Angourie Point Beach, AngourieCredit: Destination NSW
Angourie Point is one of the most famous right-handers on Australia’s east coast.
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Luckily for surfers, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea deliver some of the most consistent waves in the country. It’s no surprise then that New South Wales has produced most of Australia’s surfing world champions and continues to lead the way with learn-to-surf schools, surf camps and surfing events.
Learning to surf in NSW is easy with accredited surf schools all along the coast. As NSW has more accessible surf beaches than any other state, it’s the perfect place to give it a go. Wherever you paddle out, remember the key rules of the surfers’ code: don’t surf in conditions beyond your ability; always wear a leg rope; and don’t ‘drop in’. Which means the surfer on the ‘inside’, closest to the breaking part of the wave, has right of way. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a beginner, here are the top spots to catch a wave around the state.
Sydney
Manly Beach is an enjoyable 30-minute ferry ride north of Circular Quay. The southernmost surf beach on the Northern Beaches is great for learning, with several surf schools to choose from including Manly Surf School and Manly Surf Guide.
In 1915, Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku gave an exhibition of wave riding at Freshwater Beach, making it the birthplace of Australian surfing. This small, protected beach just north of Manly remains popular with beginner to intermediate surfers.
Further north, North Narrabeen is popular among more experienced surfers, with a powerful left-hand point break that produces nice barrels in larger swells.
On Sydney’s eastern beaches, Bondi — Australia’s most famous beach — is popular for its beach breaks. Try a lesson with with Lets Go Surfing.
Further south, the beaches of Maroubra and Cronulla have a variety of breaks for all experience levels, including the experts-only Shark Island off Cronulla point, which produces one of the best tubes in the world in the right conditions.
Garie is the most popular beach in the Royal National Park, south of Cronulla, with the most consistent surf arriving in the autumn months.
North of Sydney
Super-protected Umina Beach on the Central Coast, 80 minutes north of Sydney, is one of the best beaches in the region for learning the ropes.
The reef breaks at Forresters Beach, 40 minutes’ drive north of Umina, are best suited to experienced surfers.
Newcastle’s surf schools generally operate between the reliable beach breaks of Blacksmiths, Caves, and Stockton beaches.
On the mid-North Coast, Crescent Head is a favourite among longboarders for its peeling right-hand point break, but there are plenty of other waves in the area to choose from.
Diggers Beach at Coffs Harbour is a popular beach break, with lessons available from East Coast Surf School.
Further north, the right-hand point break in Angourie, Australia’s first dedicated surfing reserve, has been luring surfers since the 1950s.
The Pass at Byron Bay is one of the world’s longest right-handers. With multiple breaks working in different winds, there’s always a wave to be found in the popular surf town, with plenty of surf schools to choose from, including Byron Bay Surf School and Soul Surf School.
At the northern tip of coastal NSW, D-bah in Tweed Heads is a peaky, wedgy beach break better suited to experienced surfers.
Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach.
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Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach.
Racecourse Head, Crescent Head Credit: Destination NSW
A lone surfer enjoys perfect waves at Crescent Head on the northern side of Racecourse Head.
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Racecourse Head, Crescent Head Credit: Destination NSW
A lone surfer enjoys perfect waves at Crescent Head on the northern side of Racecourse Head.
South of Sydney
Port Kembla near Wollongong, 90 minutes south of Sydney, has a consistent beach break. Just around Boilers Point, more beach breaks can be found at Fishermans Beach.
Further south, Killalea Reserve beaches ‘The Farm’ and Minnamurra or ‘Mystics’, are two of the best surf beaches on the South Coast.
South of Jervis Bay lies Wreck Bay, home of the South Coast’s infamous ‘Aussie Pipe’, for experienced surfers only. Just south of here, the beach breaks of Sussex Inlet are a good place to learn - try JB Surf School, with most lessons held at Cave Beach in Booderee National Park.
In nearby Mollymook, 1990 ASP World Champion Pam Burridge runs her surf school, offering group, private lessons and surf retreats.
The safe waves of Broulee Beach near Batemans Bay are also ideal for learners — take lessons with Broulee Surf School.
For experts only, Pambula Rivermouth, south of Merimbula, has been known to hold 10-second tubes.
Surfing, Wreck Bay Credit: Dee Kramer
Surfer catches a wave at Wreck Bay, Jervis Bay Territory off Booderee National Park.
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Surfing, Wreck Bay Credit: Dee Kramer
Surfer catches a wave at Wreck Bay, Jervis Bay Territory off Booderee National Park.
Broulee Beach Credit: Jonathan Poyner; Eurobodalla Coast Tourism
Surfer on Broulee Beach, Eurobodalla, South Coast
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Broulee Beach Credit: Jonathan Poyner; Eurobodalla Coast Tourism
Surfer on Broulee Beach, Eurobodalla, South Coast
More Inspirational Stories
Avoca Beach, Central CoastCredit: Destination NSW
Woman heading out for a morning surf at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
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Just 90 minutes’ drive north of Sydney, the Central Coast is blessed with many natural wonders, from beautiful beaches to tranquil lakes and lagoons. Make the most the picturesque coast line, with a mix of activities on and under the water – that will leave you feeling reinvigorated.
