6 Ultimate Surf Beaches in Australia

Australia’s 37,000 km coastline beckons to keen surfers all around the world. Of course, there’s much more to Australia than its beaches and established surfing culture, but with striking white and golden sands, sparkling blue reefs, and point breaks, anyone could be forgiven for failing to look past its incredible beaches. These are six of the ultimate surf beaches in Australia.

1. Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta

Anapper Rocks is a famous surf break close to the Gold Coast. It is only 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise, and close enough for a short trip if you’re staying at one of the Surfers Paradise resorts.

With a man-made sand bar (known as the Superbank) Snapper Rocks is said to be home to some of the largest and most consistent waves in all of Australia, and even the world. During optimal conditions, surfers have been reported to ride a single wave for almost 2 km.

It’s not surprising that some of the worlds’ best surfers can be sited at the Rocks from time to time. Car is one of the best ways to get to Snapper Rocks, and like Surfers Paradise, accommodation of all types is available at Coolangatta.

2. Noosa, Queensland

Noosa is another Queensland spot well known for its surfing breaks, with an added bonus of the Noosa National Park which is great for an after or before surf walk. Great surfing conditions start from Sunshine Beach right to the North shore.

There are said to be five key points to choose from:

• Sunshine Beach and First Point. Large swells and excellent waves.
• Boiling Point. Large swells.
• Ti-Tree Bay.Long walled waved.
• Granite Bat. Stronger waves.

3. Bells Beach, Torquay, Victoria

Bells Beach is around 100 km (of 1.5 hours drive) from Melbourne and situated on the Great Ocean Road. Said to be the historical and cultural home of Australian surfing, Bells Beach is home to the oldest professional surfing competition: the Rip Curl Pro Surf. Waves on Bells Beach can measure taller than 15 feet, with consistency.

4. Ningaloo Reef

Around 1270 km north of Perth in Western Australia is Ningaloo Reef, one of the most stunning and secluded surfing destinations in Australia. Frame with white sand and spanning 260 km in tropical waters

Obviously Ningaloo Reef is a destination in itself for snorkelling, as visitors can walk straight from the beach on to the reef.

5. Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is well known for its festivals and laid-back vibe, but the town is also excellent for surfing. Different levels of breaks can be found in the area.  These include Belongil, Main Beach, Tallows, The Pass, and Broken Head, and on the best days, surfers can ride the one wave for more than half a kilometre.

6. Prevelly Park, Margaret River, Western Australia

The Margaret River region may be a world-famous wine region, but it’s also home to a popular surfing locale. Just 11 km from Margaret River, Prevelly has been recognised for spectacular surfing conditions, with monster waves in the form of swells exceeding twenty feet.

New developments in the form of beachside walks, accommodation, and modern cafes have made Prevelly accessible to travellers. Snorkelling, diving, and fishing are also popular activities in this region.