The Best Surf Spots in Australia
December 6, 2009Damian Papworth No Comments »When surfers think of a holiday destination, few parts of the planet are quite as enticing as Australia. All over the world, everybody knows that there is hardly a better place to be than Down Under to catch the most amazing, glassy waves the oceans have to offer. Practically every section of Australia’s coast-excluding areas naturally protected by harbors, bays, etc.-has world-class surf conditions to boast of, making a trip to Australia an absolute must for all surfing fanatics.
Though all of Australia’s shoreline is gorgeous and has spectacular surf conditions, surfers tend to avoid the northern and more tropical waters because not only are they a bit calmer, but furthermore they are absolutely brimming with deadly jellyfish…a surfer’s nightmare!
In a country of this size, the other tracts of coastline are more than ample grounds (or waters) in which to seek out a good ride. Australia has many thousands of miles of beautiful beaches with some exceptional beach as well as reef breaks all along the way. Whether you’re in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia’s western coast or in the chilly waters off the southern end of the continent or the heavily frequented waters of the eastern shores, surfers will feel like their dreams have come true in any of these places.
Western Australia has undoubtedly got many of the best surf spots in the country as well as the world, with the exceptionally toasty waters and the gorgeous weather making it an even more attractive destination for surfers and all tourists. This is the Indian Ocean at its best, and it is perfectly common to get unending, perfect 6 foot tubes crashing all day long practically. Among the numerous destinations of Western Australia’s coastline, surfers are strongly recommended to visit places like Margaret River, Albany, and Esperance, each of which has built up quite the reputation among boarders.
South Australia’s coastal waters experience some remarkable swells due to the currents coming up from Antarctica, which furnishes a surfer’s ideal scenario. The coast here is relatively inaccessible in many parts, so a 4WD vehicle will be in order, or at the very least a savvy local guide. For the hottest surf spots, go to Yorke Peninsula or Eyre Peninsula where conditions draw boarders from the surrounding areas, including the state capital of Adelaide.
The coast of Victoria is similar in many aspects to that of South Australia, and in both cases surfers will want to don their wet suits as the waters are exceptionally chilly. Despite this, the conditions are magnificent: to get the most out of this area, again, you will want to pick apart the brain of a local surfer. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for Bells Beach, Phillip Island and Torquay, singled out by locals as favorite surf spots. For a leisurely surf/road trip, just get on the Great Ocean Road that runs for more than 100 miles along the Victorian coast-it’s simply chock-full of ideal surf breaks.
Moving back towards warmer waters, New South Wales has seemingly unending expanses of surfable spots-from the crowded beaches around Sydney to the more remote locations farther north or south, such as Byron Bay, Angourie, and Lennox.
To the north of New South Wales, the state of Queensland boasts such world-renowned surf destinations as those to be had in the Gold Coast areasuch names as “Surfers Paradise” really just speak for themselves. In the northern expanses of Queensland surfers can get acquainted with the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, which at certain specific points and at the right moments may award surfers with a rare and beautiful jewel.
At last, there are the surf spots of Tasmania to be reckoned with, yet only for the brave of heart that is! Again in pretty chilly waters, many areas are inaccessible but if you do manage to get around, try going to the eastern end of the island for the best surf breaks.
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