With its enormous coastline dotted with beautiful beaches, Australia is well known for its surfing culture. Surfers travel to Aussie from all over the world to catch a wave, bask in the sunshine, and enjoy the relaxed beachside vibe.
Whether you’re a surfing novice or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find a beach to suit your needs. And with such beautiful beaches on offer, even if you don’t surf at all you can still enjoy a relaxing day on the sand.
When you’re travelling in your Mighty campervan, you’ve got the comfort and convenience of having your own personal changing space, kitchen for making lunches, bathroom to shower off in, and all your gear with you! And if the surf isn’t ideal, you can just move on to the next beach.
In this blog, we take a look at all the best surfing spots around Australia, including:
Best surf spots in Queensland
Best surf spots in New South Wales
Best surf spots in Victoria
Best surf spots in Tasmania
Best surf spots in South Australia
Best surf spots in Western Australia
Best time to surf in Australia
Staying safe at the beach
Why you should explore Australian beaches in a campervan
Let’s get surfing!
Best surf spots in Queensland
Snapper Rocks in Rainbow Bay
Snapper Rocks is the Gold Coast’s main surfing attraction, drawing in hundreds of surfers on a good day. The Snapper is a point break (a wave that breaks over a rock and makes for an exhilarating ride!) which forms the first part of the manmade ‘Superbank’ surf break.
Fun fact: Thanks to its reputation for the most consistent breaks in Queensland, the Superbank hosts the annual World Surf Leagues’ Quiksilver and Roxy Pros competitions.
Surfing level: All levels
Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast
Home to some of the world’s most incredible surf breaks, catching a wave at Noosa Heads is a must-do experience for any surfer. This surfing mecca is a series of five north-facing right-hand point breaks. Pro surfers can enjoy rides that are hundreds of metres long, while novices can also find their feet with a smaller swell.
If you’re new to surfing, book yourself into a Noosa surf lesson. Group sessions run twice daily and one-on-one lessons are available too.
Fun fact: This iconic spot is a globally recognised World Surfing Reserve.
Surfing level: All levels
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads is a surfing haven with some of the best breaks in the area. This awesome surfing spot offers something for all levels. Beginners can make the most of friendly waves at Burleigh Pavilion, while more experienced surfers can head out to Burleigh Heads National Park and The Esplanade.
Top tip: Burleigh Heads is also renowned for its café culture, so enjoy a good brew and some great shopping while you’re there.
Surfing level: All levels
Best surf spots in New South Wales
Black Rock, Jervis Bay Territory
Known by several names including Aussie Pipe, Summercloud Bay, and South Coast Pipe, Black Rock delivers on some of Australia’s most photogenic breaks. Black Rock has a reputation for one of the best lefthand tubes in Australia.
Fun fact: Part of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community, Black Rock will soon become Australia's – and the world's – first indigenous NSR (National Surfing Reserve).
Surfing level: Intermediate-advanced
Angourie Beaches, Yamba
The Angourie beaches in Yamba each offer something unique and special. There are several great surf spots for all levels along with a great selection of surf shops and schools offering lessons.
Fun fact: For the most picturesque ocean views, head to Pippi Beach. This spot also hosts the annual Pippi Beach Surf Classic competition each January.
Surfing level: All levels
The Pass, Byron Bay
Stretching between Clarkes Beach and Wategos, The Pass is a famous surf beach with wide expanses of white sands and long waves. Famous for its right-hand point breaks when the swell is good, The Pass can be a very busy beach.
Top tip: Head up the stairs to Fisherman’s Lookout, a viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of the ocean, the surfers, and even whales and dolphins when in season (June and July and again in September to November).
Surfing level: While The Pass can be good for novices, it’s best for beginners to surf only when the beach is patrolled. Otherwise, it’s a great spot for more experienced surfers.
Best surf spots in Victoria
Bells Beach, Torquay
Located about 5 km southwest of Torquay, Bells Beach is packed with quality surfing spots from Southside to Steps Reef. Bells beach is at its best in winter when big swells and cold offshore winds create clean, consistent waves.
Fun fact: Bells Beach hosts the world’s longest-running surf competition, the Rip Curl Pro, over the Easter holidays.
Surfing level: All levels
Jan Juc Beach
Jan Juc Beach, also called Jacawahtu by locals, is known for its reliable surf. When the swell reaches three feet and above, Juc is best suited for more experienced surfers. Beginners and intermediate surfers are better suited to head a little further down to Torquay Point.
Top tip: Jan Juc can get packed with locals at the car park end of the beach, so venture down to the surf club where it will be less crowded.
Surfing level: All levels
Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road
Johanna Beach is a beautifully scenic surf spot with rolling hills and a rugged coastline. Best suited to experienced surfers, Johanna provides powerful beach breaks with waves that pack a lot of punch.
Fun fact: Johanna Beach is also a popular camping, walking, and fishing spot, with the Great Ocean Walk traversing the coastline.
Surfing level: Experienced
Best surf spots in Tasmania
Clifton Beach near Hobart, Tasmania
Located about 25 km southeast of Hobart, Clifton Beach is known for its consistent waves and is best surfed during autumn (March-May). The southern breaks are accessible from the surf life saving club car park, while to access the northern end of the beach requires a trek over the dunes.
Fun fact: Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club is Australia’s southernmost surf club.
Surfing level: All levels
Eaglehawk Neck
Fans of winter surfing will love catching a wave at the exposed beach of Eaglehawk Neck. This beach is usually uncrowded and is suitable for all surfers, but with average maximum sea temperatures of 12°C, don’t forget to bring along a wetsuit!
Top tip: While you’re here, check out Hippolyte Rock, an impressive 65-metre-high granite island that emerges out of the Tasman.
