Surf Spots

Coal Point

Eastern Victoria, Australia

Coal Point, located near Wonthaggi in Eastern Victoria, breaks over rock and reef. Be aware of rips and rocks when surfing this spot.

Coal Point

TAS, Hobart, Australia

Coal Point is a powerful left-hand point break on Bruny Island that produces fast, hollow sections over a coral reef bottom. The takeoff is steep and the wave accelerates down the shelf with guaranteed barrels in quality swells, though consistency is low to medium and requires a distinct pulse of southeast swell to fire. The break demands solid technique and local knowledge—the rocky exit and tricky entry present real injury risk, and the wave rarely works unless conditions align precisely. Bruny Island hosts the annual Bruny Island Surf Classic, a state championship competition that rotates between Coal Point, Cloudy Bay, and The Neck. This is one of only four state championship competitions held in Tasmania, indicating the break's significance in the regional surf culture. The spot has accumulated enough reputation that local surfers closely guard access, and crowding is minimal due to the break's finicky nature and the broader isolation of the location. Coal Point sits on Bruny Island's west coast near Adventure Bay, requiring a 25-dollar ferry crossing from Hobart (roughly 45 minutes), followed by a 40-minute drive down the island. A pull-out car park overlooks the cove, where coal seams are visible in the cliff face. The parking area provides a clear preview of conditions before committing to the walk down. Mid tide is optimal, and autumn delivers the most reliable swell.

Coalcliff

NSW, Coal Coast, Australia

Coalcliff is best known for a right-hand reef break that comes alive on east or northeast swells, with occasional waves reaching head-high to overhead. The reef works over shallow rock ledges, and there's a secondary left reef bombie at the beach's northern end. Southwest winds provide clean conditions. The spot remains relatively uncrowded and works consistently year-round, with peak conditions in winter, especially July. Intermediate to advanced surfers find the most challenging and rewarding waves here. The Coalcliff Surf Life Saving Club was established in the 1920s-1930s and has anchored the area's water sports culture for over a century. Before 1970, when coal mining dominated the region, weekenders from south Sydney arrived by steam train to surf and participate in lifesaving activities. The community built over 100 seasonal shacks and developed lasting traditions centered on the beach and club. Coalcliff is a small village between the Pacific and the Illawarra escarpment cliffs, immediately north of Stanwell Park. A rock pool and fishing-friendly rock shelf line the shoreline. Free parking is available near the beach, though spaces are limited during peak times. The Sea Cliff Bridge (opened 2005) provides primary road access from the south; the spot sits roughly 35 minutes' drive south of Wollongong. Watch for rips that channel between sandbars and rock reefs, as well as rocks, sea urchins, and sharks.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Coogee Beach

Sydney, Australia

Coogee Beach near Sydney is an intermediate-level reef break with a sand and reef bottom that receives waves from both directions, with southeast swell offering the best conditions. The spot works best on westerly winds during low to mid tide. Surfers should be aware of hazards including dangerous shorebreak, shallow reef, rips, and rocks.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Copacabana Beach

Central Coast NSW, Australia

Copacabana Beach on the Central Coast near Gosford is an advanced point break with a rock and sand bottom that accepts swell from both directions, working best on high tides with northwest winds and southeast swell. Watch for topographic rips, rocks, and heavy crowds.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Copacabana Point

NSW, Central, Australia

Copacabana Point is a left-hand point break that peels off the rocks at the northern end of Macmasters Beach near Gosford. The wave starts shallow and sucks up quickly, offering consistent shape that works between waist-high and triple overhead. Best conditions arrive with southeast to east swell and northwest winds, particularly around high tide. The break works in a range of swells and wind conditions but loses shape in summer when the ocean flattens significantly. The Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club has operated continuously since 1963, indicating the spot has hosted local surfers for at least six decades, though detailed records of notable competitions or individual surfers associated with the break are not readily documented in public sources. Parking is available on Del Monte Place near the surf club and shops, with additional street parking toward Cockrone Lagoon. The beach is lifeguard-patrolled during weekdays and by volunteers on weekends, with a designated flagged swimming area near the club. Strong rips develop along the unpatrolled sections of beach, and the water hosts jellyfish and other marine life. The break attracts intermediate to advanced surfers and can become crowded when conditions are good; the rocky ledge and rocky bottom make a helmet sensible.

intermediate · shortboard

Corindi Beach

NSW, Mid North Coast, Australia

Corindi Beach is a mixed sand and rock beach break that runs right and left with a more defined right-hand section on the northern corner where conditions align. East swells produce the most consistent waves, and offshore west wind is essential—when this combination occurs, conditions are clean. The break works best during low tide, when rides typically run under 50 meters. The break suits surfers across all ability levels and rarely becomes crowded. Corindi Beach's history as a surf destination is not well documented in available sources. The beach itself was formerly known as Pipeclay Beach until 1954, when it took its current name derived from an Indigenous word meaning grey. No significant surf competitions, memorable sessions, or associated professional surfers emerge from available records for this location. Access is straightforward via free parking at Corindi Beach Reserve and street parking near the village. The northern end provides a caravan park with picnic areas, toilets, and showers, along with a local shop. The southern access point on Arrawarra Headland Road offers facilities including picnic tables and a boat ramp. Hazards include rocks that border and interrupt the beach, sea urchins in the shorebreak, and localized rip currents that vary with tide—the southern section rates moderate hazard while the northern area is lower risk.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Corrigans Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Corrigans Beach curves around the sheltered shore of Batemans Bay at Batehaven on the NSW South Coast. Its fine sand runs from the northern training wall toward Observation Head, with Joes Creek behind the centre.

