Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Snapper Rocks is the starting point of Australia's legendary Superbank—an artificial sand formation that can create rideable waves stretching over 2 kilometers to Kirra. The right-hand point break produces machine-like barrels and long, rippable walls that have made it the heart of Gold Coast competitive surfing. Cyclone swells from February to May deliver the best conditions, but the wave works year-round. The downside is crowds—Snapper is one of the most crowded waves in Australia, requiring patience and wave selection skills.
🦘 Superbank starting point • 2km rides possible • Gold Coast icon
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 70°-145°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 240° (WSW). Offshore range: 190°-260°. Best window: morning.
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Works year-round. Cyclone swells Jan-Mar.
Very crowded. Respect the lineup. Strong currents.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Bells Beach is Australian surfing's spiritual home—a powerful right-hand point break carved into the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Home to the world's longest-running professional surf contest (since 1962), Bells delivers cold-water power in the form of long, bowling walls that demand committed rail surfing. The famous "Ring the Bell" trophy ceremony and the clifftop amphitheater atmosphere make competition days electric. When autumn and winter groundswells from the Southern Ocean combine with rare northerly winds, Bells transforms into one of the world's premier right-handers.
🔔 Where they ring the bell • Australia's competitive soul • Cold water power
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 190°-260°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 315°-45°. Best window: morning.
Cold water. Shark activity. Strong currents.
Bondi Beach is Australia's most iconic beach—a crescent of golden sand flanked by sandstone headlands that has defined Australian beach culture for over a century. The surf is a fun, forgiving beach break that offers something for everyone: mushy peaks for beginners, occasional punchy barrels on the south end, and consistent waves year-round. Don't expect perfection—expect crowds, strong rips, and a carnival atmosphere that makes it worth visiting anyway. The Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, the famous Icebergs pool, and world-class cafes make this a complete Sydney experience.
🇦🇺 Australia's most famous beach • Surf culture ground zero • Beginners welcome
Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 90°-175°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 270°-360°. Best window: morning.
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Works year-round. Summer NE sea breezes.
Very crowded. Strong rips, swim between flags.
Margaret River is Western Australia's undisputed wave capital—a stretch of rugged coastline where powerful Indian Ocean swells meet a minefield of world-class reef breaks. The main break offers everything from punchy walls to heavy barrels, while nearby The Box delivers one of Australia's most terrifying slabs. North Point adds a long, perfect left to the mix. The region is also renowned for great white shark activity, adding genuine menace to sessions. Cold, raw, and wild, Margs rewards surfers willing to venture beyond the Bali comfort zone.
🦈 Indian Ocean power • Multiple world-class breaks • Bring your shark shields
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 195°-280°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 5m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 15s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
High shark activity. Cold water. Remote spots.
Kirra is Australian surfing's most storied barrel—a right-hand sand-bottom point that has produced some of the country's most iconic waves when the sand aligns correctly. As the finishing section of the Superbank sand system (which starts at Snapper), Kirra can deliver thick, grinding tubes that connect for hundreds of meters. The barrel shape is perfect: round, spitting, and fast. Unfortunately, decades of dredging and sand politics have made classic Kirra sessions rare. But when cyclone swells push SE and the sand is configured right, Kirra reminds everyone why it was once considered Australia's best wave.
🏆 Australia's barrel queen • Superbank's finishing move • Sand politics drama
Works best with swells from 115° (ESE). Workable range: 80°-145°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 230° (SW). Offshore range: 190°-270°. Best window: morning.
Winter E-SE swells are prime when the sand is right. Cyclone swells Jan-Mar can produce rare classic days.
Very crowded. Heavy local crew. Strong currents on bigger swells.
Burleigh Heads is the Gold Coast's most intense wave—a powerful right-hand point that breaks over a boulder-strewn headland, producing thick barrels and high-performance walls. Unlike the sand-bottom points to the south, Burleigh has more grunt and handles bigger swells. The takeoff is critical, the inside section is shallow, and the local crew is one of Australia's most notorious. The setting is beautiful: a national park headland, pandanus trees, and perfect morning glass when conditions align. It's a proving ground for Queensland's best surfers.
💪 Gold Coast power • Boulder point perfection • Don't drop in on the locals
Works best with swells from 155° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-190°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 240° (WSW). Offshore range: 200°-270°. Best window: morning.
Winter best. Handles bigger swells than other Gold Coast spots.
🪨 Rocks, 👥 Crowded, 👊 Localism, 🦈 Sharks, 🌀 Strong rips
Rocky entry/exit. Very crowded. Strong rips on bigger days.
Noosa First Point is Australia's longboarding mecca—a sequence of five points that produce some of the longest, most perfect right-hand peelers in the country when the rare NE swells arrive. The wave walls up gently and runs for hundreds of meters, allowing for elegant nose-riding and stylish surfing that's become Noosa's signature. The national park headland creates a stunning amphitheater, and the vibe is surprisingly mellow despite extreme crowds. Noosa is fickle—it needs specific swell direction—but when cyclones push NE energy down the coast, it becomes world-class.
🏄 Longboard paradise • Five points of perfection • Nose-riding nirvana
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-120°.
Offshore wind from 180° (S). Offshore range: 135°-225°. Best window: morning.
Needs cyclone swells or NE-E fetch. Very inconsistent but world-class when on.
Extremely crowded. Longboard mecca. Very competitive lineup.
Lennox Head is one of Australia's most revered points—a long, bending right-hander that peels along a basalt boulder headland in northern NSW. When clean SE swells combine with SW winds, Lennox produces perfect walls and barrel sections that can run for over a kilometer. The wave is powerful, the rocks are real, and the local crew is tight. The headland offers a spectacular vantage point for watching sets roll in. This is genuine world-class point surfing in a beautiful setting, with all the challenges—crowds, localism, difficulty—that come with elite waves.
🔥 Northern NSW's jewel • Kilometer-long dreams • Earn your waves
Works best with swells from 135° (SE). Workable range: 100°-170°.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 225° (SW). Offshore range: 180°-270°. Best window: morning.
Winter SE swells. One of the best points in Australia.
🪨 Rocks, 👥 Crowded, 👊 Localism, 🪸 Sharp reef
Slippery rock entry. Tight local crew. Very crowded on good days.
The Pass is Byron Bay's crown jewel—a long, winding right-hand point that embodies the region's laid-back surf culture. The wave is forgiving and fun, wrapping around the headland below the famous lighthouse, occasionally connecting all the way to Clarks Beach on bigger swells. It's a longboarder's paradise and a gathering place for the eclectic Byron community. Sunrise sessions with dolphins and the smell of the rainforest are part of the magic. Don't expect perfection—expect crowds, good vibes, and one of Australia's most beloved wave-riding experiences.
✨ Byron's soul • Longboard paradise • Sunrise with dolphins
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-135°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 200° (SSW). Offshore range: 135°-247°. Best window: morning.
Works year-round. Autumn best for cleaner conditions.
Extremely crowded. Longboard-heavy lineup. Rips on bigger days.
Angourie Point is a historic right-hand point break that helped birth Australian shortboard surfing in the 1960s. The wave breaks over a basalt reef into a deep channel, producing long, workable walls with occasional barrel sections when NE swells push in. The famous "Blue Pool"—a natural ocean pool carved into the rocks—sits at the base of the point. Angourie has a quiet, old-school feel compared to the circus further north, though the local crew takes the lineup seriously. It's a piece of Australian surf history still delivering quality waves.
📜 Where Aussie shortboarding began • Blue Pool backdrop • Old-school soul
Works best with swells from 70° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-140°.
Winter SE swells best. ENE swells produce more hollow waves.
🪨 Rocks, 🦈 Sharks, 👊 Localism, 👥 Crowded
Rocky reef. Known shark activity. Strong local crew.
Surf-forecast/Surf Atlas cross-reference
North Narrabeen is Sydney's premier beach break—a long stretch of sand where lagoon run-off creates ever-shifting sandbanks that produce world-class lefts on their day. The northern corner is famous for long, peeling waves that have nurtured generations of Australian surfers, from Mark Occhilupo to Matt Wilkinson. The sand moves constantly, rewarding local knowledge and patience. When autumn NE swells combine with NW winds, Narrabeen delivers some of the best beach break waves in Australia.
🌊 Sydney's best beachie • Sandbar roulette • Where pros are made
Autumn best. Sand shifts constantly - rewards local knowledge.
Strong rips. Gets crowded. Sand constantly shifting.
The Box is one of the most feared waves on Earth—a mutant right-hand slab that produces square-shaped barrels of terrifying intensity over a barely submerged reef shelf. When solid SW swells wrap into the Margaret River region, The Box jacks up and throws over almost dry reef, creating a wave that's less surfed than survived. Wipeouts are catastrophic, injuries are common, and respect is mandatory. It's a testing ground for the world's best slab riders and a place most surfers are content to watch from the cliff.
⚠️ Australia's heaviest slab • Square barrels of doom • Helmets mandatory
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 190°-240°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4.5m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Winter swells from Roaring Forties. Extremely dangerous slab.
