Australia isn’t referred to the lucky country because of its abundance of surfable waves, but it certainly could be. The amount of coastline surrounding our island nation combined with big, wide expanses of oceans which serve up swells on a platter mean that we are as lucky as anywhere in the world when it comes to waves, and waves of varying kinds. While there are plenty of world-class waves scattered around the country, there are also plenty of options for those looking to learn, and the below are some of the best of them.
What are the best beaches for beginners to learn to surf?
Victoria
There’s no shortage of pumping surf in Victoria, with the Surf Coast in particular renowned for its long period, pumping right-hand reef breaks. That makes that region a world class surfing destination, but it’s not exactly ideal for beginners. Fortunately, as there is throughout Australia, there are plenty of more novice-friendly breaks not too far away.
Point Addis is one such example, and isn’t too far from the heavier breaks of Jan Juc just to the northeast. Aside from being one of the more beautiful beaches in the country, it’s also got some very friendly, slow, rolling waves coming through. When the likes of Bells Beach are head-high, Point Addis, where the swell is slightly blocked out by the jutting headland on the southwest corner, will be closer to waist-high, offering up a great option for learners.
Further down that coast, Lorne is another more user-friendly option for those with a little less experience in the water. The beach break here can be a bit fickle for more established surfers at times, with close outs common, but that just means that there is plenty of slow-moving white water for beginners.
On the other side of Melbourne, Philip Island is something of a surfing mecca with options for everyone, but if you’re looking for beginner options then Smiths Beach is one of your best bets. There’ll likely be plenty of others relatively new to the game in the water, with this semi-protected beach providing some softer rides than many other spots on the island.
NSW
Both around Sydney and further afield, New South Wales is home to plenty of beach breaks of varying nature. For those who want it, there are some pretty heavy beach breaks littered around the coast and some world-class points to boot, but for beginners there’s plenty on offer too.
Not too far from Sydney, Newcastle has a number of these options within close proximity to one another, and for learners Nobby’s Beach is one of your best bets. This is a little more gentle than many of the surrounding breaks and is also patrolled, so you can cast aside any concerns about getting swept out into the deep blue. As are most patrolled beaches, it can also get pretty busy, particularly in the summer months, so make sure you remain wary of those around you.
Further north, Clarkes Beach is the go-to option for beginners in the famous Byron Bay, where anyone trekking up or down the east coast invariably finds themselves. The Pass is the most well-known spot in the area, a right-hand point break which can get wildly crowded – you’ve then got Clarkes Beach, which comes just before Main Beach. There are plenty of surf schools here in what is a shallow, at times dumpy beach break, so if you’re looking to learn with some assistance this is a good spot.
On the other side of Sydney, Tathra Beach is a renowned surf destination for surfers of all abilities. The southern end is a little more sheltered and so tends to be a little smaller and beginner-appropriate than the northern end, while patrols on the beach also help to provide a bit of peace of mind. An added bonus of learning here is the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, meaning even if you don’t catch a wave there’s plenty to enjoy from a trip here.
Queensland
The wide expanses of Queensland’s coast, and its exposure to a pretty hefty expanse of ocean, means that there is plenty of surf along here, though most of it is done in the southern part of the state – both for reasons relating to wave quality, and the wildlife which tends to inhabit the water further north.
Caloundra is one of many options that you’ve got around the Sunshine Coast. This region has pretty much everything you could ask for in a beginner-friendly surfing spot – patrolled beaches, the option to get surf lessons, sunny weather, and the list goes on. Among the beaches here which are good options to learn at are Dicky Beach and Happy Valley.
Noosa has grown into one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia, but it’s more than just fancy cafes and a nice national park. Noosa Heads is also a terrific surf destinations which, for much of the year, dishes up slow, friendly rolling right-handers. Occasionally a Pacific Ocean storm will send pumping surf through these points, but that’s relatively rare. For the most part, it’s a terrific spot for longboarders, and beginners too. The main issue with it as a place to learn is that the spots along here are point breaks, so being able to go right rather than straight is beneficial – otherwise you might find yourself on the rocks.
On the Gold Coast, you’ve also got Currumbin Alley, which can be a relatively friendly point break on its day but can be the exact opposite the next. With a relatively small swell this is a gentle right-hander which can be good for learning, but beware the crowds. On a bigger swell this wave turns into one of the best in the state, and a bit less suitable for beginners.