Corrimal

NSW, Coal Coast, Australia

Corrimal is a beginner-friendly beach break extending 1.5 km between Sandspit Point and Towradgi Point, working best in small to medium swell with west or northwesterly winds. The northern end offers shelter from northerly winds and swell, while the southern section is more exposed, though large southerly swells break down somewhat against Sandon Point headland to the south. The break is suitable for developing surfers looking for consistent, forgiving conditions. The broader Illawarra region has substantial surfing heritage, with the earliest European records of significant waves along this coast dating to 1770 when Captain Cook's expedition encountered heavy surf preventing landing. The modern era of organized surfing in the region began with the establishment of the Wollongong Surf Lifesaving Club in 1911. The area has produced notable competitive surfers, particularly in more recent decades. Corrimal Beach sits six kilometers north of Wollongong's center and is backed by sand dunes and a tourist park. Access includes facilities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, showers, and nearby cafes. Seasonal lifeguard patrols run from October through late April. The beach faces exposure to rips, particularly travelling rips and topographic rips, and rocks are present at and near the break points. Large southerly swells create stronger currents, making these hazards more pronounced.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Cottesloe

WA, Perth City, Australia

Cottesloe's waves are created by a fairly exposed beach-and-groyne setup that responds consistently to southwest swell. The groyne acts as a focal point where waves break off both sides, with the left-hand wall working better during larger southwest swells. Surfers paddling out to the groyne can find more structured lines, while the middle of the beach offers gentler, smaller waves. The break doesn't build particularly tall partly because Rottnest Island, about twenty kilometers offshore, blocks significant portions of incoming swell energy. Best conditions combine southwest groundswell with winds from the east-southeast, and these typically arrive most reliably in April. The spot works consistently year-round but rarely gets to the heights found at exposed Perth breaks further north. Cottesloe began hosting organized surfing events in the late 1990s when a local longboarder discovered a whale's rib bone in the water and decided to create a trophy-driven competition around it. The Whalebone Longboard Classic, first held in 1998, has grown into one of Western Australia's most established surfing events and remains a grassroots celebration bringing together junior competitors through to masters-level surfers. The event's longevity reflects the beach's strong place in Perth's surfing culture despite it not being the most dramatic wave venue on the coast. Access is straightforward with cafes and restaurants scattered along Marine Parade facing the beach. Crowds can be heavy, particularly during peak times. Rips and offshore currents exist alongside occasional shark presence, and the groyne structures themselves present hazards for less experienced paddlers.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Cowaramup Bombora

Australia

Cowaramup Bombora is a highly dangerous reef break over shallow rocky terrain that requires powerful Southern Ocean swells to produce rideable waves, typically in the 20–40 foot range but occasionally exceeding 60 feet in exceptional conditions. The break is complex and demands expert-level skill, with the offshore exposure intensifying the challenge and leaving no margin for error given the remote location and severe impact zones. The spot entered international big wave consciousness in 2007 when Australian charger Damon Eastaugh claimed a Big Wave Award for a 50-foot ride. It subsequently appeared in the 2013 television series Storm Surfers 3D, where it was called the tallest rideable wave in Australia, and again in the 2011 film Fighting Fear. Damien Warr earned an Oakley Big Wave award in 2011, and Jarryd Foster took the same honor in 2015 after a February session that remains among the largest waves ever ridden at the break. The biggest documented wave on record surfaced in 2014 at approximately 60 feet during abnormally clean conditions. Getting to Bombora requires boat or jet ski access from the Gracetown coast, where launch infrastructure exists. February and autumn months offer the most consistent clean conditions with offshore east winds. The break does not fire frequently—success depends entirely on properly aligned Southern Ocean swell direction and magnitude, making multi-day waiting periods common for committed chasers. The rock-laden shallow reef creates unavoidable collision hazards; shallow-water injuries and long hold-downs are the signature dangers.