⚠️ Shallow, 🪸 Sharp reef, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🦈 Sharks, 🏝️ Remote
One of the most dangerous waves on Earth. Shallow reef, hideous wipeouts.
North Point is Margaret River's big wave venue—a long, powerful right-hander that handles massive swells when other spots close out. The wave breaks over a shallow reef shelf, producing long, grinding barrels and open faces that allow for committed turns on waves well overhead. When the swell is 6-8 feet at Main Break, North Point is just getting started. The isolated location, cold water, and ever-present shark threat add menace to already serious conditions. This is where West Oz chargers come to test their limits.
🌊 When Margs is too small • Big wave testing ground • Serious sharks, serious waves
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 190°-260°.
Ideal size: 4.0m. Too small below 2m, too big (closeout) above 6m.
Offshore wind from 75° (ENE). Offshore range: 45°-120°. Best window: morning.
Big wave spot. Needs substantial SW swell to work.
🦈 Sharks, 🪨 Rocks, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote
Heavy wave. High shark activity. Cold water.
Strickland Bay is Rottnest Island's premier wave—a quality left-hander that breaks along a limestone reef shelf off Western Australia's quokka-inhabited island paradise. The wave offers long walls with occasional barrel sections, working through a wide range of swell sizes. Access is via a 25-minute ferry from Fremantle, and there are no cars on the island—you bike, walk, or catch the bus. The isolation from the mainland, clear water, and lack of crowds (by Perth standards) make Strickland a special escape. Watch for sharks and quokkas.
🦘 Island escape • Quokka paradise • Ferry to perfection
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 190°-250°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 45° (NE). Offshore range: 0°-90°. Best window: morning.
🦈 Sharks, 🪨 Rocks, 👥 Crowded, 🚶 Difficult access
High shark activity. No cars - bike or bus access only.
Unknown minutes drive from PER airport. Requires boat access ($50/day).
Ferry from Perth/Fremantle. No cars on island - bike or bus.
Shipstern Bluff is one of the most terrifying waves on the planet—a Tasmanian slab famous for its mutant "steps" that form mid-face as the wave throws over a shallow reef ledge. Located at the end of a remote Tasman Peninsula, Shipstern requires either a 2-hour hike through rugged national park or a long jet-ski ride through great white shark territory. The wave is cold, isolated, unpredictable, and thoroughly hostile to human beings. Yet the barrels are other-worldly. This is big wave surfing at its most raw and unforgiving.
👹 The infamous steps • Tasmania's cold-water demon • Big wave surfing's final frontier
This is a big wave break, breaking right.
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-220°.
Ideal size: 5.3m. Too small below 2.5m, too big (closeout) above 8m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 300°-45°. Best window: morning.
Winter big wave season. Antarctic storm swells.
🦈 Sharks, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, ⚠️ Shallow, 🚶 Difficult access
One of the most dangerous waves on Earth. Great white sharks prevalent. 2hr hike or jet ski access only.
90 minutes drive from HBA airport. Requires boat access ($300/day).
No road access. ~90min drive from Hobart to the Stormlea trailhead, then a 2hr hike each way through Tasman National Park — or a 30km jet ski/boat ride.
Duranbah (D-Bah) is the Gold Coast's swell magnet—an east-facing beach break that picks up energy when everywhere else is flat. The wave produces punchy A-frame peaks that offer fast, hollow barrels and high-performance walls ideal for airs. The Tweed River training wall creates a permanent sandbank setup, making D-Bah more consistent than other beach breaks. It's crowded, competitive, and a proving ground for young pros. When the points are small, D-Bah is often the best option for quality waves.
🧲 Gold Coast swell magnet • Punchy A-frames • Pro training ground
Works best with swells from 90° (E). Workable range: 60°-130°.
Offshore wind from 250° (WSW). Offshore range: 210°-290°. Best window: morning.
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Year-round east-facing swell magnet. Often works when the Gold Coast points are too small.
🌀 Strong rips, 👥 Crowded, 👊 Localism, 🦈 Sharks
Strong rips. Very crowded. Next to Tweed River mouth - water quality after rain.
South Stradbroke (TOS - The Other Side) is the Gold Coast's secret weapon—a hollow A-frame beach break that requires a 350-meter paddle across the treacherous Seaway channel. The crossing deters crowds, leaving those brave enough to make it with world-class peaks and far fewer surfers than anywhere else on the coast. The sand formations produce perfect barrels on E swells. Watch for boats, strong currents, and the ever-present bull sharks in the channel. Worth the risk? The empty tubes say yes.
🦈 Paddle across the Seaway • Hollow A-frames • Less crowd, more sharks
Works best with swells from 90° (E). Workable range: 45°-135°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 230°-315°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Protected from crowds by channel crossing.
🌀 Strong rips, 🦈 Sharks, 🚶 Difficult access
Intense paddle across Seaway channel with boats and sharks. Low tide deadly shallow.
350m paddle across Seaway from breakwall to breakwall. Dodging boats and rips.
Cylinders is North Stradbroke Island's premier point—a sand-covered reef that produces long, walling rights when strong NE-E swells wrap into Moreton Bay. The name says it all: when it's running on all cylinders, the wave peels for several hundred meters with barrel sections and rippable walls. Access requires a ferry from Cleveland plus a drive across the island. The local Straddie crew takes their wave seriously, so respect the hierarchy. When the angle is right, this is one of Queensland's best.
⚡ Running on all cylinders • Island right point • Ferry required
Works best with swells from 55° (NE). Workable range: 30°-100°.
Autumn best. Needs strong E angle swell. Very wind sensitive.
🪨 Rocks, 👥 Crowded, 👊 Localism, 🦈 Sharks
Intense localism. Respect the island crew. Sand-covered reef.
Ferry from Cleveland + drive across island.
Crescent Head is the quintessential Australian point break—a long, walling right that peels along a rocky headland for 400+ meters on its day. The wave is forgiving and Malibu-style, making it a longboarder's paradise and a classic introduction to point surfing. The town is a quiet coastal hamlet with genuine surf village charm. Crowds can be intense when it's good, but the wave is so long that everyone eventually gets their share. This is old-school Australian surfing at its finest.
🏄‍♂️ Classic Aussie malibu • 400m rides • Longboard perfection
Works best with swells from 110° (ESE). Workable range: 70°-150°.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 225°-315°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Classic Australian pointbreak experience.
Submerged rocks. Strong currents. Very crowded when on.
Shark Island is Sydney's most punishing wave—a right-hand slab that breaks over an almost-dry rock shelf, producing thick, heavy barrels of cartoonish proportions. The wave is mostly dominated by bodyboarders due to the shallow, square-shaped takeoff that makes standing up nearly suicidal. It only works for two hours either side of high tide, and even then, broken bones and backs are common. This is Sydney's gladiatorial arena: brutal, unforgiving, and spectacular to watch.
🩻 Broken bones guaranteed • Bodyboarder territory • Sydney's most brutal slab
Works best with swells from 135° (SE). Workable range: 90°-170°.
Offshore wind from 250° (WSW). Offshore range: 225°-315°. Best window: morning.
Autumn-winter. Only surfable 2hrs either side of high tide.
⚠️ Shallow, 🪸 Sharp reef, 🦔 Urchins, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs
Extremely shallow slab. Broken backs and bones. Mostly bodyboarders.
Ours (Cape Fear) is Sydney's most notorious wave—a heavy right-hand slab that breaks over shallow rock in front of dramatic sea cliffs in Bra Boys territory. Made famous by the documentary of the same name, Ours is as much about the tribal localism as the wave itself. The slab produces thick, ledging barrels that detonate just meters from the cliff face. Getting in requires jumping off rocks; getting out is harder. It's dangerous, localized, and unforgiving—but the barrels are undeniably world-class.
👊 Bra Boys territory • Cape Fear • Sydney's most localized slab
Ideal size: 3.5m. Too small below 2m, too big (closeout) above 5m.
Autumn-winter when Tasman lows deliver solid SE swells.
⚠️ Shallow, 🪨 Rocks, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🦈 Sharks, 👊 Localism
Australias scariest wave. Breaks in front of cliff. Bra Boys territory. Jet ski access recommended.
Jump off cliff to get out. Getting back in is harder.
Cactus is Australia's most remote quality surf zone—a collection of breaks at the edge of the Nullarbor Plain in South Australia, where the Southern Ocean delivers raw power to an isolated stretch of coastline. The main break is a hollow left that peels along a limestone reef, with nearby spots including the slab Supertubes. Getting here requires a 12-hour drive from Adelaide through desert scrub. The reward is empty lineups, powerful waves, and genuine wilderness surfing. Bring everything—nearest help is hours away.
🌵 Edge of the Nullarbor • 12 hours from civilization • Southern Ocean power
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 70° (ENE). Offshore range: 30°-110°. Best window: morning.
Winter-spring. Remote Great Australian Bight. Southern Ocean power.
🦈 Sharks, 🪨 Rocks, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access
Extremely isolated. High shark activity. Nearest help 6+ hours away.
12 hours drive from Adelaide. Remote camping.
