Surfers all over the planet think of Australia almost before any other destination on the planet when they imagine to themselves what their favorite surfing trip would take them. It’s quite simply that many of the best surf spots in the world are to be found Down Under, with the best that the oceans have to throw at surfers always waiting to be found. Other than certain areas where the waters are calm due to natural harbors and bays, etc., there is hardly a stretch of Australian beach that doesn’t offer wonderful surf conditions, which means that practically no matter where you are in the country you’ll end up making your trip more than worth the while.

Though all of Australia’s shoreline is gorgeous and has spectacular surf conditions, surfers tend to avoid the northern and more tropical waters because not only are they a bit calmer, but furthermore they are absolutely brimming with deadly jellyfish…a surfer’s nightmare!

In a country of this size, the other tracts of coastline are more than ample grounds (or waters) in which to seek out a good ride. Australia has many thousands of miles of beautiful beaches with some exceptional beach as well as reef breaks all along the way. Whether you’re in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia’s western coast or in the chilly waters off the southern end of the continent or the heavily frequented waters of the eastern shores, surfers will feel like their dreams have come true in any of these places.

Western Australia is a surfer’s mecca, with summer temps well over 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) and the water getting up there, too! The clear waters of the Indian Ocean are too inviting to pass up, and the tubes loom large at well over 6 feet in many cases. Among the best destinations for surfers to check out in Western Australia, it’s recommended to go to Albany, Esperance, and especially the area where the Margaret River flows into the Indian Ocean.

In South Australia, the chilly water currents coming up from the Antarctic Sea create fabulous and even intimidating swells, just the sort of stuff true surfers crave. Getting to the various beach spots is a bit of a challenge given the remoteness and difficult terrain in many places, for which reason having a local guide and/or a 4WD vehicle become a good idea. South Australia’s best spots for surfing include Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula, places which the surfers from the capital city of Adelaide and other areas flock to en masse.

A little farther to the east, the beaches of Victoria share many attributes with those of South Australia, with wet suits being generally necessary in both instances given the cold water coming up from the south. In spite of the frigid waters, the surfing conditions are nothing short of optimal, and once again being able to take advantage of the knowledge of a local is of huge help. Try to get to places such as Phillip Island, Torquay or Bells Beach, which visitors and locals have all agreed present some of the best surf breaks. A good way to get to know this stretch of Australian coast is simply to get on the Great Ocean Road, running for well over 100 miles.

Moving back towards warmer waters, New South Wales has seemingly unending expanses of surfable spots-from the crowded beaches around Sydney to the more remote locations farther north or south, such as Byron Bay, Angourie, and Lennox.

To the north of New South Wales, the state of Queensland boasts such world-renowned surf destinations as those to be had in the Gold Coast areasuch names as “Surfers Paradise” really just speak for themselves. In the northern expanses of Queensland surfers can get acquainted with the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, which at certain specific points and at the right moments may award surfers with a rare and beautiful jewel.

To finish, surfers with truly brave hearts and iron wills can go down to Tasmania for some rugged surfing destinations. Once again, the water is nice and cold, and surfers are better off searching for beaches along the eastern portion of the island where accesses are easier to be found.

Tags: Surfing

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