Cowries

NSW, South Coast, Australia

Cowries is a steep, hollow right-hand reef break over a shallow ledge near Shellharbour Village. It works best around mid-tide, particularly when the tide is rising, though it also functions at low tide. Southeast swell combined with southwest wind produce the cleanest conditions. Winter months offer the most consistent surf, with June typically the best period; summer is mostly flat. The shallow, exposed reef setup creates tight takeoff angles and fast, powerful waves that suit experienced surfers. The break is known locally and has hosted organized competitions including the annual King and Queen of the Rock event. Cowries Island, the rocky basalt outcrop forming the northern harbor boundary, provides a sheltered backdrop and the area has been actively surfed as part of Shellharbour's local scene. Access requires navigating sharp rock platforms covered in sea urchins; the geography connects to historic harbor infrastructure that dates back decades. Entry is notoriously difficult and requires careful route-finding. Strong currents are a consistent hazard that sweep toward the rocky shore, particularly when swell is pumping. The exposed location means weather and wave power build quickly, creating a heavy, unforgiving environment.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Crackneck

NSW, Central, Australia

Crackneck is a fast-breaking lefthand reef that works best on northeast to east swells, with an offshore wind from the west-northwest providing ideal conditions. The break produces hollow, sharply-defined waves that can run for 50 meters or more across the shallow rock bottom, though a shorter right-hander also breaks nearby. Low to mid tide favors the main left, while higher tide brings the right into play. The shallow reef and rocks make for demanding conditions suited to experienced surfers; this is not a mellow wave. Crackneck emerged as a surfed spot in the 1970s when Joe Engle and Cheyne Horan joined Brett Walker on early sessions exploring both the left and right breaks. Jughead Allport surfed Crackneck in his early years before becoming a professional surfer, and the spot has remained a proving ground for committed reef specialists rather than a mainstream destination or competition venue. Access involves a moderate coastal walk south from Bateau Bay Beach. The break is visible from the Hilltop Street lookout, where parking and basic facilities are available, allowing surfers to scout conditions before committing to the walk down. The remote nature of the spot—rocky terrain, a lengthy walk back in case of injury, and reliable great whites in the area—means swimmers who get into trouble have few options for rapid assistance. The break also draws crowds when conditions fire, adding to the intensity and territorial nature of the lineup.

advanced · shortboard

Crescent Head

NSW, Mid North Coast, Australia

Crescent Head is a right-hand point break that holds its shape across a remarkable stretch—waves peel for 200 to 400 meters in good conditions, with a rolling, hollow character on a sandy and rocky bottom. The break suits intermediate to advanced surfers and works best with east-southeast swell and westerly winds, breaking consistently at all tidal stages through autumn and winter when the spot is most active. The wave gets crowded when firing, and the rocky bottom and shark presence warrant respect. The Crescent Head Malibu Classic, established in 1989 by local shaper and Malibu Club leader Robert Kennerson, grew from a small interclub event into one of Australia's enduring grassroots competitions. Now in its 36th year, the event draws 200+ competitors ranging from 11 to 82 years old competing in over 59 divisions, celebrating both classic Malibu boards and modern longboard variants. The spot received formal recognition as a National Surfing Reserve in 2008, cementing its cultural importance to Australian surfing. Crescent Head occupies Killick Beach in the central part of town, with the point rolling down to Killick Creek's mouth. The main beach area offers straightforward access and parking, making it easier than some remote breaks. Several local surf schools operate here, and Port Macquarie Airport (roughly 45 minutes away) is the nearest major transport hub for visitors.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Cronulla

NSW, Sydney South, Australia

Cronulla comprises several distinct breaks. The main sand beach offers consistent waves suitable for all abilities, working best on southeastern swell with northwest offshore winds. Winter delivers the most reliable swells between June and August. The more challenging reef breaks—notably Shark Island about 100 metres offshore and Cronulla Point—require more experience. Shark Island in particular develops steep, pitching waves that stand up violently and is renowned for its difficulty and power. Strong rip currents run along North Cronulla, with one permanent channel called The Alley at the southern end, so understanding current flow is essential. The immediate offshore rocks and reefs at Shark Island add hazard, as do sharks and sea urchins in the area. Cronulla has been surfed since at least 1956, when Californian visitors introduced the sport to the break. The area became a hub for Australian surfing development in the 1960s, with the first organised boardriders clubs emerging; Cronulla legend Bobby Brown helped pioneer modern surfing technique at the point break. The Cronulla Sharks Boardriders Club, formed in 1978, won the Australian title in 1990. Shark Island gained international prominence through the Shark Island Challenge, established informally in 1997 and elevated to a world-sanctioned bodyboarding championship in 2002, becoming one of the sport's most prestigious events. Cronulla was declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2008. The area is easily accessible via the T4 train line to Cronulla station or by car along Kingsway. Parking is available on the Esplanade and in dedicated car parks near the beach. Multiple breaks within a short paddle make it a versatile destination, with the protected point breaks firing in winter and the beach break more active during windswells.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Cronulla Point