Tombstones (Tombies) is one of Australia's most serious waves—a long, freight-train left barrel that runs for 300-500 meters along a shallow reef at Gnaraloo Station in remote Western Australia. The wave is named for the tombstone-shaped rock formations on shore and is known for its triple-suck takeoff that requires precise positioning. The location requires a 150km dirt road drive from Carnarvon. Camping at the station puts you in the middle of nowhere with world-class barrels and plenty of sharks for company.
🪦 Freight train barrels • Triple-suck takeoff • Outback adventure
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 200°-260°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Offshore wind from 155° (SSE). Offshore range: 120°-190°. Best window: morning.
Best at season transitions. Sep-Nov and Mar-May.
🦈 Sharks, 🪨 Rocks, ⚠️ Shallow, 🏝️ Remote
World-class but dangerous. Shallow reef with ugly steps. Very remote.
Surfline/Gnaraloo Station cross-reference
150km dirt road from Carnarvon. Camping at station.
Pedra Branca is surfing's final frontier—a tiny rock pinnacle 26km off the coast of Tasmania that faces directly toward Antarctica and catches the full force of Southern Ocean storms. First surfed in 2008, the wave breaks on a reef around the rock in ice-cold water saturated with great white sharks. Getting there requires a major jet-ski expedition and favorable weather windows. The wave is powerful, remote, and genuinely life-threatening. This is as far from civilization as surfing gets.
🇦🇶 Facing Antarctica • Great white territory • Final frontier
This is a big wave break, breaking left.
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-220°.
Ideal size: 10.5m. Too small below 6m, too big (closeout) above 15m.
Offshore wind from 30° (NNE). Offshore range: 0°-60°. Best window: morning.
Rare Southern Ocean tow window. Autumn-winter is the main season.
Unknown minutes drive from HBA airport. Requires boat access ($1500/day).
No land access — a bare rock ~26km off Tasmania's south coast. Reached only by a long boat expedition from Hobart with mandatory jet-ski tow. Expert big-wave crews only.
Superbank Maxing is the stuff of Gold Coast legend—when cyclone swells from the Coral Sea push the Superbank beyond its normal limits, connecting Snapper Rocks through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta, and Kirra into a continuous 2+ kilometer ride. This happens perhaps 10-20 days per year, and when it does, up to 500 surfers descend on the lineup. It's chaotic, crowded, and absolutely magical. Timing a trip to score the Superbank maxing is surfing's ultimate lottery.
🌊 2km connected rides • Cyclone swells only • 500-surfer zoo
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
10-20 maxing days/year. Needs cyclone swell + light winds.
Can get up to 500 surfers when maxing. Strong rips on big days.
Corrected to match Snapper Rocks verified data
Kirra Cyclone is the Gold Coast's ultimate expression—the legendary sand point that transforms into the world's best right-hand barrel when massive East cyclone swells hit. These conditions only occur a handful of times per decade, but when they do, Kirra produces impossibly long, draining tubes that peel for 300+ meters. The entire Gold Coast surfing community descends for these days, creating one of surfing's most intense lineups. Australia's Holy Grail.
🌀 World's best right • Cyclone magic • Once-in-a-decade perfection
Works best with swells from 90° (E). Workable range: 70°-120°.
Offshore wind from 240° (WSW). Offshore range: 200°-280°. Best window: morning.
Requires massive East cyclone swells to connect.
Intense crowds and heavy currents during cyclone swells.
Manly Beach is where Australian surfing began—an iconic crescent of sand just a ferry ride from Sydney's harbor that has been the heart of Australian surf culture for over a century. The multiple peaks along this broad beach offer waves for everyone, from learners on the inside to experienced surfers hunting the more defined sandbar peaks. The beach gets crowded—intensely so on weekends—but the energy and accessibility make it a pilgrimage site for understanding surf culture Down Under. The ferry ride from Circular Quay, passing the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, is one of surfing's most scenic commutes.
🇦🇺 Australian surf birthplace • Ferry from Sydney • Crowds guaranteed
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 90°-150°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 230°-310°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Autumn/winter more consistent.
Strong rips. Very crowded especially weekends.
Dee Why Point is Sydney's answer for those seeking quality reef over beach break randomness—a right-hand point that wraps around the northern headland with mechanical precision when solid southeast swells light up the Sydney coast. The wave requires more size than the surrounding beaches but rewards patience with long, workable walls and occasional barrel sections. The rocky entry and exit demand awareness, and the local crew has been surfing here for generations. On a good day, Dee Why Point offers some of the best surfing within the Sydney metropolitan area.
➡️ Sydney's quality right • SE swell magnet • Local point break
Year-round. Needs solid swell to break properly.
Cape Woolamai is Phillip Island's main surf beach—a dramatic stretch of sand backed by towering cliffs where Southern Ocean swells wrap into consistently good beach break peaks. The wild, rugged setting provides a stark contrast to the island's famous penguin parade and MotoGP circuit, offering genuine cold-water surfing with the added bonus of seal colonies and occasional shark sightings. The rips here can be powerful, and the water is decidedly brisk, but those willing to embrace Victoria's wild coast will find quality waves away from the crowds of closer beaches.
🐧 Phillip Island main break • Southern Ocean power • Wild Victoria
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-250°.
Year-round. SW swells from Southern Ocean.
Strong rips. Shark activity - seals nearby.
Black Rock is Phillip Island's reef break reward—a quality right-hander that peels over volcanic rock with surprising precision when clean southwest groundswells march in from the Southern Ocean. The wave can barrel properly on the right combination of tide and swell, offering a reef break alternative to the island's sandy beach options. The seal colony nearby means shark awareness is essential, and the water temperature demands serious wetsuit commitment, but Black Rock delivers genuine Victorian reef quality for those willing to seek it out.
🦭 Victorian reef right • Cold water barrels • Seal colony neighbor
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-230°.
Offshore wind from 350° (N). Offshore range: 310°-30°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Best on clean SW groundswell.
Shallow reef. Sharks - seal colony nearby.
Maroubra is Sydney's most hardcore surf spot—a raw, powerful beach break made famous globally by the documentary Bra Boys, which told the story of the tight-knit local crew who grew up in the surrounding housing projects. The wave itself can deliver serious punch when autumn and winter swells arrive, producing hollow peaks that demand commitment. The local energy is proud and protective, with generations of surfers who've grown up treating this beach as sacred territory. Visitors should come with respect; Maroubra rewards those who earn their place in the lineup.
💪 Bra Boys territory • Raw Sydney power • Respect required
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 70°-150°.
Works year-round. Autumn-winter best for S swells.
Bra Boys territory. Strong rips. Respect the lineup.
25min from Sydney Airport. Street parking available.
Surfers Point is a quality left-hander at Prevelly that sits adjacent to the famous Margaret River main break. While Margs gets the crowds, Surfers Point offers a longer, more workable wall that suits progressive surfing. The wave breaks over a rock and reef bottom, producing consistent walls with occasional barrel sections on the inside. When SW groundswells march in from the Southern Ocean, this wave comes alive with power and punch. The Margaret River wine region backdrop adds a touch of class to your surf trip.
🍷 Margaret River's left • Wine country waves • Less crowds than Margs
Works best between 0.45m and 0.85m tide.
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Consistent April-September. Summer swells smaller but still surfable.
Sharp reef. Watch for rocks on entry. Strong currents on bigger days.
Yallingup is a protected reef break on the Cape Naturaliste peninsula that offers a more forgiving alternative to the heavy slabs further south. The right-hand wave breaks in a picturesque bay surrounded by granite headlands and pristine bushland. When massive swells hammer the Margaret River region, Yallingup provides a safe haven with smaller, more manageable waves. The wave suits intermediate to advanced surfers with its long walls and occasional tube sections. Indigenous Noongar people have lived on this coast for over 50,000 years, and the area retains a spiritual quality.
🏖️ Protected Cape Naturaliste • Friendly reef right • Noongar country
Works best with swells from 235° (SW). Workable range: 200°-275°.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Winter is prime. Protected from bigger swells than Margs.
Rocky entry. Can get crowded on good days.
Lefthanders is a quality reef break near Gracetown that offers one of the Margaret River region's best left-hand waves. The wave breaks along a rock shelf, producing long, workable walls with barrel sections when the swell is solid. While less famous than the Box or North Point, Lefthanders delivers a more user-friendly experience for competent surfers. The area is known for Great White shark activity, so most surfers use personal deterrents and surf in groups. When SW swells pulse through, this wave turns on with power and consistency.
🦈 Gracetown quality • Workable walls • Shark country awareness
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
Winter months best. SW groundswell essential. Summer swells smaller but rideable.
Great White shark territory. Sharp reef. Surf with others.
Injidup is a scenic beach break tucked into a small bay between granite headlands on the Cape Naturaliste coast. The beach offers multiple peaks that shift with the sandbars, providing options for surfers of all abilities. The setting is stunning—turquoise water, white sand, and native bushland meeting the shore. When SW swells wrap into the bay, the peaks can produce surprisingly hollow waves. The protected nature of the bay means it handles bigger swells than exposed beaches, making it a reliable option when the coast is pumping.
