Top 7 surfing destinations in Australia

Everybody knows that Australia has some of the world’s best surf. But within Australia, Australians know where exactly to get the best swell.

The Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans all lap the Australian coastline, consisting of an astounding variety of beaches. Though the Gold Coast may be the go-to for international visitors, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The gleaming white beaches of Western Australia, the quiet coves or broad bays of NSW and the rugged shores of South Australia all boast pristine, soft sand and perfectly-formed waves.

When faced with such a diverse selection, who better to ask than Australian travellers themselves? Whether you want a wave to yourself or to hang out in a local surfing hotspot, here are the country’s top surfing destinations according to Aussies.*

Gnarabup

An uncrowded, picture-perfect beach in Western Australia, Gnarabup is all white sand and azure waters. This almost deserted paradise is celebrated for its surf but is swimmers and stand-up paddleboarders will also love its warm and heavenly waters.

Byron Bay

It may be a bit of a cliché but you won’t find an atmosphere matching Byron’s anywhere else. And the surf’s not bad either. A mellow town with a captivating beach, it’s an easy place to while away days on end. If the novelty of fantastic surf wears off, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. A popular tourist activity is to hike up to the cape and touch the most easterly point of Australia.

Torquay

From Torquay, keen surfers should head to Bells Beach. One of the world’s most famous beaches, its stark, red clay cliffs and warm, amber sand are instantly alluring. Even if you don’t want to tackle the vast waves, the cliffs provide a vantage point to watch the pros show you how it’s done. It’s also the home of the annual Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival if you want to see something really impressive.

Lennox Head

Lennox Head is a protected National Surfing Reserve and of Australia’s 10,685 beaches, it’s regularly voted in the nation’s top ten. Its colossal crests aren’t the only selling point though – it markets itself as ‘the new Byron Bay’ i.e. chilled out vibes but fewer tourists.

Ocean Grove

Windswept and backed by grassy dunes, Ocean Grove is unpolished beauty. Its sturdy waves are a surfer’s playground and its golden sands have a nostalgic mood, being reminiscent of a time when beaches weren’t for selfies and sunbathing but good old fashioned outdoorsy fun.

Mollymook

A popular holiday destination for Sydneysiders, Mollymook is renowned for good surf. The entire 2-km stretch of beach is patrolled seasonally and has a Mollymook Surf Club, established in 1933.

Yallingup

Yallingup’s status as possibly the best surf spot on Australia’s west coast defies its size and character, being a small and low-key village. Not necessarily one for beginners, given that the waves can range from gentle to intimidatingly huge depending on the swell. But it’s equally exciting to watch others ride the waves from the sand of this serene, crystal clear lagoon.

*The data experts at Booking.com segmented Australian travellers and analysed its internal data to find the destinations they were endorsing in Australia for surfing.