NSW, Sydney South, Australia

Cronulla Point is a rocky right-hand point break with a steep takeoff over shallow rock and reef. The wave responds well to southeast groundswell combined with south-southwest offshore winds, though it also picks up local wind-driven waves during summer. The tide has minimal impact on wave quality, but the proximity to rocks creates distinct hazards on entry and exit—paddling out requires navigating shallow reef, while finishing requires either riding all the way to the beach or scrambling over hazardous exposed rock. This combination of technical entry, rocky obstacles, and steep gradient makes it unsuitable for beginners. Cronulla has deep roots in Australian surfing history. The area was pioneered in the mid-twentieth century by local surfers including Bobby Brown and Frank Latta, and later became home to Mark Occhilupo, who went on to win the world championship in 1999. The competitive scene solidified with the formation of Cronulla Sharks Boardriders in 1978, which won the national Australian Title in 1990, and the later establishment of Cronulla Point Boardriders in 1985. The region hosts the Australian Boardriders Battle annually on Australia Day. Cronulla Beach sits at the tip of a peninsula with public esplanade access and reliable free parking in town and at the beach between North Cronulla and Wanda SLSC. The point itself features a viewing area on the adjacent hillside where pedestrians commonly watch surfers from a public path, though water quality can be compromised by runoff, and marine hazards include sea urchins, jellyfish, and occasional sharks.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Crumpets Beach

Western Victoria, Australia

Crumpets Beach near Portland is an intermediate-level right-hand point break with a rocky bottom. Best conditions arrive with SW swell and W-SW winds. Watch for rocks and rocky shoreline hazards.

Cudmirrah Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Cudmirrah Beach is a sand beach break near Sussex Inlet on NSW's South Coast. It breaks on both swell directions, with best swell from the SE and winds from the NW. Rips and rocks are hazards to watch for.

Cudmirrah reef

NSW, South Coast, Australia

Cudmirrah is a beach break with a reef component located on the South Coast of NSW near Sussex Inlet. The break produces both left and right-hand waves, with particular strength on the right-hand side where waves break over coral. It works best during winter months, especially May, when consistent southeast swell combines with northwest offshore winds. Summer conditions tend to be flat. The break suits intermediate surfers and handles a mix of groundswells and wind-generated swells. Paddlers should avoid catching waves all the way to shore due to submerged rocks, and need to watch for rips and currents that require staying toward the middle of the lineup. Historical records are sparse, though user reports mention significant wave sizes in the early 1970s with barrels comparable to much smaller modern waves. The break has become a popular local spot that occasionally experiences crowding. Access is straightforward via the free car park situated behind the Sussex Inlet Surf Lifesaving Club at the northern end of the beach on Pacificana Drive. The three-kilometre stretch of beach runs between Sussex Inlet entrance and Cudmirrah village, backed by sand dunes.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

culburra beach

NSW, South Coast, Australia

Culburra Beach breaks as a right-hand beach on sand with consistent small-to-medium waves across roughly 150 days per year, working best at low tide and during the falling phase of a tide cycle. The southern section near Tilbury Cove suits beginners well, while the northern end toward Crookhaven Heads offers terrain suitable for more experienced surfers. Waves here are predictable and approachable for intermediate surfers building their skills. The beach carries significance in Australian photography history—it was the location where Max Dupain captured his 1937 photograph "Sunbaker," now recognized as one of Australia's most iconic images. The Nowra-Culburra Surf Life Saving Club, established in 1954, has maintained a presence at the northern end of Warrain Beach and helped establish the area as a surfing destination. The annual Culburra Beach Surf Bash, held as part of the Burradise Festival in September, draws competitors from across Australia and internationally. The beach sits roughly 18 kilometers southeast of Nowra and is easily accessed by a 20-minute drive. Parking is straightforward with free spaces at the beach entrance and nearby streets. The Surf Life Saving Club facilities are on-site, and accessible amenities including toilets are available. The town has grown around it as a quiet coastal destination with various cafes and local services within walking distance.

Cumbos

VIC, East Coast, Australia

Cumbos works on southeast swell primarily, though southwest groundswell can also produce rideable waves when the wind direction cooperates. The break responds well to offshore winds from the northwest to west. Wave windows are best early in the day before northerly winds pick up; early morning offers cleaner conditions. Low to mid tide is optimal. The broader Lorne area has a documented surf history dating to at least the 1960s, when Lorne Point hosted the 1967 Australian Surf Titles and again in 1970 when it hosted the World Surfing Titles opening ceremony. Notable local surfers from that era include Warren Powell, Greg Brown, and Grant Price, though I found no specific competitions or notable sessions attributed to Cumbos itself rather than the larger Lorne breaks. I could not find specific access details, parking information, or detailed hazard descriptions unique to Cumbos. The break appears lightly documented relative to nearby Lorne Point, which suggests it may be less frequently surfed or less prominent in local surf culture.

beginner · intermediate

Currumbin

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Currumbin is a right-hand point break at the mouth of Currumbin Creek, with the wave wrapping around the point over sand and rock. It picks up groundswell from the east most reliably and maintains consistent shape across tide ranges, making it a dependable option even on smaller swells. The break suits all skill levels and is favored by longboarders; offshore winds from the southwest provide ideal conditions, particularly during the winter months when south-east exposure produces the most favorable swell window. The spot developed into a key training ground on the Gold Coast during the 1960s and 1970s as the region emerged as an international surf destination. The nearby Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club achieved prominence during that era, and the area remains anchored by SurfWorld Gold Coast, a museum housing one of Australia's largest collections of surfing history including boards, trophies, and documentation. Currumbin sits on the southern Gold Coast, accessible via Pacific Motorway exit 95 leading to Gold Coast Highway and Tomewin Street. Abundant free parking is available at the Currumbin Alley car park and along Pacific Parade, though capacity fills quickly during peak times. The break sits adjacent to landmark rock formations and lifeguard-patrolled beaches.