🏝️ Hidden bay beauty • Multiple peaks • All abilities welcome
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 200°-280°.
Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 40°-120°. Best window: morning.
Strong rips on bigger swells. Rocky headlands.
Pennington Bay is Kangaroo Island's premier surf spot—a powerful beach break that takes the full force of Southern Ocean swells. The remote island location means crowds are virtually non-existent, but so are services. When solid SW groundswells arrive, Pennington produces heavy, punchy waves that rival mainland breaks. The island is famous for its wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions, and the bushland setting is pristine. Great White sharks patrol these waters, so local knowledge and personal deterrents are recommended.
🦘 Kangaroo Island power • Empty lineups • Southern Ocean raw
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Exposed and powerful.
Great White territory. Strong rips. Remote location—no services.
Ferry to Kangaroo Island, then drive. Or fly direct.
Parsons Beach is a quality beach break on the Fleurieu Peninsula, just over an hour south of Adelaide. The beach faces the Southern Ocean and picks up every SW swell that approaches the coast. Multiple sandbars create shifting peaks that can produce hollow waves when conditions align. The surrounding coastline is rugged and beautiful, with native scrubland meeting white sand beaches. Being closer to Adelaide than Cactus, Parsons offers a more accessible introduction to South Australia's powerful surf.
🌊 Fleurieu Peninsula gem • Adelaide accessible • Southern Ocean power
Winter is prime. Picks up most Southern Ocean swells.
Shark activity in the area. Strong rips on bigger days.
Walk from carpark through coastal scrub.
Waitpinga Beach is a long, exposed stretch of sand on the Fleurieu Peninsula that receives the full brunt of Southern Ocean swells. The beach offers multiple peaks spread along its length, meaning you can often find an empty section even when other spots are crowded. The waves here are powerful and unforgiving—this is not a beginner spot. When solid S-SW swells hit, Waitpinga lights up with heavy barrels and long walls. The isolated nature of the beach means you're surfing in true wilderness, with cliffs and scrubland as your only companions.
⚡ Exposed SA power • Empty peaks • Southern Ocean wilderness
Winter brings consistent swells. Exposed beach.
Strong rips. Shark activity. Remote—no patrols.
Walk from carpark. 4WD access to some sections.
Winki Pop is the high-performance right-hander that sits immediately west of Bells Beach, sharing the same cliff backdrop and cold Southern Ocean waters. The wave breaks faster and hollower than Bells, offering a more critical barrel section on solid swells. The local crew here is tight and experienced—this is not a spot for beginners or those unfamiliar with localism. When SW groundswells coincide with NW winds, Winki Pop produces some of Victoria's best barrels. The wave has featured in countless Australian surf films and is considered a proving ground for local surfers.
🔔 Bells' barrel neighbor • Local crew heavy • Victorian proving ground
Winter swells. Best on SW groundswell with NW winds.
Very localized. Respect the lineup. Sharp reef.
Walk from Bells Beach carpark along the cliff path.
Johanna Beach is a wild, exposed beach break on the Great Ocean Road that takes the full force of Southern Ocean swells. The beach is backed by rolling green farmland and the Otway Ranges, creating a quintessentially Victorian coastal landscape. When solid SW swells hit, Johanna produces powerful, punchy waves that can rival any beach break in Australia. The remote nature means crowds are rare, but so is backup if something goes wrong. This is a wave for experienced surfers comfortable in cold, powerful conditions.
🌿 Great Ocean Road power • Otway backdrop • Wild Victorian coast
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 180°-270°.
Winter is prime. Picks up all Southern Ocean swell.
Strong rips. Remote beach—no patrols. Shark activity.
Easy beach access from Great Ocean Road.
Thirteenth Beach is a long stretch of sand near Barwon Heads that offers multiple peaks and consistent waves. The beach is more exposed than the town beaches of Torquay and Jan Juc, meaning it picks up swell when other spots are flat. The sandbars shift regularly, so checking multiple spots along the beach is recommended. When small to medium swells hit with light winds, Thirteenth Beach offers fun, rippable waves suitable for all abilities. It's a staple of the Melbourne surf scene and often the go-to when conditions are marginal elsewhere.
🏖️ Melbourne's reliable option • Multiple peaks • Consistent catchall
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-240°.
Works year-round. More consistent than town beaches.
Strong rips on bigger days. Check conditions before paddling.
Easy beach access from multiple carparks.
Clifton Beach is Hobart's most accessible surf spot—a crescent-shaped beach on the South Arm peninsula that catches SE swells from the Southern Ocean. The beach offers multiple peaks and is sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by the peninsula. When solid S-SE swells hit, Clifton produces punchy beach break waves that can get surprisingly good. The water is cold year-round, requiring a thick wetsuit even in summer. The proximity to Hobart makes it the go-to spot for the Tasmanian capital's small but dedicated surf community.
🥶 Hobart's home break • Cold water culture • Southern Ocean accessible
Works best with swells from 170° (S). Workable range: 140°-200°.
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Cold water year-round.
Strong rips. Occasional shark sightings. Cold water requires thick wetsuit.
Marrawah is Australia's most exposed coastline—a wild stretch of Tasmania's northwest corner that takes the full brunt of the Roaring Forties. The waves here are powerful and unforgiving, breaking onto remote beaches backed by button grass plains and ancient rainforest. Great White sharks are common, as are powerful currents and zero crowds. When giant W-SW swells march in from the Southern Ocean, Marrawah produces some of the heaviest beach break waves in the country. This is frontier surfing for experienced surfers only.
🌬️ Roaring Forties power • Australia's wild west • Frontier surfing
Works best with swells from 250° (WSW). Workable range: 235°-290°.
Year-round power. The most exposed coast in Australia.
🦈 Sharks, 🌀 Strong rips, 🏝️ Remote, 🪨 Rocks
Extremely remote. Great White sharks. Powerful waves. No backup.
Remote drive from Launceston. Limited facilities.
Mollymook Beach is a quality beach break on the NSW South Coast that produces consistent, fun waves away from Sydney's crowds. The beach faces ESE and picks up a wide range of swells, with multiple peaks shifting along the sandbars. The northern end near the golf course often produces the best banks. When E-SE swells combine with light W winds, Mollymook delivers long, workable walls perfect for progressive surfing. The area has excellent restaurants and the famous Bannisters resort, making it a favourite weekend escape for Sydney surfers.
🏌️ South Coast quality • Bannisters backdrop • Sydney escape
Works best with swells from 140° (SE). Workable range: 100°-160°.
Works year-round. Best on SE-E swells with W winds.
Standard beach rips on bigger days. Patrolled in summer.
Easy beach access. Golf course and resort nearby.
Short Point is a quality right-hand point break at the southern end of Merimbula on the NSW Far South Coast. The wave wraps around a rocky headland, producing long, workable walls that peel into the protected bay. When solid SE swells hit with NW winds, Short Point can produce some of the best waves on the Sapphire Coast. The break is more sheltered than the exposed beaches, making it a good option when it's too big elsewhere. The pristine setting—clear blue water and native bushland—makes surfing here a treat even on average days.
💎 Sapphire Coast point • Protected right-hander • Far South quality
Works best with swells from 150° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-190°.
Offshore wind from 290° (WNW). Offshore range: 250°-330°. Best window: morning.
Year-round surfing. SE swells most consistent.
Rocky entry. Watch for rips on bigger days.
Walk from Merimbula town. Local airport nearby.
Catherine Hill Bay is a heritage-listed mining village with a quality right-hand reef break that peels along the southern headland. The historic jetty and mining infrastructure create a unique backdrop for surfing. The wave breaks over a rock and reef bottom, producing long, workable walls with occasional barrel sections on the right swell. Being between Sydney and Newcastle, the spot can get crowded on good days, but it's worth the paddle. The village itself is charming, with the old miners' cottages now heritage-protected.
⛏️ Mining heritage waves • Historic village • Central Coast classic
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 90°-160°.
Rocky reef. Can get crowded on good days.
Historic mining town. Beach access from village.
Agnes Water is Queensland's most northerly surf town—a laid-back coastal village that marks the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The main beach offers gentle beach break waves that are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Cyclone swells from January to April provide the best conditions, but the trade winds can make it challenging. The town has a distinct backpacker vibe, with surf schools, hostels, and a relaxed atmosphere. Being this far north means warm water year-round and the unique opportunity to combine surfing with reef exploration.
🐢 Reef gateway surfing • QLD's northernmost • Backpacker paradise
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Cyclone swells Jan-April. Trade winds make it tricky.
Standard beach rips. Warm water year-round.
Gateway to Great Barrier Reef. Backpacker town.
Mon Repos is a famous conservation beach near Bundaberg, known worldwide as one of Australia's most important turtle nesting sites. Between November and March, loggerhead and green turtles come ashore to lay eggs, and visitors can join ranger-led tours to witness the phenomenon. Outside of nesting season closures, Mon Repos also offers quality beach break surfing when E swells from cyclones and tropical lows wrap around the coast. The waves are mellow and beginner-friendly, with warm water year-round. Bundaberg Rum distillery is nearby, adding local flavour to your surf trip.
