With its stunning coastline and warm southern hemisphere seas, Australia offers a wide range of attractions for surfers and makes a great choice of destination for those looking to be initiated into this exciting water sport.
Both the Pacific an Indian Ocean break on the country’s shores and with the mainland and islands offering almost 60,000 kilometres of coast there is surfing to suit enthusiasts of all levels and abilities on offer in Australia.
Where to Learn Surfing in Australia
Whether you wish to head for the east or west of Australia to take up surfing, there are a wide range of options open to you. In Western Australia, the mouth of the Margaret River near the city of Perth provides excellent breaking conditions, while on the west coast; the Sandbars at Noosa are universally recognised as one of the safest spots for new initiates into the sport with their gentle breaks and waist-deep waves. Other great places to learn to surf in Australia include:
• Surfers Paradise, Queensland – with a name like this, it comes as no surprise that the Queensland town of “Surfers”, as it is affectionately known, offers a wide range of choices for those looking to take their first steps into the sport. While the waters in town may be more suited to the more experienced surfers, locations like the spit – just 10 minutes away from the centre – offer perfect conditions for beginners.
• Bondi Beach, New South Wales – known around the world as one of the most established Australian surf spots, Bondi Beach also offers the opportunity to beginners to get involved and catch their first waves. With great surf schools and world renowned lifeguards, Bondi is a great choice for families looking to bond over some seaside fun.
• Great Ocean Road, Victoria – the many beaches along Victoria’s breathtaking Great Ocean Road provide a number of opportunities to try surfing with qualified schools. This area can offer a great option for those looking to combine their sightseeing and surfing, as flying to Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport and taking advantage of the many cheap car rental deals on offer make this an easily accessible learn to surf tour route.
Practice Surfing in the Australian Sun
Once newbies have learned the basics of surfing with a qualified surfing school, Australia offers ample opportunities to indulge with a number of world famous spots for surfing.
As well as the areas mentioned above, wave catching travellers may also wish to visit a number of other surf spots such as:
• Boomerang Beach, New South Wales – in the Pacific Palms area on the Forster-Tuncurry coast lies this beautiful beach which takes its name from the aboriginal implement of the same shape. Take the chance to surf alongside the areas amazing dolphin population.
• Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania – head off the mainland to experience some more stunning surf in the Tasman Sea. The Pirates Bay stretch is also a favourite with whales and seals.
• Bells Beach, Victoria – home to the Ripcurl Pro championships offering southern ocean swells over shallow reefs.