Surfing level: All levels
Cloudy Bay
Located on Bruny Island, Cloudy Bay is a peaceful, picturesque spot and a great place to get away from the crowds to enjoy a few hours surfing. The best surf here is at the northern end as you enter the beach. And the best time of year is in March, but it can get chilly, so you’ll want to pack your wetsuit.
Fun fact: Cloudy Bay hosts the annual ‘Bruny Island Surf Classic’ event.
Surfing level: All levels
Best surf spots in South Australia
Fleurieu Peninsula, Middleton Beach
With its hidden coves, mild weather, and challenging breaks, Fleurieu Peninsula is a popular spot for surfers of all abilities. The region has some of the best beaches in South Australia, with Middleton Beach being one of the best for both learners and advanced riders. For those with lots of experience, head to Waitpinga and catch some of the bigger waves.
Top tip: New to surfing? For the ultimate experience in this region, plan a Surf and Vines experience where you can learn to surf, enjoy a great lunch, and relax and some of the region’s great wineries.
Surfing level: All levels
Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island
With its stunning turquoise waters and picture-perfect scenery, Vivonne Bay is one of the most popular surfing beaches on the South Coast. In fact, many surfers declare it the best in Australia.
Fun fact: Kangaroo Island is well known as a great spot for fishing, and for its large seal population.
Surfing level: All levels
Eyre Peninsula
With more than 2000km of coastline between Whyalla and Ceduna, Eyre Peninsula attracts experienced surfers from all over the world. Some of the most well-known spots include Fowlers Bay, Cactus Beach, Venus Bay, and Blackfellows Beach near Elliston. If you need a few lessons, there are plenty of great surf schools to choose from too.
Top tip: Eyre Peninsula is a great spot for stargazing – the perfect way to end an awesome day of surfing!
Surfing level: All levels
Best surf spots in Western Australia
Margaret River
Stretching 135 km of coastline with a wave style to suit every surfer, The Margaret River region is synonymous with surfing. You can also experience Australia’s surf culture year-round (without even getting wet) at the WA Surf Gallery, Western Australia’s first and only official collection of surfing memorabilia,
Fun fact: In autumn each year Margaret River plays host to some of the world’s best surfers as they compete in the Margaret River Pro as part of the World Surfing League (WSL) Championship Tour.
Surfing level: All levels
Strickland Bay
Ranking in the top 50 breaks in the world, Strickland Bay on Rottnest Island attracts surfers from far and wide who come to take advantage of the perfect water conditions.
Top tip: Keep an eye out for cute quokkas while you’re here!
Surfing level: All levels
Trigg Island
Home to one of Perth’s best surf breaks, Trigg Island is surfing heaven! Even if you’re not keen on hitting the waves, the turquoise waters and white sands make for an impressive spot to simply enjoy the scenery. You may even spot a bottlenose dolphin out on the waves.
Fun fact: The beach hosts surf lifesaving carnivals and training during summer.
Surfing level: Best for more experienced surfers. Take care as waves can be deceptively large and quite treacherous when a north-westerly wind is blowing.
Best time to surf in Australia
Surfing in Australia is great all year round, however, each season offers slightly different conditions that may suit some people better than others.
During summer, water temperatures reach 26-28°C and are highest in February/March. In winter, temperatures can drop to 19-22°C and are lowest in August/September.
Summer (December – February): Surf conditions can be inconsistent during these months. Although the summer cyclone season can bring incredible conditions that can last for a week or more. Remember, the sun in Australia over summer can be harsh, so use plenty of sunscreen and keep well hydrated.
Autumn (March – May): This is a great time to go surfing in Australia with awesome swells, warm waters, and offshore winds.
Winter (June – August): Australia’s winter is when the surfing is most reliable. The beaches also tend to be less crowded. Remember, the water and wind chill can be extremely cold, so be sure to use a quality wetsuit and have a hot drink waiting!
Spring (September – November): Spring is when the surf is the least consistent, but there are still some great waves to be found!
Staying safe at the beach
Before you jump out of your campervan and dive into the water, here are a few things to consider to ensure you have a safe time at the beach.
Take your skill level into account before taking your surfboard out – not all beaches are beginner friendly.
Make sure you understand rip currents and know what to look for. Staying between the flags is always the safest option.
Don’t forget to bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, umbrella, etc).
If travelling with kids, make sure you are supervising them closely.
Bring (or hire) a first aid kit when you pick up your Mighty campervan just in case you cut yourself on sharp shells or get stung by a jellyfish.
Why you should explore Australian beaches in a campervan
There’s no better way to explore Australia’s beautiful beaches than by campervan. Here are just a few of the top reasons:
Exploring by campervan is affordable. No need to book separate accommodation or car rentals. Plus, you’ve got your own kitchen on board for making economical meals as you go.
You’ve got more freedom to explore. Stop when and where you like, stay longer, or move on when it suits. No need to worry about check-in/out times or sticking to a rigid travel schedule.
Campervan travel is less stressful. With everything you need on board and a big, beautiful country to explore at your leisure – what could be more relaxing?
No need to fully unpack. When you arrive at each destination, you’re free to jump out and start exploring immediately!
Sense of community at campgrounds. Travelling by campervan is the ultimate way to meet other like-minded travellers, share tips, and make new friends.
Ready to visit the best surf spots in Australia?
If the breaking waves and beautiful beaches of Australia are calling your name, now is the time to plan your dream surfing holiday!
Get ready to enjoy one of the best road trips in Australia by travelling on your own terms with Mighty Campers campervan hire. With a range of different campervan options, you can easily find your perfect travel option.
The surf is waiting – book your Mighty campervan today.