🐢 Turtle conservation beach • Cyclone swells • Bundy rum country
Works best with swells from 100° (E). Workable range: 70°-120°.
Offshore wind from 280° (W). Offshore range: 240°-320°. Best window: morning.
Cyclone season best. E swells from tropical lows.
Standard rips. Turtle nesting area—respect wildlife closures.
Conservation park. Check for seasonal closures during turtle nesting.
Coolum Beach is a consistent beach break on the Sunshine Coast that offers quality waves without the crowds of Noosa. Mount Coolum, an ancient volcanic dome, provides a dramatic backdrop to the surf. The beach produces multiple peaks that shift with the sandbars, offering options for all ability levels. When E-SE swells hit, the beach can produce surprisingly hollow waves. The town has evolved from a quiet holiday village to a popular surf destination, but retains a more relaxed vibe than the Gold Coast. Pro surfers Julian Wilson and Steph Gilmore have trained here.
🌋 Mount Coolum backdrop • Pro training ground • Sunshine Coast soul
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 80°-135°.
Offshore wind from 260° (W). Offshore range: 220°-300°. Best window: morning.
Sunshine Coast airport nearby. Resort town.
Nightcliff is Darwin's most consistent surf spot—a reef break in Australia's tropical north where crocodiles share the lineup. When cyclone swells from the Timor Sea push toward the coast during the wet season, Nightcliff can produce quality right-hand waves. The catch? Saltwater crocodiles are a genuine risk, as are box jellyfish and sharks. Local surfers check government croc warnings, wear stinger suits, and surf in groups. This is frontier surfing in one of the world's most dangerous marine environments, but for the dedicated few, it's worth the risk.
🐊 Crocodile country surfing • Cyclone swells • Australia's wild north
Works best with swells from 310° (NW). Workable range: 280°-340°.
Wet season cyclone swells Oct-April. Dry season rarely has surf.
CROCODILES! Box jellyfish in wet season. Shark activity. Stinger suit essential.
Darwin suburb. Check croc warnings before surfing.
Casuarina Beach is a long stretch of sand on Darwin's northern beaches that catches cyclone swells during the wet season. The beach break offers multiple peaks and is more accessible than the reef setups nearby. However, the hazards are significant—saltwater crocodiles patrol these waters, box jellyfish are present from October to May, and the tropical heat is oppressive. The dedicated Darwin surf community has adapted to these challenges, checking croc warnings, wearing stinger suits, and embracing the frontier mentality. When cyclone swells arrive, the reward is empty, warm-water waves.
☀️ Darwin beach break • Stinger suit required • Tropical frontier
Works best with swells from 320° (NW). Workable range: 290°-350°.
Offshore wind from 100° (E). Offshore range: 60°-140°. Best window: morning.
Wet season cyclone swells only. Often flat in dry season.
CROCODILES! Box jellyfish Oct-May. Stinger suit mandatory. Check croc warnings.
Popular Darwin beach. Nude section at north end.
Central Coast's flagship break - a rocky point at the northern end of Terrigal Beach that produces quality walls when SE swells wrap into the bay. The Haven offers protection from southerly winds and a variety of peaks suitable for all abilities. The bustling Terrigal esplanade provides cafes and amenities right on the beach, making it the social hub of Central Coast surfing.
🏖️ Central Coast flagship • Rocky point walls • Consistent performer
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 60°-165°.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 11s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 225° (SW). Offshore range: 200°-260°. Best window: morning.
Best autumn-winter on E-SE groundswells. Summer for NE swells.
Rocky point at northern end. Can get crowded on good days.
Easy beach access from Terrigal esplanade.
The jewel of the Central Coast - a right-hand point that peels along the southern rocks when solid ENE swells arrive. Long rides of 100+ metres are possible on the best days, drawing crowds from Sydney and beyond. The point section demands respect with its rocky takeoff zone, while the beach offers more forgiving peaks for those not ready for the main event.
💎 Central Coast jewel • Long right-hand walls • The local proving ground
Works best with swells from 60° (ENE). Workable range: 45°-110°.
Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 200° (SSW). Offshore range: 170°-240°. Best window: morning.
Best autumn-winter on solid ENE groundswells.
Rocky takeoff zone at the point. Very crowded on good days.
Beach access from Avoca Beach carpark. Point at southern end.
A consistent beach break north of Terrigal that picks up more swell due to its open exposure. Multiple peaks along the beach offer options from mellow walls to punchier closeouts. The northern end features a reef section that can produce quality waves. Recent coastal erosion has changed the sandbars but also created some interesting new banks.
🌊 Open exposure beachie • Multiple peaks • North end reef section
Best autumn-winter. Picks up more swell than Terrigal.
Strong rips when waves are solid. Beach erosion issues.
Street parking along Wamberal Beach. Multiple access points.
A quality right-hand point that breaks off the southern headland into the bay. Needs solid swell to work but delivers long, walling rides when it does. The steep takeoff near the rocks demands commitment and the wave has genuine power. When it's on, MacMasters is one of the best points on the Coast - long walls, offshore spray, and that classic right-hander feeling.
🔥 Quality right-hander • Needs size to fire • Steep takeoffs near rocks
Works best with swells from 120° (ESE). Workable range: 80°-160°.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 225° (SW). Offshore range: 190°-260°. Best window: morning.
Needs solid swell to work. Best in winter.
Rocky takeoff zone. Steep, powerful waves.
Access via MacMasters Beach. Point at southern headland.
A south-facing reef beneath the historic Norah Head Lighthouse that fires on solid southerly swells. The uneven reef requires experience but rewards with quality walls when conditions align. Surfing beneath the 1903 lighthouse with its red-capped tower is a uniquely Central Coast experience. The headland provides shelter from northerly winds.
🔦 Lighthouse reef • South swell magnet • Rewards experience
Works best with swells from 150° (SSE). Workable range: 110°-180°.
Offshore wind from 270° (W). Offshore range: 240°-300°. Best window: morning.
Best on solid southerly swells in winter.
Uneven reef requires experience. Lighthouse adds stoke.
Access via Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve.
Some of the most impressive reef breaks in NSW - multiple setups along a 600m offshore reef that handle serious size. Expert only. The main reef is a 15-minute paddle and demands respect, fitness, and experience. Shark activity is noted but the quality of waves keeps the committed crew coming back. When it's on, Forresters delivers world-class walls.
⚡ Heavy offshore reef • Expert only • 600m paddle-out
Works best with swells from 160° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-180°.
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Needs at least 11s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 280°-350°. Best window: morning.
Heavy offshore reef. Sharks present. 15-min paddle.
Beach access from Forresters Beach Road. Long paddle.
The Right is one of the heaviest waves on Earth—a mutant right-hand slab that detonates over a flat rock shelf on Western Australia's remote south coast. When massive Southern Ocean swells march in, the wave throws a thick, square lip that produces cavernous barrels and 40-second hold-downs. Only accessible by boat or jet ski from a remote stretch of coast near Walpole, The Right is strictly for elite big wave surfers and has attracted the world's best hellmen since it was first towed into in the mid-2000s.
⚡ Mutant south coast slab • Tow-in only • 40-second hold-downs
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-310°.
Ideal size: 7.5m. Too small below 3m, too big (closeout) above 12m.
Winter Southern Ocean swells. Needs large swell to break.
😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🦈 Sharks, 🏝️ Remote, 🪨 Rocks
Extremely dangerous slab. 40+ second hold-downs. Tow-in only. Boat/jet ski access required.
90 minutes drive from ALH airport. Requires boat access ($500/day).
Boat or jet ski access only from Boat Harbour Road off South Coast Highway near Walpole.
Cyclops is one of the most terrifying waves in the world—an ultra-shallow slab that breaks over a barely submerged reef shelf near Esperance on Western Australia's remote south coast. The wave breaks in water so shallow that riders are launched over dry reef, and the consequences of a wipeout are severe. Accessible only by boat from the Cape Le Grand area, Cyclops explodes when solid SW groundswells hit the shelf, producing thick, square barrels that close out in seconds. This is strictly experts-only territory where miscalculation can be fatal.
💀 Ultra-shallow reef slab • Boat access only • Esperance frontier
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-270°.
Ideal size: 3.0m. Too small below 2m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Autumn provides best combo of swell and lighter winds.
🦈 Sharks, ⚠️ Shallow, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🏝️ Remote, 🪸 Sharp reef
Extremely shallow. Boat access only. Great white sharks. One of the most dangerous waves in Australia.
60 minutes drive from EPR airport. Requires boat access ($400/day).
Boat or jet ski access only from near Cape Le Grand/Cape Arid area east of Esperance.
Cow Bombie (Cowaramup Bombora) is Australia's premier big wave break—an open-ocean reef that lurks 2 kilometres offshore from Gracetown in the Margaret River region. When massive Indian Ocean storm swells push through, the bombie comes alive with waves that have been ridden at 40+ feet, making it the biggest wave ever surfed in Australia. The break was pioneered by local big wave chargers and has since attracted international big wave surfers. Only accessible by jet ski, Cow Bombie represents the absolute pinnacle of Australian big wave surfing.
