Bondi Beach
Sydney boasts some fantastic beaches, and Bondi Beach is a prime example. Bondi Beach attracts visitors from all over the world with its beautiful golden sands and sparkling waters, and many people hope to make it their first stop for surfing. Experienced surfers can head to South Bondi, where right-hand waves from the south crash vigorously against the shore. Surfboard rentals are available on the beach; however, for beginners, the best way to experience surfing is to take a lesson. Signing up for a beginner private lesson or small group class with Let's Go Surfing not only teaches surfing techniques but also covers safety and surfing etiquette. They also offer lessons at Maroubra Beach, a unique surfing spot just 12 minutes from Sydney's city center.
Manly Beach
Located in the suburbs of Sydney, Manly Beach is renowned for its laid-back surfing culture. If you're looking for an extraordinary surfing experience, this is the perfect spot. The beach's charming coastline is shaded by cool Norfolk pine trees and is famous for its continuous surf breaks. Manly Surf School offers group and private lessons for beginners, while avid surfers can head to the northern end of the beach near Queenscliff headland for a thrilling surfing experience. Freshwater Beach is just a short walk north from Manly Beach and is also a classic surfing spot, widely known for Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku's promotion of surfing in Australia. Its reliable sand dunes and consistent waves make it a favorite surfing destination for many local enthusiasts.
Byron Bay
This trendy seaside town is a gathering place for hippies, hipsters, and surfing enthusiasts. The main beach of Byron Bay is perfect for starting your Australian surfing experience, just join a beginner course with Let's Go Surfing. You can sign up for private or group lessons to learn the basics. Female friends can also join women-only surfing courses. Byron's classic surfing beaches also include Tallow Beach and Wategos Beach. After the challenge of riding the waves, you can explore more water adventures; you can kayak to chase dolphins, snorkel with turtles, or ride horses along Seven Mile Beach.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is located along the Great Ocean Road, just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. It not only attracts the world's top professional surfers but is also the venue for the famous surfing competition held every March or April - the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, providing an excellent vantage point for watching the competition. You can take surfing lessons at the Go Ride a Wave surf school, which has locations along the Great Ocean Road in Torquay, Lorne, Ocean Grove, and Anglesea.
Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai
Phillip Island is just a 90-minute drive south of Melbourne and offers everything from natural scenery and wildlife to roaring waves. Cape Woolamai is the highest point on the island and is renowned for providing the best surfing experience in Victoria. In fact, it is one of Chris Hemsworth's favorite beaches. There are no surfing lessons available here, only rolling waves, making this beach best suited for experienced surfers and spectators (although beginners can take lessons at nearby Smiths Beach). Cape Woolamai is also an ideal starting point for your Phillip Island adventure. After chasing the waves, you can visit the Koala Conservation Centre to see local wildlife and witness the world-famous Penguin Parade.
Rottnest Island
Not far from Perth, Rottnest Island is perhaps best known for its furry quokkas, but its charming surf spots should not be overlooked. With over 60 beaches to choose from, a few surf spots stand out. The numerous breaks at Strickland Bay, Salmon Bay, and Stark Bay are world-renowned, and there are countless reef breaks on both sides of the island. Remember to follow designated paths to the beach to protect the fragile dune vegetation. Finally, you can choose to take a smooth ferry ride back to Perth or stay in eco-friendly luxury glamping tents nestled behind the dunes.
Snapper Rocks
Located on the Gold Coast of Queensland, just a one-hour drive from Brisbane, you can enjoy some of Australia's most thrilling surfing experiences here. This is the home of the Superbank, a massive artificial sandbank that creates one of the longest waves in the world. From Snapper Rocks to Greenmount Beach, there are continuous rolling waves, making this spot a must-visit for surfing enthusiasts. During peak surfing times, it gets crowded; so if you're a beginner, it's best to take a surfing lesson first. Get Wet Surf School, located in the heart of the Gold Coast, guarantees you'll stand up on a surfboard in your first lesson. You can also choose to visit other scenic surfing spots along the coast, including the aptly named Surfers Paradise.
Noosa Heads
Noosa Heads is located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, known for its wide beaches, stylish shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The main beach in Noosa has gentle waves, making it particularly suitable for beginner surfers. You can rent surfboards from Noosa Longboards or take advantage of surfing lessons to fully understand local knowledge. Noosa Surf Lessons, Learn to Surf Noosa, and Go Ride a Wave all offer private and group lessons. You can fly to Noosa or choose a better way by driving along the subtropical Great Sunshine Way.
