consistent lefts and rights | 14 km northwest of Perth CBD | Autumn and winter (April to August) |
| Margaret River – Main Break | Western Australia | Advanced | Reef break with barrels and fast walls | 270 km south of Perth | Winter (June to August) |
| Clifton Beach | Tasmania | Intermediate to Advanced | Beach break with punchy waves and occasional barrels | 35 km east of Hobart | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Casuarina Beach | Northern Territory | Beginner to Intermediate | Small beach break and reef-influenced peaks | 10 km north of Darwin CBD | Wet season (November to March) |
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
Bondi Beach, for many, is the best surfing beach in Australia. For beginners dipping their toes into the sport, the consistent mellow waves and sandy bottom are great. This iconic one-kilometre stretch is popular with surfers, sunbathers, and city dwellers. A vibrant beach culture right on Sydney's doorstep, many surf schools are operating year-round. If it's too busy, though, there are plenty of other great surf beaches in New South Wales near Sydney.
Bondi Beach offers year-round surf schools and board rentals, perfect for beginners who want to learn close to Sydney’s CBD.
The Pass (Byron Bay), New South Wales
The Pass is known as one of the best surf spots in Australia. Impeccably clean peeling right-handers can run for hundreds of metres. It's located at the eastern tip of Australia and enjoys ocean swells and shelters within the bay. If you want long, memorable rides and a classic point-break experience, The Pass has you covered.
Bells Beach, Victoria
Bells Beach is famous for being the home of the Rip Curl Pro. Experienced riders seeking challenging barrels will love it as it's easily one of the best places to surf in Australia and one of Victoria's best surf beaches. Thanks to the rugged coastline and annual competitions, it's a popular destination for both spectators and photographers.
participate in surfing annually. That's more than 1 in 10.
Torquay Surf Beach, Victoria
Torquay Surf Beach is the birthplace of many major surf brands. Gentle, rolling waves make this one of the best beginner surf beaches in Australia. That said, there's enough punch for intermediate riders looking to hone their skills.
Noosa Heads Main Beach, Queensland
Noosa Main Beach boasts gentle, rolling waves, making it an ideal spot for longboarders and beginners. This is a must-visit destination for anyone chasing that classic, easy-going Australian surf experience. The nearby town has boutique shops, cafes, and a vibrant surf culture, making this one of Queensland's best surf beaches.
Snapper Rocks, Queensland
Snapper Rocks is known for hosting the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and forming the iconic Superbank. Surfers can ride a single wave for hundreds of metres all the way to Greenmount Beach on a good swell. That said, the speed and hollow sections make this suitable only for advanced surfers.
The Superbank is a world-famous man‑enhanced sandbank stretching from Snapper Rocks to Kirra. It produces one of the longest, most consistent right-hand waves in the world.
Middleton Beach, South Australia
Middleton Beach is one of the friendliest in South Australia. It's popular among learners and longboarders due to its forgiving conditions and ample sandbanks. With waves that are typically mellow with multiple peaks along the shoreline, you can spread out and avoid crowds. There are also local surf schools operating year-round, which is excellent if you need to hire a board or book lessons.
Waitpinga Beach, South Australia
Waitpinga Beach is famous for its power and consistent surf. As one of the top surf beaches in South Australia, it attracts surfers looking for serious waves. However, since it's remotely located along the Fleurieu Peninsula, there are fewer crowds than some of the other more popular beaches in South Australia.
Scarborough Beach, Western Australia
Scarborough Beach is probably one of the best surfing beaches Perth has to offer. Consistent year-round, beginners can enjoy smaller, gentle breaks by the shore. At the same time, advanced surfers can head out beyond the flags for punchier peaks and the occasional barrel.
Margaret River Main Break, Western Australia
Margaret River's Main Break is famous for its raw power. The wave isn't for the faint of heart, due to its steep drops and hollow sections, which require precise timing and local knowledge. Some of the most thrilling and challenging surf in Australia draws elite surfers from around the world. Luckily for newer surfers, there are plenty of great surf beaches in Western Australia.
Clifton Beach, Tasmania
Tasmania's premier mainland surf spot, Clifton Beach, has surprisingly powerful waves given its sheltered location. When the Southern Ocean swells wrap into the bay, there are steep take-offs and fast-breaking walls. However, with rapidly changing conditions, it is always advisable to check local forecasts before heading out.
Casuarina Beach, Northern Territory
The Northern Territory isn't typically known for surfing locations, but Casuarina Beach is the nearest surf beach to Darwin. Here, you can find gentle waves for learners on most days, and the protected bay means longboarders and first-timers will be fine. However, the tropical weather can vary rapidly, so you should look to get down for dawn before the onshore breezes pick up.
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