Cuttagee Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Cuttagee Beach lies beside Cuttagee Lake, about eight kilometres south of Bermagui on the New South Wales coast. The ocean beach extends roughly 900 metres from the lake entrance to the rocky base of Barragga Point. NSW's visitor guide identifies surfing among its activities and describes the lake separately from the open beach. Surf Life Saving Australia's Beachsafe profile describes an attached sandbar interrupted by rip channels, including channels against the headlands. It also notes some shelter from the dominant southeast waves, with wave heights generally decreasing toward the southern end. These are features of the beach's broader setting, rather than a description of a single fixed surf peak.

Deadmans

NSW, Sydney North, Australia

Deadmans is a fast, hollow right-hand reef break that only works on substantial swells—typically requiring a minimum of eight feet and best at double to triple overhead. It breaks infrequently, only a handful of times per year, mostly during East Coast Low pressure systems in the winter months when southeast swells combine with southwest winds. The take-off is tight and the impact zone intense, with the wave peeling over a shallow, uneven reef strewn with sharp rocks and sea urchins. An experienced big-wave surfer faces genuine risk of being driven into the cliff face or trapped against the rock platform by the force of the water. The precise surf history specific to Deadmans is difficult to trace, though it sits within Manly's broader legacy as a foundational Australian surf destination. The spot is rarely ridden due to its demanding conditions and accessibility constraints, meaning it lacks the competition record or celebrity surfers associated with Manly's main beach venues. Access requires either a steep descent down the cliff track from the Fairy Bower car park or an exposed scramble to jump from the rocks off Winki Point. High tide is essential for safe entry and exit—the shallow rocks make low tide especially hazardous. The spot is exposed enough that bystanders on the cliffs routinely gather to watch during rare big-swell days.

advanced · gun

Dee why

NSW, Sydney North, Australia

Dee Why is a steep, hollow right-hander that breaks off a shallow rock platform, with a powerful tube section through the fast wall followed by shoulder sections that carry rides toward the sand. It handles swells from 1 to 4 meters, responding best to south and southeast swells with northwest winds pushing offshore. The break works across all tidal stages but produces the most critical, fast sections at low tide, making it a wave that demands good judgment of bottom hazards and positioning. The spot has been established since the early 1960s, when a core group of Sydney surfers began using it regularly. It gained highest-profile recognition as the host venue for the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic from 2006 through 2012, an elite women's world tour competition that drew top competitors including multiple-time winners Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler Wright, Silvana Lima, and others, giving it a role in modern professional surfing's development of women's competition. Dee Why Point lies within a residential suburb accessible by regular bus service and a paid car park ($8 per hour, $25 per day), located opposite shops and residential streets. The break is characterized by localism and rocky hazards that make it inhospitable to exploratory visitors—experienced reef and point riders accept it as a serious Australian right-hander, while less skilled surfers typically have better experiences elsewhere on the Northern Beaches.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Denhams Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Denhams Beach near Batemans Bay is a beginner-friendly sand beach break on South Coast NSW. It accepts swell from both directions and works best with east-southeast swell and westerly winds. The break can get crowded when conditions are favorable and is not patrolled.

Depot Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Depot Beach is an intermediate beach break near Batemans Bay with a sand bottom. It breaks on both swell directions and performs best with southeast swells and westerly winds. Watch for rocks, sharks, and crowds.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Diamond Beach

Mid North Coast, Australia

Diamond Beach is a sand beach break located on the Mid North Coast near Forster, with waves from both directions. Rips and undertow are present hazards.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Diamond Head

NSW, Mid North Coast, Australia

Diamond Head is an exposed point break that produces inconsistent waves, best approached with modest expectations. When conditions align—generally autumn and winter months, with June particularly favorable—the eastern and northeasterly swell wraps into the point and breaks across a sand and rock bottom for extended lengths. The waves respond well to westerly to west-northwesterly winds and work across all tidal stages, though rising tide often provides the cleanest shape. Full head-high to overhead waves are possible on good days, but wind and swell consistency from other directions make it an unreliable spot for plan-based travel. Port Macquarie's surfing culture took hold during the 1960s as traveling surfers discovered the Mid North Coast, and the town has developed as one of Australia's bodyboarding strongholds over subsequent decades, with a museum documenting local shaping, competitions, and generations of watertime. Diamond Head itself carries no particular historical weight in published accounts and appears to have always been a secondary local spot rather than a foundational break. Access requires a campground permit or 4WD vehicle permit from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; the spot sits within Crowdy Bay National Park near Laurieton, with a full-service campground offering facilities near the beach. The beach itself is 4WD accessible from both southern and northern ends via unsealed roads passable to standard vehicles in dry conditions. Rips, rocks, and sharks are present hazards.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour, Australia

