The 11 best surf beaches to shred at in Australia

Named the 'best surf beach in Australia' by Lonely Planet in 2024, Bells Beach is a mecca of Aussie surf history. Tucked away between natural red clay cliffs off the long, winding wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Bells is a special, historical break that's just 90 minutes away from Melbourne. A cold water spot that pumps with the power of the Southern Ocean, Bells is known by surfers worldwide for offering up huge waves, occasionally very tough conditions, and a kind of explosively powerful break that takes a lot of your strength to ride – but if you do, you'll have the time of your life. 

Good for: advanced surfers, and the confident intermediate. 

Stay away: if you're a beginner, or looking for a swim. This one's unpatrolled and not swimming-friendly.

Margaret River is a legendary surf spot in Western Australia that's known for its mindblowing natural beauty, space and perfect waves that work for total beginners to World Surf Lifesaving champs. Although there are 75 named breaks over a 120-kilometre stretch of coast to choose from, you can't go wrong at the Margaret River Mouth for beginners, Injidup Beach for intermediates, or Mainbreak at Surfer's Point for the experienced. The river mouth is super close to the main town, protected by a bay and patrolled in summer. Injidup is all about turquoise waters and beautiful rock pools, is protected from big southerlies and swells, and is good for all levels. However, if you're a pro, Mainbreak is paradise with its 20-25 foot waves most days. 

Good for: all levels, depending on location. Consistent quality waves and watching pro-surfers work magic. 

Stay away: if you're scared of sharks. Sorry. 

The Gold Coast is home to a legitimate place called 'Surfers Paradise' – but we reckon Snapper Rocks, a rocky outcrop off Point Danger on the southern end of Rainbow Bay, is really where the action's at. Experienced surfers love how it brings in bigger swells that crash up against the 'Superbank', a man-made sandbank that extends for two kilometres from Snapper Rocks to another epic surf beach, Kirra. With multiple barrel sections and long, hollow amazing waves, this spot is world-renowned for its consistently excellent break. 

Good for: beginner-friendly, intermediate and advanced all welcome. 

Stay away: if you hate packed line-ups or want to swim. This is one of the most crowded breaks in the world. 

Yamba, on the eastern coast of NSW is an iconic surf town with a long surfy history. Far less crowded than hot-spots like Byron Bay and Sydney, Yamba is a bit of a roadtrip up from Sydney, or a one-hour flight from Byron. If you're starting out, you will find easy beginner waves at Yamba Harbour and Main Beach – but if you're into a world-class break and punchy waves, head to Angourie Point. A small, southeast-facing rocky outcrop, advanced and professional surfers come here year-round for the long right-handers and consistently perfect waves. 

Good for: at Yamba Main Beach, beginners and swimmers will have a fab time, while at Angourie Point it's for the advanced, intermediate and pros who want clean, mostly empty waves.

Stay away: at Angourie Point – if you don't respect local surf rules and don't like paddling for a long time. 

When a place is declared a National Surfing Reserve, you know you're in for a good time. A long and exposed beach break that faces south-west, straight into the eye of powerful westerly winds, you're going to get conditions that are best suited for experienced surfers. Considered one of the best breaks in Victoria, Woolamai offers up moderately sized to high waves, with an average size of 1.7 metres. You can expect long, smooth left and right-handers, with conditions at their best when the swell is at low and moderate levels, and winds are blowing northerly. 

Good for: experienced surfers.

Stay away: if you're a beginner or an inexperienced swimmer. This is one of the most hazardous beaches in Victoria, with an average of 55 people having to get rescued annually. Yikes.

If bathwater-warm ocean temps, glittering blue waves and long, tropical days are what you're seeking for your next surf sesh, look no further than Noosa – a globally recognised 'World Surfing Reserve'. If you're just starting out, or have been surfing for 30 years, Noosa has everything you need. Crystal clear water, an abundance of marine life and world-famous surfing breaks await you here. The Main Beach is spilling with long, smooth waves that are perfect for beginners, while around the corner at Noosa Groyne, you'll find an abundance of surf schools that'll have you shredding in no time. 

Good for: total beginners, intermediate and those keen on a chill and tropical time. 

Stay away: if you're after a massive break, empty water and a challenge.

While Bondi claims the fame, this 1.1-kilometre bay with a world-famous wave culture is the OG home of Surfing NSW. Beyond the thundering waves favoured by the likes of Kelly Slater, the Bra is hemmed by windswept dunes, wild bushland and a rocky headland – yet is close to many eating and drinking options. With year-round patrols, this place is safe and popular with families as well as the constant flow of surfers. But less confident swimmers may be better sticking to floating in Mahon Pool at the beaches’ north. 

Good for: surfing, beachside eats and drinks.

Stay away: inexperienced surfers should look out for strong rips and powerful waves.

We’ll leave this one to the pros. Home to the jacking left-hander, Jakes Point is located within one of Western Australia’s three National Surfing Reserves and stands out as one of the state’s most famous remote surfing breaks. Like many reef breaks, Jakes fires up from two feet upwards, so is best ridden by seasoned surfers only. For those not hitting the waves, the coastal cliff rock platforms offer a front-row seat to watch local legends take on the powerful swells. 

Good for: absolute pros and those keen to see F1 star Daniel Ricciardo riding a wave.

Stay away: if you're a beginner or scared of big waves.

A sleepy, coastal town beloved by locals on the NSW mid-north coast, surfing is Crescent's lifeblood – and for good reason. A beautiful beach break awaits you at this wide, curvacious bit of coastline, with its living legacy coming from the consistently powerful right-hander that's been drawing surfers here for decades. There are a bunch of different beach breaks that you can choose from at Crescent, from hidden beaches in the stunning national park to a variety of left and right-hand barrels in both north and south directions at Crescent Head Front Beach. No matter what level you are (or who you are) there's something at this special spot for everyone. 

Good for: experienced longboarders and beginners, depending on location. 

Stay away: if you're a total beginner, don't come in winter – summer is your season. If you're not, the best waves roll in from May to August, so you may wish to avoid the hot months for extra space and cleaner waves.

The Gold Coast is synonymous with surfing, so you’d be mad not to try it at least once. Another Aussie addition to the World Surfing Reserve, Burleigh Heads' right-hand barrels are easily some of the best in the country. As the northernmost breakpoint on the Gold Coast, its waters are fairly exposed, often catching strong offshore winds. While experienced surfers will love the adrenaline rush, the shallower waves also make it a hotspot for beginners.

Good for: surfers of all abilities.

Stay away: if you don't like fighting for waves.

If you're in Sydney, don't have a car, and want an immediate and pumping surf experience that's still right in the city, look no further than the idyllic surfy town of Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches. A World Surfing Reserve, this spot is widely heralded as the 'birthplace of modern Aussie surfing', and offers a range of waves for beginners to intermediates. However, in the winter months, experienced pros will love the strong, big swells. Along Manly's main beach there's a great surf school to get you started, while at Queenscliff on the north end, you'll find exposed surf and a reliable break. If you've got a vehicle pop over the headland to the beautiful Freshwater for pure water and delightfully smooth waves.

Good for: beginners, intermediates and city slickers who want a quality feed, coffee and a look around boutique shops after they get out of the water.

Stay away: if you're a pro who likes getting off-grid and having a lot of space to yourself.