🏔️ Australia's biggest wave • 2km offshore • Margaret River power
Works best with swells from 240° (WSW). Workable range: 190°-290°.
Ideal size: 11.0m. Too small below 4m, too big (closeout) above 18m.
Needs at least 16s period. Ideal: 20s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 100° (E). Offshore range: 70°-135°. Best window: morning.
Winter only. Needs massive swell to break on the outer reef.
Australia's biggest rideable wave. 2km offshore. Tow-in/jet ski only.
175 minutes drive from PER airport. Requires boat access ($600/day).
~2hr45 drive south from Perth to Gracetown, then jet-ski launch and a 2km ride out to the break.
Red Bluff is one of Western Australia's most iconic left-handers—a remote reef break on the Quobba coast that delivers hollow, mechanical barrels when SW groundswell lights up the lineup. The wave peels over a shallow limestone ledge with precision, offering rides up to 150 metres on clean days. Getting here requires a long drive from Carnarvon followed by an unsealed road to the basic camping facilities at Quobba Station. The keyhole entry over sharp reef adds to the adventure. For decades, Red Bluff has drawn committed surfers willing to rough it for world-class waves in complete isolation.
🏜️ Remote WA barrel • Keyhole reef entry • Desert isolation
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 80°-150°. Best window: morning.
Winter SW groundswell season. Consistent swell exposure.
🦈 Sharks, 🪸 Sharp reef, 🏝️ Remote, 🚶 Difficult access
Very remote. Keyhole entry over sharp reef. Great white territory.
Quobba Station campground. Unsealed road from highway. Keyhole reef entry.
Jake's Point is Kalbarri's crown jewel—a world-class left-hand point break that peels over a rocky shelf with machine-like precision when SW groundswells hit the mid-west coast. Designated a National Surfing Reserve, the wave offers long, walling lefts with barrel sections that can run for 300 metres on quality days. Located just 3km south of the small fishing town of Kalbarri, Jake's sits at the mouth of the Murchison River gorge, surrounded by dramatic red cliffs. The break handles size well but can be dangerous when the swell gets serious.
👑 National Surfing Reserve • World-class left • Red cliff backdrop
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 180°-280°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 5m.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 100°-170°. Best window: morning.
Winter SW groundswell. National Surfing Reserve.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🪨 Rocks, 🦈 Sharks, 🌀 Strong rips
Rocky shelf bottom. Shallow sections. Strong currents on bigger days.
3km south of Kalbarri town. Shore access via rocky path.
Smiths Beach is the Margaret River region's most approachable wave—a forgiving sandy reef break that offers fun lefts and rights without the intimidation factor of its heavier neighbours. Nestled in a protected bay near Yallingup, the wave works through most conditions and is a favourite with intermediate surfers and families. When bigger WSW swells push through, the outside reef section fires with more power, while the inside remains playful. The beautiful turquoise water and white sand beach make it one of the most scenic surf spots on the Cape Naturaliste coast.
🏖️ Forgiving sandy reef • Yallingup beauty • Margaret River for all
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 215°-280°.
Ideal size: 1.5m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 60°-135°. Best window: morning.
Works best between 0.65m and 0.95m tide.
Year-round. More forgiving than other Margaret River breaks.
Sandy reef bottom. Generally safe but watch for rips on bigger days.
Easy beach access from Smiths Beach carpark near Yallingup, ~2hr45 drive south of Perth.
Trigg Point is Perth's best-known surf break—a sand-dependent right-hand point that wraps around the rocky headland at Trigg Beach on the city's northern suburbs. When the sandbars align and a clean SW-W groundswell arrives, Trigg delivers long, workable walls with occasional barrel sections. The wave is heavily localized and extremely crowded, but the proximity to Perth's 2 million residents makes it the city's go-to spot. The surrounding beach and café scene make it a social hub for Perth's surf community.
🏙️ Perth's best break • Sand-dependent right • Urban lineup
Works best with swells from 235° (SW). Workable range: 195°-290°.
Winter SW groundswell season. Perth's best.
Very crowded. Sand-dependent right point. Rock platform entry.
Trigg Beach carpark. Easy access but very crowded.
Scarborough Beach is Perth's busiest surf beach—a long stretch of white sand that picks up virtually any swell going. Multiple sandbars create shifting peaks offering both lefts and rights, making it a reliable option when other spots are flat. The beach is exposed to the full force of Indian Ocean swells and handles everything from knee-high summer fun to solid winter groundswells. Strong rips are a constant hazard.
🏖️ Perth's surf hub • Consistent beach break • Always crowded
Works best with swells from 260° (W). Workable range: 220°-300°.
Year-round surf. Best in winter with bigger SW groundswells.
Strong rips. Very crowded, especially weekends.
Large beachfront carpark. Easy beach access.
Cottesloe is Perth's most iconic beach—a protected stretch of coast between two granite headlands that catches smaller swells and offers mellow waves for beginners and longboarders. The groyne creates a sandbar that can produce fun little walls on the right swell. Less exposed than Scarborough, it works when bigger spots are closing out, making it a reliable small-wave option for Perth surfers.
🏛️ Perth icon • Mellow beach break • Beginner friendly
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 210°-270°.
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.4m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 70°-150°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Small but consistent. Protected from bigger swells.
Iconic Perth beach. Easy access from Marine Parade.
Gas Bay is a quality right-hand reef break just south of Margaret River main break that delivers hollow, workable walls when the swell is right. It picks up more swell than many nearby breaks and is surprisingly consistent even in summer months—surf-forecast lists February as the best month for clean waves here. The reef creates a defined takeoff zone and the wave runs along a shallow ledge, offering barrel sections on bigger days.
🌊 Margaret River right • Consistent reef • Works year-round
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 195°-260°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Best autumn through spring. Summer swells smaller but still surfable. February is surprisingly consistent.
Can be crowded when on. Rips on bigger days. Shark sightings common.
Short walk from Gas Bay carpark off Caves Road.
Three Bears is a consistent left-hand reef break near Yallingup that offers a high-driving barrel after a peaky takeoff. The exposed reef picks up plenty of swell and works across most tidal stages. Named for the three distinct sections along the reef—Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear—each offering different wave characteristics. A reliable option when the bigger Margaret River breaks are too heavy.
🐻 Yallingup left • Barrel reef • Consistent
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 195°-270°.
Best autumn through spring. Consistent exposed reef picks up most swells.
Can get crowded. Reef entry requires care.
Access from Yallingup Beach carpark. Short walk south.
South Point is an accessible left-hand point break near Gracetown that offers forgiving walls for beginner to intermediate surfers. One of the few Margaret River breaks that still works in a southwest wind, making it a reliable option when the main breaks are blown out. The wave wraps around the rocky point and peels along the inside, offering long rides on clean days. Rarely crowded.
🌿 Gracetown left • Beginner friendly • Works in onshore
Works best with swells from 240° (WSW). Workable range: 200°-280°.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 13s+ (long-period groundswell).
Best winter. One of the few spots that still works in a SW wind.
Rocky entry. Shark sightings in the area.
Walk from Gracetown. Short track to the point.
The Guillotine is an exposed left-hand reef break near Gracetown that delivers very consistent waves. The reef picks up virtually any swell going and works best around mid tide when the wave produces clean, defined walls with barrel sections. The isolated location keeps crowds to a minimum, but the rocky reef and shark-prone waters demand respect. A solid intermediate option in the Margaret River region.
🔪 Gracetown reef • Very consistent • Uncrowded
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 195°-265°.
Very consistent reef. Autumn through spring is prime.
Isolated spot. Reef entry. Shark territory.
Remote access near Gracetown. Track through bush.
Cactus Caves is the fearsome right-hander in the legendary Cactus Beach zone on the Great Australian Bight. While its neighbour Castles draws the crowds with its long left, Caves delivers thick, heavy barrels that break over dangerously shallow reef. The wave is strictly for advanced surfers—the take-off zone is tight, the barrel is square, and the reef below is unforgiving. Set in one of Australia's most remote and shark-infested stretches of coastline, reaching Caves requires a long drive from Ceduna followed by a dirt road to basic camping at Point Sinclair.
🦈 Heavy right-hand barrel • Great Australian Bight • Shark territory
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 170°-250°.
Offshore wind from 30° (NNE). Offshore range: 350°-70°. Best window: morning.
Winter for biggest swells. Autumn can be cleaner.
🦈 Sharks, 🪸 Sharp reef, 🏝️ Remote, ⚠️ Shallow
Great white shark territory. Sharp reef. Very remote—nearest town Penong 2 hrs from Ceduna.
Dirt road from Penong. Basic camping at Point Sinclair. No facilities.
The Dump is Victor Harbor's go-to reef break—a quality right-hander that peels over a rocky shelf on the Fleurieu Peninsula's south coast. When clean SW groundswell arrives from the Southern Ocean, the wave offers punchy walls and occasional barrel sections. The break sits in an area known locally as Shark Alley, so awareness is essential. Located about 80 minutes south of Adelaide, The Dump provides a genuine reef break experience that rewards those willing to make the drive from the city.