Diggers Beach is a sand beach break near Coffs Harbour, Australia that handles swell from both directions. The spot works across all tides with southeast swell and southwest winds being favorable. Watch for rips, sharks, and crowds in the water.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Dixon Park

NSW, Newcastle, Australia

Dixon Park combines a sand and reef setup that works consistently across all tides, producing both left and right-handers that break for extended sections. The best conditions arrive with southeast swell meeting northwest offshore winds; the break handles intermediate-sized waves well, roughly chest-high to overhead, but closeouts occur when swell becomes too large. Hazards include powerful rips and occasional shark activity, plus localized crowds during good conditions. Dixon Park SLSC has operated from this beach since 1932 (originally Scotts Beach SLSC, renamed within a year), making it one of Newcastle's oldest lifesaving and surfing hubs. The club hosts regular surf sports competitions and the beach serves as a venue for the Surfest Indigenous Classic and hosts events during the broader Newcastle Surfest World Surf League event. Ocean Street parking is plentiful and well-developed, with direct beach access, showers, and toilets. Beyond basic facilities, the area includes a children's playground, off-leash dog zone, and a kiosk with light meals. Public shelters and barbecues across the road make it popular with families.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Dolphin Point

South Coast NSW, Australia

Dolphin Point is an advanced reef break near Ulladulla with a rock bottom and left-breaking waves best suited to northeast swells and westerly winds. The shallow rock and reef ledges, urchins, rips, and strong local presence make this an exposed break that also sees shark activity.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Dongara Point

WA, Perth North, Australia

Dongara Point is a left-hand reef break that works best in western swells, particularly during winter months, with offshore conditions from easterly winds. The break produces well-formed left walls on good days, often reaching six feet or more, though mid-range swell conditions tend to produce fat waves prone to fading out. June typically sees waves suitable for surfing about half the time, with the break most consistent from May through August. The coral reef bottom creates hazards year-round, becoming particularly sharp and unforgiving at low tide when takeoffs narrow and the shallow water compounds the risk of contact with the reef. Rocks scatter the immediate area, and the spot attracts surfers when conditions align, creating crowded sessions. Dongara Point's history appears to be primarily oral tradition within the Perth North and Western Australian surf community. Local surfers built a tripod structure at the break, suggesting an established session culture, but specific information about when it was first surfed, which surfers developed its reputation, or any organized competitions remains undocumented in accessible databases. The point sits at the southern end of Port Denison Marina, approximately 359 kilometers north of Perth on Western Australia's Coral Coast. Port Denison's harbour infrastructure includes sealed boat ramps and ample parking on both its north and south sides, though facilities fill quickly on calm weekends during rock-lobster season. Public toilets and picnic facilities are available near the south boat ramp. Dongara township lies three kilometers away and offers accommodation options for visiting surfers.

Double Island Point

QLD, Sunshine Coast, Australia

Double Island Point is a long sandy right-hand point break known for producing Australia's longest waves, which can peel for hundreds of meters across the sand with multiple sections for turns and progression. The break works best with northeast to east swell and easterly winds, and requires a minimum of 2 feet to get going. While often described as gentle, the long walls are actually better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers who can handle the extended paddle and extended rides rather than beginners. The spot has gained some recognition within Australian surf culture as a notable wave, with possible appearances in early surf films documenting Australian breaks, and a reputation as an exceptionally long and relatively undiscovered point by global standards. The extended length of rides makes it distinct among Australian point breaks. Access is restricted to 4WD vehicles via the Great Beach Drive through Great Sandy National Park, which keeps the wave uncrowded. This isolation, combined with the technical challenges of the long point itself, makes it a destination primarily for committed intermediate surfers rather than a beginner teaching ground. Hazards include sharks, jellyfish, and strong rip currents typical of exposed Queensland points; the return paddle is generally straightforward along the sand. Peak season is autumn, particularly March, when consistent swell and clean winds align most reliably.

Dreamtime

NSW, North, Australia

Dreamtime is a point break at Fingal Head with both left and right-hander peaks, backed by sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The headland creates a swell-concentrating effect, producing hollow, punchy waves that work best in small to medium swell. Expect strong rip currents along the rocky northern section, and conditions can become rough with big waves during larger swells. The northern corner offers better protection from northeast summer winds and receives more favorable offshore flow during westerly winds. I found no documented surf history, notable competitions, or surfers specifically associated with Dreamtime. No available sources record when the spot began receiving regular surfing traffic or any significant events held there. Access involves a shaded walk through coastal rainforest from Lighthouse Parade, where free parking is available but limited. The southern side of Fingal Head is roughly 10–15 minutes' drive south of the Gold Coast across the NSW border. The headland's basalt formations are geologically distinctive—ancient lava flows from Mount Warning approximately 23 million years ago. The beach is unpatrolled and carries substantial hazard warnings related to a permanent boundary rip current; multiple drowning incidents have occurred here in recent years.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Dudley Beach