Splash out with the family
In the warmer months, people of all ages descend on Central Coast Aqua Park in Gosford, the gateway to the Central Coast, to take on its inflatable water obstacles. The young, and young at heart, can slide, climb, swing and jump in the ultimate aquatic playground under the supervision of trained lifeguards. Sessions should be booked ahead, and the minimum age is five years.
For all kinds of paddling fun, visit Aquafun on Avoca Lake, which hires out a range of pedal-boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, all perfect for exploring this lovely lagoon in the heart of beachside Avoca village. Groups can even tackle the new giant stand-up paddleboard. The lagoon is overflowing with fish and birdlife, as well as a colony of endangered frogs.
Seek out some adventure
In 2011, the decommissioned navy frigate HMAS Adelaide was scuttled not far off the beach at Terrigal, forming an artificial reef. A decade on, the wreck is home to an extensive amount of marine life. Pro Dive Central Coast conducts dives here — it’s just one of 429 dive sites the company can take you to.
At Mt Penang Gardens, just west of Gosford, you can reach for the stars, courtesy of Jetpack Adventures. You can fly a jetpack or a flyboard — or both — and take off from Jetpack Lake. Even kids over 10 years and over 35 kilograms can have a go. Afterwards, browse around the beautiful gardens and refuel at the Waterfall Cafe.
Central Coast Reef & Game Fishing Charters makes sure fish is on the menu by offering reef and game-fishing trips. Operating from Terrigal, a modern 11m vessel whisks hopeful anglers to various popular areas for reef fish, or more serious game fishers out to the deep to challenge sport fish such as marlin, albacore and yellowfin tuna.
Get in the swim
Any Central Coast holiday should include a beach visit — and there are more than 40 to choose from, with 15 of them patrolled, so there’s a perfect spot to suit everyone. Families will seek out Copacabana, Avoca, Ettalong or Toowoon Bay, while surfers will wax lyrical about Tallow, Terrigal, Soldiers and Pelican beaches. Sign up for surf coaching with Central Coast Surf Academy, which takes kids and women’s groups as well as giving tips to advanced surfers.
If ocean pools are more your style, head for The Entrance at the northern end of the Central Coast. The Grant McBride Baths (formerly known as Entrance Ocean Baths) are heritage-listed, with the 50m lap pool, 22m pool and children’s wading pool all built between 1938 and 1965. You’ll find smaller pools at Pearl Beach and Macmasters Beach.
Central Coast Surf Academy, Avoca Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Student enjoying a learn to surf experience with Central Coast Surf Academy, Avoca Beach.
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Central Coast Surf Academy, Avoca Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Student enjoying a learn to surf experience with Central Coast Surf Academy, Avoca Beach.
Toowoon Bay, Central Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial of paddleboarders at Toowoon Bay, Central Coast.
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Toowoon Bay, Central Coast Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial of paddleboarders at Toowoon Bay, Central Coast.
Wine and dine on the water
On your way to the Central Coast, book in for an oyster experience with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours in the small fishing village of Brooklyn, around a 50-minute drive from Sydney. All the tours include a boat ride out to the oyster leases in Broken Bay. Visitors can also don waders to walk in the leases, learn to shuck the oysters and taste them in the very waters in which they grew.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures conducts guided kayaking tours complemented by spectacular scenery. Opt for the 2.5-hour Eco-Kayak tour on pretty Popran Creek or the five-hour Wine and Seafood Kayak tour on Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay. The latter adventure covers 10km and leads you through oyster farms and past a pelican breeding ground before you stop for a delicious seafood lunch on a secluded beach. For those who prefer paddling at their own pace, you can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and go exploring.
Sitting on the deck of a beautiful yacht at sunset, wine in hand, is hard to top. That’s just one of the options available via Hardy’s Bay Yacht Charters at Killcare bordering Bouddi National Park at the southern end of the Central Coast. Charter the luxury 11m Bavaria cruising yacht, or the bigger 14m catamaran, for a range of packages that cater for everyone from beginners to experienced sailors. Choose a sunset cruise, a Sail, Bush Walk and Lunch day trip or a romantic overnight package for one or two nights. With a professional skipper on board, your job is simply to relax and enjoy the ride. Optional water transfers are available to Killcare from Ettalong, Woy Woy, Saratoga and Gosford.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney Credit: Destination NSW
Tour group heading out to the pearl long lines at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
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Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney Credit: Destination NSW
Tour group heading out to the pearl long lines at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
Killcare Beach, Killcare Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rises over the horizon at Killcare Beach, Killcare.
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Killcare Beach, Killcare Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rises over the horizon at Killcare Beach, Killcare.