There are few countries as surf stoked as Australia. With 26,000 kilometers of coastline, there’s plenty of places to find surf in the Land Down Under. From tropical Queensland to freezing Victoria, there’s surf absolutely everywhere in this country of 24 million people. Add to that one of the oldest Western surf cultures and you can see why the country has more surfing champions than anywhere else on earth. Australia in general is a great place for water sports vacations. Canadians can finally start traveling to Australia again as the COVID restrictions are being lifted and more flight are available from Vancouver International and Toronto Pearson.
Australia surf forecasts and temperatures
Sandwiched by the Indian Ocean to the west and the South Pacific on the east, with several smaller seas in between, Australia’s surf forecasts are nuanced and varied. Surf reports for Queensland rely on summer cyclones to produce the best conditions while the western part of the state requires deep low pressure systems off Antarctica in winter to push through the surf.
Australia surfing spots and best beaches
Western Australia is home to Margaret River, a series of reef breaks and an annual World Surf League event that was most recently cancelled due to “shark concerns.”
On the Gold Coast are the breaks of Coolangatta, dredging righthand sand-bottom points that 50 years ago facilitated a whole shortboard revolution hell-bent on tube riding.
Along Australia’s Great Ocean Road west of Bells Beach are many point breaks and isolated cold water surf spots that receive a generous amount of swell from the southern ocean.
Australia surf schools
GoSurfSchool in Port Fairy offers two-hour beginner lessons for 25€ with all equipment provided. Good thing since the waters get chilly and you’ll need a proper 3/2 full suit. Once campers complete their surf lessons they will receive a “Certificate of Radness’ to take home as a souvenir.
In Western Australia, Scarborough Beach Surf School offers lessons at the hourly rate of 13€. The school runs courses at Scarborough Beach from October to May and at Leighton Beach June to October.
The Coolangatta Learn To Surf establishment runs 9am, 11am and 2pm group lessons for 32€. The lessons are seven days per week year-round. For 80€ you can secure private 90 minute lessons with an instructor who will focus on your specific needs. Intermediate and advanced lessons available too.
Australia hotels and camps for surfers to stay
For a well-heeled hip, urban vibe the Komune Resort and Beach Club Greenmount Beach offers a surf, stay and party package just steps from the world famous Superbank. The multi-story tower building overlooks the waves of Snapper Rocks, Marley’s, Greenmount and Kirra. A girls-only ocean view share with ensuite bathroom and balcony goes for 25 CAD per night. Their lux accommodations offering is a two-bedroom rooftop apartment with commanding views for 300 CAD per night.
In Western Australia just 15 minutes from Perth is the Rose Bridge House. This unique six room bed and breakfast oozes 1920s charm throughout their six furnished rooms. Each room is themed with Australian history and the stories of the West’s settlers. Bathrooms are ensuite and even come with spas. A short drive to a wide variety of waves in the area. Rooms start at 150 CAD per night.
Starting at 150 CAD per night you can stay in Victoria’s oldest inn. They offer queen suites and attic rooms and a heaping of Aussie country charm. Communal lounge room, kitchenette and library keep the vibe friendly. The bar offers selected wines from Western Australia’s famous vintners with a focus on smaller, sustainable wineries. Beer time is huge in Australia, and their selection of crafts is wide. Enjoy the garden bar when weather permits. No charge for the fresh smell of salty sea air.
Australia surfing guide prepared by Bryan Dickerson (wavepoolmag.com) for Dailystoke.com
Photo by Alex King