NSW, Newcastle, Australia

Dudley Beach is primarily a sand-bottom beach break that catches northeast and east swells best, performing most consistently in small to medium conditions with northwest winds. Low to mid tide produces the most shaped waves, though the sandy bottom is vulnerable to winter storms that can destroy bankings for extended periods. The southern end features a rocky point that can hold larger swells of six feet and above, occasionally producing hollow, tubular waves. While manageable for learners during smaller days, the break is prone to strong currents and rips, particularly when larger swells arrive. Dudley Beach sits within Newcastle's established surf culture, with amateur surfing activity dating to the early 1900s through the Redhead Amateur Surf Club. Although major Newcastle competitions like Surfest (which began in 1985 as the world's richest surfing event) have primarily used other breaks—mainly Merewether Beach since 2007—the broader Newcastle region has hosted world-class competitors including Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater, and Steph Gilmore. This area formed part of Newcastle's emergence as a significant Australian surf destination. Access is via Dudley Beach carpark within Glenrock State Conservation Area. The beach is unpatrolled, and visitors should exercise caution in the water due to rips and the hazards posed by rocks along the northern and southern ends.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Duesburys Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Duesburys Beach is located on the South Coast of NSW near Narooma. The beach has a sandy bottom and features hazards including rip currents, rocky areas, sharks, and jellyfish.

Dum Dums

NSW, South Coast, Australia

Dum Dums is a fast, hollow right-hand reef break on the southern flank of Crampton Island at Lake Tabourie, with a rock and shallow reef bottom that demands precision and speed. The wave runs for considerable length when conditions align, typically holding waist to double overhead, and requires strong offshore winds from the west-northwest combined with southeast swell to deliver clean rides. It's a winter peak break, particularly productive in May, though most other months see inconsistent conditions. Summer tends toward flat spells. Access involves a walk of more than 30 minutes from Lake Tabourie Tourist Park, the main public entry point to this area. The relative remoteness keeps crowds minimal, though the spot attracts skilled surfers aware of its hazards—shallow reef, rocks, urchins, rips, and sharks. Localism is reportedly present despite light crowds.

advanced

Dunbogan Beach

Mid North Coast, Australia

Dunbogan Beach is a beginner-friendly beach break on Australia's Mid North Coast near Camden Haven. The sandy bottom works best with low to high tide and south to northwest winds, accommodating swell from north to south directions. Watch for rip currents, rocks, and marine life.

Duranbah

QLD, Gold Coast, Australia

Duranbah is a powerful A-frame beach break that peels off well-groomed sandbars compressed between the Tweed River breakwall and an offshore sandbar. The break produces consistent, fast-forming peaks with hollow sections and barrels reaching up to 100 meters long, though typical runs are shorter. It works across the tide and benefits from south-southeast groundswell with west-southwest offshore winds. Before 1962, Duranbah was a rip-torn stretch of beach avoided by swimmers and surfers. The extension of the Tweed River breakwalls between 1962 and 1965 funneled Pacific swells into the break, transforming it into one of Australia's most reliable surf spots. The World Surf League ran Quiksilver and Roxy Pro heats here in 1996, 2000, 2006, 2008, and 2009, including Kelly Slater's 2006 victory. The break has become a high-performance training venue and a dependable alternative when other Gold Coast breaks lack shape. Duranbah sits on the north side of the Tweed River mouth on the NSW-QLD border, featuring a 350-meter easterly-facing beach. Its protective orientation makes it a swell magnet when neighboring Gold Coast peaks are clean but weak—often drawing crowds when conditions align. Strong tidal rips and pronounced currents through the river mouth pose consistent hazards.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Durras Beach

NSW, Far South, Australia

Durras comprises several distinct beach and reef breaks spread across North Durras Reef, Durras North, and South Durras. North Durras handles southeasterly swell best with northwesterly offshore winds, while the southern sections pick up more easterly and northeasterly swells favored by southwesterly conditions. The beach itself has a gradual, even slope and offers multiple intermediate beach breaks with both left and right-hand waves, though North Durras Reef in bigger conditions appeals to experienced surfers. Summer is typically flat; winter and autumn see the most consistent rideable conditions. Hazards include rip currents, scattered rocks, and sharks. The northern end features a notably sheltered corner that attracts beginners due to smaller, more manageable waves. The area remains uncrowded with a reputation for friendly locals and a laid-back atmosphere. Access is straightforward from the nearby township, with parking areas 600 metres north of the main beach. I found no detailed historical record of surfing culture, notable competitions, or storied sessions at Durras in my search results—the spot appears oriented toward local recreational use rather than featuring prominently in Australian surf history or media.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Eaglehawk Neck

TAS, Hobart, Australia

Eaglehawk Neck holds both a beach break and a reef component in Pirates Bay on the Tasman Peninsula. The beach offers left and right peaks, while the reef produces tubular A-frame waves during good conditions. It performs best in winter on medium-to-large southeast swells backed by westerly (offshore) winds, with quality waves available across all tide states. Wave size ranges from small (under 1 meter) to about 2 meters on bigger days. The break is reliable and rarely crowded. The Red Herring Pro-Am, an event featuring Australian top surfers and juniors competing for national ranking points, was held here in January 2026, though the location is overshadowed regionally by the more legendary Shipstern Bluff nearby on the same peninsula. Eaglehawk Neck sits roughly 75 kilometers south of Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula, accessible via a one-hour drive. The beach itself spans about 200 meters. Notable hazards include sharks, rips, and rocks on the exposed stretch.