🦈 Fleurieu Peninsula reef • Shark Alley • Southern Ocean power
Shark Alley. Rocky entry. Shallow reef sections.
6km from Victor Harbor town. Rocky shore access.
Point Impossible is the Surf Coast's quieter alternative to Bells and Winki Pop—a quality right-hand reef break between Torquay and Ocean Grove that picks up the same SW groundswell but with a fraction of the crowd. The break has two sections: the Insides offers a gentler ride suited to learners, while the Outsides delivers more powerful walls over the outer reef. When clean SW swell and NW winds combine on a low tide, Point Impossible can produce surprisingly good waves in a mellow atmosphere.
🌊 Surf Coast sleeper • Less crowds than Bells • Two-section reef
Offshore wind from 340° (NNW). Offshore range: 300°-20°. Best window: morning.
Winter for biggest swells. Less crowded than Bells area.
Rocky reef entry. Can have strong rips on bigger swells.
Beach access from Point Impossible car park. Between Torquay and Ocean Grove.
Martha Lavinia is the remote beach break on King Island that Tracks magazine rated as Australia's best. Sitting in Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria, the west-facing beach catches every Southern Ocean swell that rolls through, delivering powerful, hollow beach break peaks with nobody around. The island's small population means you'll likely surf alone, accompanied only by the kelp forests, Cape Barren geese, and the occasional seal. Getting here requires a flight to the tiny King Island Airport, but the reward is pristine, uncrowded waves in one of Australia's wildest settings.
🏝️ Australia's best beach break • King Island isolation • Wild Bass Strait
Offshore wind from 240° (WSW). Offshore range: 210°-280°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Consistent swell from Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.
Extremely remote island. Strong rips. Cold water.
King Island Airport (KNS). Short drive to west coast beach.
Cloudy Bay is Bruny Island's premier surf break—a long, powerful beach exposed to the full force of the Southern Ocean. Located on the south coast of South Bruny, the beach catches S-SW groundswells that generate punchy peaks along the 4km stretch of sand. The bay hosts the annual Bruny Island Classic competition, drawing Tasmania's best surfers. Getting here requires a ferry crossing from Kettering followed by a drive through pristine Tasmanian bush. The reward is raw, uncrowded waves in one of Australia's most beautiful coastal settings.
🌊 Southern Ocean power • Bruny Island wilderness • Tassie's hidden gem
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 165°-215°.
Autumn-winter for biggest swells. Can fire year-round.
Remote island. Cold water. Strong rips. Ferry access only.
Ferry from Kettering (30min south of Hobart), then drive to south Bruny. ~2hr total from Hobart.
Eaglehawk Neck sits on the narrow isthmus joining the Forestier and Tasman Peninsulas, not far from the legendary Shipstern Bluff. When south-easterly swells arrive with westerly winds, the breaks around the Neck come alive with powerful, dramatic waves set against towering dolerite cliffs. While it doesn't match the raw ferocity of nearby Shipstern, Eaglehawk Neck offers a more accessible taste of Tasmania's world-class surf in a stunning natural setting. The area is steeped in convict history, with the ruins of Port Arthur nearby.
🏔️ Tasman Peninsula power • Near Shipstern • Dramatic cliffs
Works best with swells from 150° (SSE). Workable range: 120°-200°.
Offshore wind from 300° (WNW). Offshore range: 270°-340°. Best window: morning.
Best with SE swell and westerly winds. Same swell window as Shipstern.
Dramatic cliffs. Powerful waves. Near Shipstern Bluff.
Drive from Hobart via Arthur Highway. Shore access.
Ocean Beach is Tasmania's wild west coast frontier—a 33km stretch of sand that faces directly into the Roaring Forties, receiving every swell the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean can throw at it. The beach break delivers consistent, powerful peaks year-round, with some of the most raw and isolated surf conditions in Australia. The nearest town, Strahan, is a tiny fishing village, and the surrounding Tarkine rainforest is World Heritage listed. When Cape Sorell buoy readings spike, the waves here can be genuinely massive.
🌊 Wild west coast • Roaring Forties power • 33km of empty peaks
Works best with swells from 250° (WSW). Workable range: 220°-300°.
Year-round swell. West coast receives all Southern and Indian Ocean swell.
Very remote west coast. Powerful shore break. Strong rips.
Long drive from Launceston (3hrs) or fly to Strahan airstrip. Beach access from Henty Dunes area.
Noosa Tea Tree is the second point in the legendary Noosa point break series, sitting between First Point and Nationals in the Noosa National Park. The wave breaks over boulders and is hollower and more powerful than the mellow First Point, demanding better positioning and more commitment. When solid E-NE swell pushes through, Tea Tree can connect with First Point below and Nationals above for rides measured in the hundreds of metres. The walk through the national park to reach it adds to the anticipation.
🌿 Noosa's hollow section • Boulder bottom barrels • National Park setting
Works best with swells from 60° (ENE). Workable range: 30°-90°.
Autumn cyclone swells and E-NE groundswell season.
Boulder bottom. Can be crowded when connecting through the Noosa points.
Walk through Noosa National Park from Noosa Heads. ~15 minute walk.
Noosa Nationals is the outermost point in the famous Noosa point break chain, home to the infamous Boiling Pot takeoff zone that demands precise timing. When bigger E-NE swells push in, the wave wraps around the rocky headland with long, walling walls that connect through to Tea Tree and potentially all the way to First Point—a ride of 400+ metres. The name comes from a surfing competition that was held here, and the break's quality and length have cemented its place in Australian surfing lore. The walk through pristine national park bush is part of the experience.
🏆 Boiling Pot takeoff • 400m+ rides • Noosa's outermost point
Works best with swells from 55° (NE). Workable range: 25°-90°.
Offshore wind from 210° (SSW). Offshore range: 170°-250°. Best window: morning.
Autumn cyclone swells. Needs more swell than First Point.
Rocky bottom. Boiling Pot takeoff zone is intense. Crowds when on.
Walk through Noosa National Park from Noosa Heads. ~20 minute walk.
Greenmount is the picturesque headland break at the heart of Coolangatta's surfing world, forming a key link in the legendary Superbank system. When E-SE swells push sand along the coast, waves can connect from Rainbow Bay through Greenmount and down to Snapper Rocks, creating some of the longest rides in Australia. Even without the full Superbank connection, Greenmount delivers fun, peeling right-handers that wrap around the headland. The views from the hill are iconic, and the surrounding cafes and parks make it the social heart of Gold Coast surfing.
🌅 Superbank connection • Coolangatta icon • Headland right-hander
Works best with swells from 100° (E). Workable range: 60°-145°.
Winter E-SE swells. Part of the Superbank system.
Very crowded. Part of the Superbank sand system.
Easy beach access from Greenmount headland. Heart of Coolangatta.
Main Beach is the Gold Coast's pressure valve—when the Superbank and Burleigh are packed solid, locals head north to find uncrowded peaks along this long stretch of sand between Surfers Paradise and the Spit. The beach break offers consistent peaks through all tides, with the occasional sand-bottom barrel forming against the groyne structures. While it lacks the world-class form of the point breaks to the south, Main Beach delivers fun, uncrowded waves just minutes from the high-rises.
🏄 Gold Coast overflow • Uncrowded peaks • Surfers Paradise alternative
Winter E-SE swells. Good alternative when Superbank is too crowded.
Easy beach access from Main Beach Parade. Near Surfers Paradise.
Double Island Point is one of Australia's most magical surf experiences—a long, mellow right-hand sand point that wraps around the headland in the Great Sandy National Park, north of Noosa. On good days, rides of 500+ metres are possible, making it one of the longest waves in the country. The wave is gentle enough for beginners yet fun enough for experts, with a sand bottom and forgiving nature. Access is 4WD only along the beach from Rainbow Beach, adding to the adventure. Surf schools run regular trips from Noosa, introducing surfers to waves they can ride for literally hundreds of metres.
🏖️ 500m+ rides possible • Sand point perfection • 4WD adventure access
Works best with swells from 60° (ENE). Workable range: 30°-100°.
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.3m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 7s period. Ideal: 10s+ (long-period groundswell).
Autumn E-NE swell season. Cyclone swells in summer.
4WD access only along beach. Tidal access can be tricky.
surf-forecast.com, Epic Ocean Adventures
4WD only via Rainbow Beach along the sand. Great Sandy National Park permit required.
Broken Head is Byron Bay's step-up wave—a right-hand point/reef break south of town that delivers hollower, more challenging conditions than the mellow Pass. The wave breaks over rock and reef with barrel sections that reward committed surfers. The setting is stunning, with the headland surrounded by nature reserve and eucalyptus forest. While it's only a short drive from Byron, the vibe is more serious and the locals less tolerant of drop-ins. When The Pass is too crowded or too small, Broken Head offers a genuine step up in both quality and consequences.
🌿 Byron's step-up wave • Hollow reef right • Nature reserve setting
Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 45°-130°.
Autumn-winter E swells. More advanced alternative to The Pass.
Rocky reef sections. More challenging than The Pass. Locals-only vibe.
Turn off Pacific Highway south of Byron Bay. Short walk to beach.
Long Reef Bombora is Sydney's big wave playground—an offshore reef break that lurks beyond the Long Reef headland on the Northern Beaches. When solid SE-E groundswells push through, the bombie comes alive with powerful A-frame peaks that can hold 4m+ faces. The long paddle from shore or jet ski tow out separates the committed from the curious. While it's within sight of Sydney's suburban beaches, the bombie delivers a genuine big wave experience with serious consequences if things go wrong.
⚡ Sydney's big wave spot • Offshore bombora • Northern Beaches power
Autumn-winter. Needs solid swell to break on the outer reef.
Offshore big wave spot. Long paddle or jet ski access. Serious consequences.
Long paddle from Long Reef headland. Some use jet skis.
Queenscliff is the northern end of Manly Beach, where the wave takes on a different character to the southern section. Sitting in a NE-facing pocket below the headland, Queenscliff picks up NE swell that bypasses the rest of the beach. The break was made famous when Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated surfing here in 1915, introducing the sport to Australia. Today it remains one of Sydney's most consistent waves, with defined peaks that work through most tides. The bombie offshore adds a big wave option when serious swell arrives.
🏄 Where Australian surfing began • NE swell magnet • Manly's northern end
Works best with swells from 45° (NE). Workable range: 30°-135°.
Offshore wind from 315° (NW). Offshore range: 270°-350°. Best window: morning.
Autumn-winter NE-E swells. Works on different swell to south Manly.
Crowded urban beach. Strong rips near headland.
North end of Manly Beach. Ferry from Circular Quay or drive.
Black Rock (also known as Aussie Pipe) is a hollow left-hand reef break at Wreck Bay in Jervis Bay—Australia's first Aboriginal surfing reserve. The wave breaks over a shallow rock shelf and produces tube rides that rival anything on the east coast. Located within the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, access is on Aboriginal land, and visitors must respect traditional owners and their protocols. The break has a loyal local crew and a rich cultural history, making it one of the most culturally significant surf spots in Australia.
🇦🇺 Aussie Pipe • Aboriginal surfing reserve • East coast tubes
Works best with swells from 170° (S). Workable range: 140°-195°.
Offshore wind from 20° (NNE). Offshore range: 340°-70°. Best window: morning.
Hollow, shallow reef break. Aboriginal land—respect access protocols.
Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. Respect traditional owners and access rules.
Casuarina Beach is the Tweed Coast's answer to the crowded Gold Coast points—quality beach break peaks that deliver fun, uncrowded surf just minutes south of the border. The long stretch of sand between Kingscliff and Pottsville picks up the same E-SE swell that lights up Snapper and Kirra, but with a fraction of the crowd. Multiple peaks work through all tides, and the sheltered sections behind the rock platforms offer protection from the dominant southerly winds. For surfers after Gold Coast-quality swell without the mayhem, Casuarina is the answer.
🏖️ Tweed Coast quality • Gold Coast escape • Uncrowded peaks
Autumn-winter E-SE swells. Less crowded than Gold Coast.
Easy beach access from Casuarina village. Near Kingscliff on Tweed Coast.
Lighthouse Beach is Port Macquarie's most consistent surf break—a long stretch of sand that picks up E-SE swell and serves up punchy beach break peaks day after day. Named for the Tacking Point Lighthouse that watches over the southern end, the beach offers quality waves without the crowds of the Gold or Northern Beaches. The multiple peaks spread surfers out along the beach, and the variety of sandbar formations means there's usually a good bank working somewhere. A solid all-rounder on the mid-north coast.
🏖️ Port Macquarie staple • Consistent beach break • Mid-north coast charm
Works best with swells from 100° (E). Workable range: 60°-150°.
Autumn-winter E-SE swells. Consistent mid-north coast break.
Standard beach rips. Generally safe beach.
Easy access from Matthew Flinders Drive. Popular Port Macquarie beach.
Ballina South Wall is a river mouth break that forms consistent lefts where the Richmond River meets the sea. The sand deposited by the river creates shifting banks against the south training wall, producing peeling lefts that can be remarkably consistent when the banks are right. The wave works best on clean SE groundswell with light WSW winds. Ballina has unfortunately gained notoriety for shark encounters, so awareness is essential. Despite this, the wave's consistency and quality keep locals coming back.
🌊 Richmond River setup • Consistent lefts • Northern Rivers character
Offshore wind from 250° (WSW). Offshore range: 210°-280°. Best window: morning.
Winter SE groundswell. River mouth sand setup.
River mouth setup. Strong currents. Shark sightings—Ballina is known for shark activity.
Access from the Richmond River south wall. Carpark nearby.
Evans Head is a quiet Northern Rivers town that punches above its weight for surf quality. The beach and reef breaks around the headland pick up E-SE swell and deliver uncrowded waves that most surfers drive past on the way to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast. The main beach offers multiple peaks, while the rock platforms around the headland create defined reef breaks on bigger swells. With a population under 3,000 and limited tourist traffic, Evans Head is one of the best uncrowded surf zones on the NSW north coast.
🏘️ Northern Rivers sleeper • Uncrowded beach breaks • Drive-past gem
Easy beach access from Evans Head village. Small coastal town.
Tallows Beach is Byron Bay's swell magnet—the long, south-facing stretch of beach between Cape Byron and Broken Head that catches SE-E swell when the north-facing breaks like The Pass go flat. The beach offers powerful, punchy peaks along its 3km length, with the best banks typically forming near the Cape Byron end. Less crowded than Byron's other breaks due to the walk required to reach it, Tallows delivers a rawer, more isolated surf experience within sight of Australia's most easterly point.
🧭 Byron's swell magnet • South-facing exposure • Cape Byron views
Works best with swells from 110° (ESE). Workable range: 70°-160°.
Year-round. Swell magnet when other Byron spots are flat.
Strong rips. Occasional shark sightings. Remote southern section.
Beach access from Tallows Beach Road or walk from Cape Byron.
Fingal Head is a unique right-hand reef break that peels over ancient basalt columns—Australia's own Giants Causeway formed 23 million years ago by lava flows from the now-extinct Tweed Volcano. The wave needs specific NE-E swell to wrap around the headland and break properly, making it an inconsistent but rewarding spot when conditions align. The setting is spectacular, with Cook Island sitting offshore and the hexagonal basalt columns visible at low tide. The break has a loyal local crew who know exactly which tides and swells make it fire.
🌋 Basalt reef right • Australia's Giants Causeway • Ancient lava break
Works best with swells from 60° (ENE). Workable range: 20°-100°.
Autumn NE swell season. Needs specific NE swell direction.
Basalt reef. Sharp volcanic rock. Cook Island views.
Fingal Head village. Walk to headland. Giants Causeway basalt formations.
Mandurah Wedge is a punchy breakwater setup south of Perth where refracted Indian Ocean swell folds into a steep right-hand wedge. It is best known as a bodyboarding wave: short, fast, and capable of throwing vertical ramps when the bank and backwash line up. The rock wall makes conditions unpredictable, so it suits experienced riders who can read moving water and avoid the structure.
Perth-side wedge | Breakwater ramps | Bodyboard focus
Works best with swells from 235° (SW). Workable range: 210°-260°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Offshore wind from 65° (ENE). Offshore range: 45°-90°. Best window: morning.
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Jetty/breakwater backwash creates unpredictable conditions.
Breakwall at Port Macquarie is a right-hand wedge formed by the river training wall and shifting sand. It is a compact, high-energy wave with a strong bodyboarding history, turning modest east-coast swell into bowls, ramps, and close-range barrels. Conditions change quickly with tide, bank shape, and current, so the best sessions reward local timing.
Port Macquarie wedge | Rock-wall bowls | Bodyboard town
Offshore wind from 240° (WSW). Offshore range: 210°-270°. Best window: morning.
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Rock wall refracts swell. Can be unpredictable.
The Point at Cronulla is a heavy right-hand reef near Shark Island, known for holding solid south swell and producing ledgy takeoffs over limestone. It is more powerful than the nearby beach breaks and becomes a serious proposition when the swell period climbs. The wave suits advanced surfers and bodyboarders who are comfortable with shallow reef, crowds, and fast sections.
Cronulla reef right | Shark Island energy | Heavy south swell
Works best with swells from 175° (S). Workable range: 160°-190°.
Voodoo is one of Cronulla's most serious slabs, a powerful left breaking over shallow rock on the edge of Bate Bay. It needs solid south swell and clean wind to become rideable, then delivers steep drops, thick barrels, and little room for error. This is expert-only surf with real reef consequences and a committed local crew.
Cronulla slab | Expert-only left | Shallow rock ledge
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 180°-200°.
Ideal size: 2.2m. Too small below 1.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.8m.
🪸 Sharp reef, 🪨 Rocks, ⚠️ Shallow, 👥 Crowded
Expert only. Part of Cronulla's slab arena.