Surfing
Ride world-class waves from Bells Beach to Byron Bay and the Gold Coast
About Surfing
Australia is a surfing nation to its core. With over 35,000 kilometres of coastline, hundreds of world-class breaks, and a surf culture that dates back over a century, Australia offers some of the best waves on the planet. From the thundering barrels of the Gold Coast's Superbank to the iconic right-handers of Bells Beach, the laid-back vibes of Byron Bay, and the raw power of Margaret River, surfing is woven into Australia's coastal identity. Whether you are a seasoned pro or stepping onto a board for the first time, there is a wave with your name on it.
Quick Facts
- 35,000km+ of coastline
- Bells Beach: home to the world's longest-running surf comp
- Superbank rides can reach 2km in length
- Water temperatures range from 16°C to 28°C
- More world surf champions than any other nation
Top Highlights
Bells Beach, Victoria
Home to the Rip Curl Pro — the world's longest-running surf competition — Bells Beach is Australian surfing's spiritual home. The powerful right-hand reef break at the base of dramatic sandstone cliffs has been ridden since the 1940s.
Gold Coast Superbank
The Superbank is a man-made marvel — a sand bottom point break stretching from Snapper Rocks to Kirra, producing rides of up to 2km in perfect conditions. It consistently delivers some of the best barrel waves in the world.
Byron Bay
Australia's most famous surf town combines excellent waves with a bohemian, wellness-focused lifestyle. The Pass is a world-class right-hand point break, while Wategos and Tallows offer options for all skill levels against a backdrop of Australia's most easterly point.
Margaret River
Western Australia's premier surf region features powerful reef and beach breaks framed by ancient karri forest and world-class wineries. Main Break hosts championship-level competitions, while Surfers Point and Yallingup offer variety.
Australia's Best Surf Breaks
Australia's diversity of surf breaks is unmatched. The Gold Coast's Superbank delivers machine-like barrels that draw surfers from around the globe, while nearby Burleigh Heads offers one of Australia's most photogenic right-hand point breaks. In New South Wales, the Northern Beaches of Sydney feature over a dozen quality breaks within a 30km stretch, and further north, the Lennox Head boulder point break is regarded as one of the best right-handers in the country. Victoria's surf coast, from Torquay to Apollo Bay, includes iconic breaks like Bells Beach, Winkipop, and Johanna. In Western Australia, the Margaret River region produces powerful swells that light up world-class reef breaks from March to November.
Learning to Surf
Australia is one of the best places on Earth to learn to surf. Gentle, consistent waves and warm waters make locations like Bondi Beach in Sydney, Noosa in Queensland, and Torquay in Victoria ideal for beginners. Surf schools operate at virtually every popular beach, with qualified instructors offering lessons from around $70 AUD for a two-hour group session. Most beginners can stand up and ride their first wave within a single lesson. Byron Bay offers multi-day surf camps that combine lessons with yoga, meditation, and healthy living — a quintessentially Australian coastal experience.
Surf Culture & History
Surfing has been part of Australian culture since Duke Kahanamoku introduced the sport to Freshwater Beach in Sydney in 1914. Today, Australia has produced more world surfing champions than any other nation, including legends like Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Layne Beachley, Stephanie Gilmore, and Mick Fanning. The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay celebrates this rich heritage. Surf culture permeates Australian coastal life — from the volunteer surf lifesaving movement (the largest of its kind globally) to the thriving surf art, music, and film scenes. The annual Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach and the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks are major fixtures on the world surfing calendar.