South Australia
South Australia might not quite have the reputation of some of its east coast neighbours in terms of waves, but that’s more to do with the relative lack of people who surf them rather than a lack of quality. There’s still plenty of coastline and a hell of a lot of good breaks, though for the sake of ease – and to find spots where you won’t be surfing all alone – we’ll stick predominantly to places reasonably close to the more populated parts of the state.
Middleton Beach is one such example. Only about an hour and a half’s drive from Adelaide, there are a few heavier breaks here for the more experienced, namely Waitpinga and Parsons Beach, but Middleton Beach is the best for beginners. The waves here are long and gentle, with the white water dribbling away for more than long enough for you to practice your pop up.
Moana Beach is another good option a little closer to the capital city. This is another beach break which works relatively consistently, though as is generally the case the winter months are when it’s at its best. For beginners, however, you don’t exactly need pumping swell, so the warmer months can be a little more palatable, both in terms of the waves and the water temperature.
Finally, if you’re in the Yorke Peninsula region then Berry Bay might be your best bet. Again, this is a beach break and is pretty exposed, meaning there’s generally something here to surf. The waves along here are mostly lefts, so if you’re at a stage when you can stand up and surf the face of a wave this is a good chance to practice your backhand if you’re a regular footer or your forehand for goofies, but there’s also plenty of white water to go straight on if you need.
Western Australia
As far as vast expanses of coast go, Western Australia leads the charge, with over 10,000 kilometres of coastline. Unsurprisingly, that means there is a fairly large selection of different waves. Plenty of it is pretty untouched – generally not what you’re looking for as a learner – but there are a few good spots closer to civilisation where you can hone your craft.
Beginning closer to South Australia, West Beach is actually further east than most of the Western Australian coast, but wherever it is it’s a good spot for learning and home to some stunning landscapes too. Located just near Esperance, there are gentle beach breaks here – both right and left-handers – and the swell generally doesn’t get too hectic. If you’re looking to develop a love for surfing, there are few better places in the world than West Beach.
A more well-known surf spot and beach more generally in WA is Cottesloe, one of the more recognised stretches of sand in the country. The jewel in WA’s crown of Perth, Cottesloe is a beautiful beach with plenty going on, and can, on its day, provide some good surf in which to learn. Cottesloe is protected from the south and south-west, meaning a) it is protected from winds in those directions, and b) the swell from there gets nullified to an extent, providing more beginner-friendly waves as a result.
Heading a little further north – and by a little I mean about four and a half hours, in which time you’ll still hardly make a dent in the west coast – is Mahomet’s in Geraldton. Mahomet’s is close to all the action in Geraldton and offers up long, rolling waves for an expansive stretch of beach. Making it even better is the fact that during summer areas of this beach are patrolled.
Tasmania
From the state with the largest coast to the one with the smallest, what Tasmania lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. There are heaps of great waves in the Apple Isle, from infamous big waves like Shipstern’s Bluff to those on the other end of the spectrum. Of course, you will be dealing with some pretty cold waters, but if you can brave them then you’ll be treated to some quality waves.
Redbill Beach is one of your better options. A curling, kilometre-long stretch of sand located around Bicheno, Redbill is generally protected from strong winds and swells too, meaning you’ll often be greeted with clean, user-friendly waves. It’s easy to get to – unlike all beaches in Tassie – and is home to plenty of other beginners and a relatively friendly local crew, so the intimidation factor here is slow.
Closer to Hobart is Clifton Beach, which is about 45 minutes to the south east of the state’s capital. This is another beach break, and while exposed to the same direction of swell as Shipstern’s Bluff, the result is quite different. Clifton Beach is really protected, with Bruny Island to the southwest and the Tasman Peninsula to the southeast meaning that the swells have to sneak through a pretty small gap to get there. That means smaller waves, and better conditions for beginners.
The final spot on the list is Beaumaris Beach, a long stretch on the east coast further north of Bicheno. This is a relatively long stretch of beach which, particularly in the summertime, can provide optimal conditions for beginners. That comes in the form of rolling swathes of white water, and with a bunch of nearby campgrounds this can be an ideal spot to set up shop and spend a couple of days honing your craft.
For all the globally renowned surfing spots around the country, there are just as many fantastic places to learn, beaches which dish up more gentle, rolling waves for those still looking to find their feet, pardon the pun, in the water. No matter where you are around the Australian coast, there’s likely to be a suitable spot for beginners not too far away, and the above list are some of your best bets.
