The Best Spots for a Surf This Summer in Australia and New Zealand

Summer is well and truly here! Feeling the wind on your face and getting in that first surf of the season – is there any better feeling? Whether you’re looking for a new local, or simply down for exploring new places, here are the best spots for a surf this summer based on your location.

Australia

New South Wales

Treachery Beach

When the swell comes in from the south, Treachery Beach is the place to be. Surrounded by small villages rather than the big city, this picturesque surfing location is away from the hustle and bustle that some of the busier beaches provide. Keep your eye out for dolphins – it’s not unusual to find them swimming alongside you!

Crescent Head

For both beginners and advanced surfers, the 25km coastline of Crescent Head has something for everyone. Just north of Port Macquarie, there are four perfect right-hand point breaks, bringing in rides of up to 200m! Surfers from around the world have hit this beach to try their luck at performing a range of complex tricks like ‘hanging ten’ and a ‘nose ride’.

The Pass

Byron Bay is packed with places to surf, but perhaps one of the best is The Pass, located at the end of Clarke’s Beach. With long, continuous waves that seem to unfold without stopping, it’s considered a great spot for point-break novices, while experienced surfers still have their fair share of more challenging waves.

Victoria

Bells Beach

The home of Australian surfing, Bells Beach is the home to the most prestigious surfing event in the world – The Rip Curl Pro. With consistent waves all year round, Bells Beach has waves no matter what the tide or wind direction is. With powerful swells reaching up to 5m high, this is a must for experienced surfers who love a challenge.

Cape Woolamai

Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, lies Phillip Island. At its highest point – Cape Woolami – you’ll find some of the best surfing in Victoria. With continuous rolling waves, Cape Woolami is best for experienced surfers, with beginners able to take lessons down the road at Smith’s Beach.

Gunnamatta Beach

The Mornington Peninsula is home to some great surf beaches. Among them, Gunnamatta Beach offers some of the best beach breaks and is located in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. However, caution is advised as it is an Open Ocean beach and can be home to large rips and strong waves.

Queensland

Noosa Heads

With its great surf beaches, Noosa Heads is a surfer’s hotspot and holiday destination dream. Not only is it a beginner’s heaven, but where many experienced surfers come back to rediscover their love for surfing. Whether you’re surfing or spectating, there’s plenty to see.

Kirra Beach

Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast is still one of the most popular places in Queensland to surf, despite beach erosion issues, The town is extremely laid-back, with a large surf community surrounding it making it the perfect place for surfers. Hugely powerful and heavy-lipped, the tubes of Kirra are legendary and ride lengths are what dreams are made of!

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads is often described as a barrel rider’s heaven. It’s a great alternative when other spots – like Kirra Beach – are packed with surfers. Depending on the conditions, it can be a great spot for both beginner and advanced surfers. Burleigh Heads is known around the world as having one of the most beautiful and mystical point breaks. Once you’re done with your surf, there are plenty of great cafes to pop into for a bite to eat.

South Australia

Fleurieu Peninsula

Only 45 minutes from Adelaide is the Fleurieu Peninsula – one of South Australia’s best-kept secrets. The mid-coast beaches are best for both novice and experienced riders. The beaches further south are home to some large swells that are notorious for rips, so keep an eye out when visiting these beaches.

Eyre Peninsula

The chilly waters of the Southern Ocean are cold, but certainly don’t stop surfers from around the world from coming down for a paddle. Along the Eyre Peninsula, the four best-known spots are Fowlers Bay, Cactus Beach, Venus Bay and Blackfellows Beach. There are many surf schools along this coastline – a great starting point for beginners.

Yorke Peninsula

Only a 2-hour drive from Adelaide is the Yorke Peninsula, which offers plenty of surf breaks, deserted beaches and great camping sites. If you’re an avid surfer, check out places like Corny Point or Innes National Park for some of the Yorke Peninsula’s best beaches. Be sure to always check the conditions before going out, as these beaches are subject to strong rips and currents.

Western Australia

Main Break, Margaret River

Reserved for the best surfers is Main Break at Margaret River. These swells can be quite dangerous and aren’t for the faint-hearted. If you still want to get amongst it, take a seat on the beach and watch the pros in action.

Prevally Bay, Margaret River

Another famous point along the Margaret River is Prevally Bay which is also for those who are up for a challenge. It’s one of the very few places in the whole country where surfers will wear helmets.

Rottnest Island

Located 20km offshore from Perth is the stunning Rottnest Island. Although you may know it for its adorable quokkas, it’s also full of gorgeous beaches. There are about 20 bays on the island to check out, with something for beginner and experienced surfers alike.

Tasmania

Green Point Beach

Waves can be found all year round at this spot on the west coast of Tasmania. During the week, the beach is usually empty, meaning you can grab the best waves for yourself. Winter provides this beach’s best and largest conditions.

Shipstern Bluff

Isolated and dangerous, Shipstern Bluff is often considered one of the wildest and most dangerous surf spots on the planet. This spot can only be accessed by a 30km boat or jet ski ride, or a 2-hour hike through Tasman National Park. The danger is presented through its slabbing wave, the presence of sea creatures and a rugged coastline. Experienced surfers only!

Redbill Beach

You’ll find the best waves towards the northern end of Redbill Beach. The north side of the island provides a right-hand break during bigger swells. Once you’re done surfing, the town is located just nearby and is perfect to refuel.

Northern Territory

Casuarina Beach

Casuarina Beach is one of the few surfing spots on offer in the Northern Territory. This fairly exposed beach break works best in offshore winds from the east. Keep an eye out for box jellyfish, crocodiles, sharks, stingrays and rips.

Rapid Creek

Rapid Creek is an exposed riverbank in Darwin, with consistent surf conditions all year round. The best waves are on offer in winter and the month of January, with caution required for dangerous wildlife and rips.

Mindil Beach

Close to Darwin is Mindil Beach – which is home to some surprising waves of up to 6ft! As with other surfing spots in the Northern Territory, keep an eye out for unwanted guests in the water during your surf.

New Zealand

North Island

Raglan

This small town is one of New Zealand’s best surfing spots due to its consistent conditions. Beginners should start at Ngaranui Beach, but for surfers up for the challenge, Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Indicators are the places to be.

Piha

Piha is in the wild Auckland district of the Waitakere Ranges. Experienced surfers must head down to this black sand beach to check out the powerful beach breaks on offer. Beginners are encouraged to head out with an instructor, as the rips can be quite strong.

Te Arai Point

On the east coast of Auckland lies Te Arai Point – a spot that’s well known among the locals. It’s one of the best east coast surf beaches for keen surfers. For beginners, it’s best to head down to Aotearoa Surf School down the road for some lessons.

South Island

St Clair

Located conveniently in Dunedin lies St Clair – an excellent surf beach with great beach breaks and the occasional hollow wave. This surf spot boasts New Zealand’s most consistent surf break, with fantastic waves all year round.

Kahutara

Just outside of Kaikoura is the point break of Kahutara. Thanks to Hikurangi Trench – a deep underwater trench not too far offshore from the coast - swells come straight out of the deep water to often create hollow waves. Kahutara provides great surf in all seasons except summer, so be sure to pack a wetsuit!

Farewell Spit

If you’re wanting to get away from the crowds, the surf spot ‘Pillar Point’ at Farewell Spit is the place to go. Pillar Point can be found at the very western end of the spit and has quality long and fast rides for surfers to enjoy.

With so many places to surf across two beautiful countries, it’s time to add to your bucket list. Grab your board, hit the road, and don’t forget to throw in your Streetworx boardies!