East Devonport Beach

Tasmania, Australia

East Devonport Beach faces north beside the Mersey River entrance in Tasmania. Beachsafe identifies it as beach T1140 and describes roughly 400 metres of shore between the river training wall and a sand-and-cobble foreland tied to a low reef. The sandy high-tide beach is fronted by a broad terrace exposed at low tide, with rock flats at the eastern end. A reserve backs the beach, and a caravan park lies behind its western half. Devonport City Council lists access from Melrose Street.

Easts Beach

Wollongong - Shoalhaven, Australia

Easts Beach is a beginner-friendly beach break located near Kiama in Wollongong - Shoalhaven, Australia. The sandy bottom provides a forgiving learning environment.

Egg Beach

Tasmania, Australia

Egg Beach forms part of the ocean-facing Pirates Bay shoreline at Eaglehawk Neck in southeast Tasmania. Rock platforms border its sandy stretch, and local Eaglehawk Neck visitor information names Egg Beach among the area's surf beaches.

Elizabeth Beach

NSW, Mid North Coast, Australia

Elizabeth Beach is an inconsistent beach break facing northeast that rarely fires except during specific swell patterns, typically requiring a large refracting northeast swell to produce rideable waves. The break generates both left and right-hand peaks with average wave heights around 0.5 to 1 metre throughout the year. Southwest winds provide the best offshore conditions, while the beach works across all tidal stages. Two permanent rip currents flow along the north and south headlands, requiring careful navigation. The Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club has operated at Elizabeth Beach since 1986 and developed a reputation for hosting surf boat competitions and active community events. The beach is regularly patrolled during the summer season and holds the distinction of being the only patrolled beach along the coast between Cape Hawke to the north and Tea Gardens to the south, indicating its standing as the area's primary recreational water. Elizabeth Beach sits within Booti Booti National Park near the village of Pacific Palms, about three hours north of Sydney. The 600-metre beach is protected from easterly and southeasterly swells by Charlotte Head and backed by dense vegetation. Free parking is available at both ends, with the Surf Life Saving Club located centrally. The area is rarely crowded and popular with both surfers and shore fishermen.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Explosives

WA, Perth North, Australia

Explosives is an exposed reef break at Moore Point that produces punchy, powerful waves best suited to advanced surfers. The break works primarily on southwest swells combined with southeast winds, performing optimally around mid to rising tide. Wave sections can produce barrels under the right conditions, particularly at lower tide on substantial swells, though the break only materializes reliably with specific swell and wind alignment and sees relatively few crowded sessions. Strong currents run across the outer reef and can sweep surfers toward and past Geraldton Harbour, requiring local knowledge and experience. The shallow rocky reef bottom demands caution and skill; the adjacent Hell's Gate break is particularly hollow and demanding over its shallow bottom. Winter represents the optimal season, though paradoxically summer months (especially January) can deliver consistent clean conditions. Access to Explosives is straightforward via Moore Point near Geraldton Lighthouse in Perth North. Four-wheel drive vehicles can drive onto the beach, and parking exists near the lighthouse with only a short walk to reach the breaks. A smaller gentler wave called Kiddies Corner sits in front of the lighthouse and is used by surfers as a warm-up before tackling the more intense Explosives and Hell's Gate reefs.

Fairhaven

VIC, Melbourne West, Australia

Fairhaven is a beach break with a sand bottom that works best when southwest swells combine with north offshore winds, with winter—particularly August—offering the most consistent clean conditions. Waves here tend to be modest most of the time but can develop into more substantial sets on stronger swell days. The beach profile shifts unpredictably between seasons, making conditions changeable and harder to predict than many nearby breaks. Tide has little effect on wave quality. The spot draws experienced surfers because of its wave potential but is better suited to those with some skill. Multiple strong rip currents run through the break, and the waves can develop considerable power when conditions align, making this a more hazardous paddle than its casual reputation might suggest. Fairhaven Beach stretches for six kilometres and is the longest stretch of sand along the Great Ocean Road, with free parking in a large lot that fills quickly during peak season. Access is straightforward via stairs from the parking area, and an underground tunnel provides safe crossing under the main road. The Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club operates at the eastern end with full facilities including showers, toilets, and change rooms. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during summer months. From parking to water is a short walk.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard