Surfers of all nationalities all know that there are few countries in the world with surfing conditions quite as good as Australia’s, making the country a mecca for surfers worldwide. There are simply magnificent surf spots to be found all along the endless Australian coastline, with the beaches Down Under representing the very best that the world’s oceans have for us to enjoy. Beyond certain stretches of coast that are not suited to surfing because of natural formations (bays, harbors and so on) it is hard to find a single spot of beach that doesn’t entice surfers with excellent surf breaks…meaning that a trip to pretty much any part of coastal Australia will be worth a surfer’s while.

One area that surfers generally avoid in Australia is the northern part of the continent, where a mix of natural conditions generally shoo people off: between the small stature of the waves and the fact that these tropical waters are rife with the world’s most dangerous jellyfish, it’s best to go catch a wave elsewhere!

Thankfully, in Australia “elsewhere” means thousands and thousands of miles of gorgeous beach and reef surf breaks! From the warm waters off the western coast to the frigid waters off the southern coast and the major tourist destinations on the eastern coast, all of these areas provide surfers with dreams come true.

Western Australia surely boasts some of the most exceptional surf spots, and the fact that the water gets nice and warm and the air even warmer makes it all that much more inviting. The Indian Ocean is at its best here, and perfect 6 feet tubes are a dime a dozen here. Surfers are advised to get to know such coastal destinations as Esperance, Albany or Margaret River (where the river opens into the sea, of course), all of which are famous for their ability to attract boarders from all over the planet.

South Australia’s coastal waters experience some remarkable swells due to the currents coming up from Antarctica, which furnishes a surfer’s ideal scenario. The coast here is relatively inaccessible in many parts, so a 4WD vehicle will be in order, or at the very least a savvy local guide. For the hottest surf spots, go to Yorke Peninsula or Eyre Peninsula where conditions draw boarders from the surrounding areas, including the state capital of Adelaide.

The coast of Victoria is similar in many aspects to that of South Australia, and in both cases surfers will want to don their wet suits as the waters are exceptionally chilly. Despite this, the conditions are magnificent: to get the most out of this area, again, you will want to pick apart the brain of a local surfer. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for Bells Beach, Phillip Island and Torquay, singled out by locals as favorite surf spots. For a leisurely surf/road trip, just get on the Great Ocean Road that runs for more than 100 miles along the Victorian coast-it’s simply chock-full of ideal surf breaks.

Moving back towards warmer waters, the beaches of New South Wales are a little more trendy and frequented but the surf conditions are still at their best, such as the spots around the city of Sydney and more remote places like Lennox, Byron Bay and Angourie.

Farther north still, Queensland has such ideal surd destinations as the Gold Coast to speak of. Surfing is a way of life around here, and beach names like Surfers Paradise pretty much explain themselves as a result. In Queensland’s upper reaches, surfers can even get a glimpse of the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, a rare and precious natural jewel unlike any other in the world.

Finally, well to the south and amid truly icy waters, the surf spots of Tasmania are restricted to the genuinely brave of heart. The eastern beaches are the best, especially during mid-spring and summer.

Tags: Surfing

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