Surf Spots

Sandy Waterhole Beach

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island, Australia

Sandy Waterhole Beach has a combination bottom. The beach is unpatrolled and has no lifeguards on duty.

Scotts Head

Coffs Harbour, Australia

Scotts Head is a right-hand point break that peels across 50–150 metres of rocky point, working best with southeast swell and southwest offshore winds. Intermediate to advanced surfers find the main waves, though gentler sections form shoreward. The break is inconsistent and tide-independent, firing reliably only during winter, particularly June. Hazards include exposed rock reefs, strong rips, undertow, and shark presence; localism is reported. The spot has been surfed for decades and supports a small surf school, but lacks detailed documented surf history, competitions, or notable sessions in publicly available sources. It remains a relatively quiet regional break without the heritage infrastructure of more famous nearby points. Access is straightforward from the small coastal town of Scotts Head, approximately 37 km south of Coffs Harbour. The point is reached via beach access near the town centre.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Seaworld

Gold Coast, Australia

Seaworld is a beach break located near Main Beach on the Gold Coast, Australia. The sandy bottom works across all tide levels, with swells coming from northeast, east, and southeast directions. Both left and right waves can be found at this spot.

advanced · shortboard

Second Surf

Eastern Victoria, Australia

Second Surf is located near Cape Paterson in Eastern Victoria. This advanced break features strong rips and undertow, making it suitable only for experienced surfers.

Secret Harbour

Perth, Australia

Secret Harbour is a sand beach break that works reliably year-round, producing left and right-handers with a peaky character suited to smaller swell. Waves typically range from 1 to 1.5 meters on smaller days and can build to 4 meters on larger swells, with sections that allow extended rides across 100+ meters of beach. The break responds best to west-southwest groundswell paired with east-northeast offshore wind, and conditions are most organized at high tide when the water is rising; lower tides favor bodyboarders and shorter boards. While summer sees mostly flat conditions, winter months—particularly June—deliver consistent waves. The exposed orientation means morning glass-off is brief before winds typically pick up by mid-morning. Sharks have been documented in the area, and the break draws crowds during favorable conditions. Secret Harbour has hosted regional and state surf carnivals at the junior, senior, and masters level since at least the 1980s. The local surf life saving club maintains a tradition of competitive events that showcase both amateur and established surfers, fostering a community-centered approach to the sport. The suburb lies 56 kilometers south of Perth in the City of Rockingham and is patrolled by lifesavers. Substantial free parking sits immediately adjacent to the beach with wheelchair access available. The beach is serviced by showers, a surf life saving club building, a café, and recreational facilities.

Seven Mile Beach

Mid North Coast, Australia

Seven Mile Beach is an intermediate-level beach break near Forster on Australia's Mid North Coast. Best swell comes from the southeast with northwesterly winds preferred. The sand bottom and both wave directions offer opportunities for varying conditions, though swimmers should be aware of sharks, rips, and the absence of lifeguard patrols.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Seven Mile Beach

Wollongong - Shoalhaven, Australia

Seven Mile Beach is a mellow, broad sand-bottom beach break that spills gently across its gradual slope, making it the most accessible introductory surf spot on the New South Wales south coast. Both southeast groundswell and south to southeast swell produce rideable conditions that favour lightweight, rolling peaks over hollow, demanding waves. The spot is affected by rip currents, particularly at the northern and southern ends and during periods of large swell, alongside scattered rocks along the shoreline. Despite working across all tidal states, the beach peaks during winter months when offshore winds from the northwest clean up the conditions most consistently. Seven Mile Beach has been recognised as a significant Australian location since the 1930s, when it served as the landing strip for Sir Kingsford Smith's historic first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand. More recently, it established itself as the developmental ground for Sally Fitzgibbons, one of Australia's most accomplished female surfers on the professional tour. The beach remains primarily known as a learning destination rather than a competition venue. Access varies between the northern end at Gerroa, where waves tend to be gentler and more predictable, and the southern end near Shoalhaven Heads, which faces rougher conditions. The 12.5-kilometre stretch is part of Seven Mile Beach National Park and benefits from seasonal lifeguard patrols during summer holidays, though remains unpatrolled during the rest of the year. The northern Gerroa section is the safer choice for less experienced swimmers.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Seven Mile Point

Tasmania, Australia

Seven Mile Point is a point break located near Midway Point in Tasmania. It works best with southerly swell and westerly winds. Watch out for rips in the area.

Shack Bay

Eastern Victoria, Australia

Shack Bay near Cape Paterson in Eastern Victoria has a sand and rock bottom. Swimmers and surfers should be aware of strong rips, rocks, and the fact that the beach is unpatrolled.

Sharkies Beach

Wollongong - Shoalhaven, Australia

Sharkies Beach near Coledale is a reef break best surfed at mid-tide with westerly winds and southeast swell. The reef bottom offers both left and right wave directions, though surfers should be aware of rips, rocks, sharks, and bluebottles in the area.

Sharpes Beach

Lennox-Ballina, Australia

Sharpes Beach near East Ballina is a beginner-friendly beach and reef break that works across all tides. Best conditions arrive with easterly swell and westerly-northwesterly winds, with waves breaking left. Watch for rocks and crowds.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shellharbour Cove

Wollongong - Shoalhaven, Australia

Shellharbour Cove is a surf break located near Shellharbour in the Wollongong-Shoalhaven region of Australia.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shelly Beach

Lennox-Ballina, Australia

Shelly Beach is a 700-meter beach break on a southeast-facing stretch between Black Head and Ballina Head, with sand interrupted by distinctive dark-colored rocks and flat rock platforms at each end overlooking shallow rocky holes. The break works across all tide levels and generates both left and right waves; it is considered a good spot for learners despite having genuine hazards including two pronounced tide rips that run toward either headland and are often connected by a central rip, plus longshore currents, bluebottles, and sharks. I was unable to find specific historical information about when this beach began being surfed, notable past sessions, major competitions, or particular surfers associated with Shelly Beach. The Shelly Beach Surf Club exists but records of its competition history are not readily available online. Shelly Beach sits in East Ballina between Lighthouse and Angels beaches, backed by Richmond Hill residential development. Access is straightforward via two central car parks plus entry points at both ends, with four parking lots total, outdoor showers, and nearby toilets and café. The beach is fringed with pandanus trees and connects to a coastal walking and cycling track. It is patrolled by lifeguards only during summer school holidays, making hazard awareness important outside that window. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shelly Beach

Central Coast NSW, Australia

Shelly Beach has a sand and reef bottom that handles swell from the east through southeast, with the north end capable of peeling off a clean left when conditions align. Waves generally run waist-high to triple overhead. Northwest winds are ideal for cleaning up the break. Very consistent (8/10 consistency rating), it works for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Rocks and sharks are hazards; the south end has rips worth avoiding. Expect crowds, especially on weekends. Close to The Entrance, access is straightforward—parking, toilets, and a cafe are available near the beach. Lifeguards patrol September through April. The Shelly Beach Surf Club is active in the area and the beach hosted women's competition events in recent years.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shelly Beach

Mid North Coast, Australia

Shelly Beach is an exposed sand beach break that produces workable waves across all tide stages, with lefts and rights peeling in succession. The best conditions arrive with southeast swell paired with southwest winds, particularly during winter months when the beach delivers cleaner peaks roughly 60% of the time. The north end of the beach offers less interference from rocks and more direct swell exposure. The wave quality varies with seasonal swells, and the break can draw significant crowds when conditions align. Port Macquarie's surfing heritage extends back to the 1960s when itinerant surfers discovered the break while traveling along Australia's southeastern coast, adding it to a region with roots reaching further back to the early 20th century. Shelly Beach became established as one of the primary local breaks within Port Macquarie's broader beach break network. Access is straightforward from the parking area near the Kenny walk entrance, where picnic facilities and picnic tables are available nearby. The beach features a natural tidal lagoon backed by rainforest, with easy public beach access. The main hazard beyond typical beach break conditions is the presence of sharks, particularly when swell is substantial and water clarity is reduced.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Shoal Bay

Newcastle NSW, Australia

Shoal Bay is a beginner-friendly beach break near Nelson Bay on Australia's New South Wales coast. The sandy bottom provides forgiving conditions for learners. Note that there is no lifeguard patrol at this location.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Short Point

South Coast NSW, Australia

Short Point is a beginner-friendly beach break near Merimbula on the South Coast of NSW, with a sandy bottom that works best in WNW winds and accepts swells from the NE direction. The break handles waves from both directions and can draw crowds when conditions are favorable, with sharks reported in the area.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Smiths Beach

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island, Australia

Smiths Beach on the Mornington Peninsula is a beginner-friendly sand beach break. Best conditions occur at mid-tide with southern swells and northerly winds. Local hazards include rocks, rips, and sharks.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Snelling Beach

Midcoast, Australia

Snelling Beach is a sand beach break near Middle River on Midcoast, Australia, suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers. The break features four beach rips and permanent rips against the rocks at each end, requiring awareness of local conditions.

Soldiers Beach

Central Coast NSW, Australia

Soldiers Beach is a beach break near Norah Head on Central Coast NSW that works on swell from both directions, with SE swells performing best. It responds well to NW winds and works across all tidal ranges. The sand and rock bottom creates variable conditions with hazards including rocks, strong currents and rips, sharks, and crowds that build at the point in bigger swell.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Sorrento

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island, Australia

Sorrento is a beginner-friendly beach break on the Mornington Peninsula with a sand and rock bottom. Right-hand waves are typical here, with rips and sharks present as hazards.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

South Beach

Mid North Coast, Australia

South Beach at Dunbogan is part of a long sandy coastal stretch between Camden Head and Diamond Head on the NSW Mid North Coast. Dunes back the shore, whose southern section enters Crowdy Bay National Park.

South Beach

Perth, Australia

South Beach is an Indian Ocean beach in South Fremantle, Western Australia. Its sandy shore borders a waterfront reserve with views west toward Rottnest, Carnac and Garden islands.

South Beach

Lennox-Ballina, Australia

South Beach is an advanced beach break with a sand bottom near Ballina. Strong currents and rips make this spot suitable for experienced surfers only.

South Kingscliff Beach

Northern NSW, Australia

South Kingscliff Beach is a sand beach break near Kingscliff in Northern NSW that works for both left and right hand waves. Best conditions arrive with NE swell and W-SE winds. Watch for rip currents when paddling out.

South Stockton Beach

Newcastle NSW, Australia

South Stockton Beach is a beginner-friendly beach break near Stockton, NSW, with a sandy bottom. The break works best with southeast swell and westerly winds, accepting waves from both directions. Watch for rips, a wreck, shark-protected areas, and private land nearby.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Stanwell Park

Wollongong - Shoalhaven, Australia

Stanwell Park is a consistent beach break that works year-round, producing both left and right-handers on a shifting sand and rock bottom. It's one of the heavier beach breaks along the NSW south coast, with an intermediate to challenging character despite its rating for intermediate surfers—the wave has significant power and a hollow, sucky quality that demands respect. It works best on southeast swell with northwest offshore winds, preferring low to medium tide. The break peaks during winter months, particularly July, though it caps out around three meters and loses shape in larger swells. Professional surfer Kalani Ball comes from Stanwell Park and earned multiple junior titles before claiming his second Mick Lowe Trophy. Beyond that, specific historical detail about when the break became established in the surfing community or whether notable competitions have been held there remains sparse in available sources. The beach sits 28 kilometers north of Wollongong at the northern reach of the Illawarra coast, nestled between Bald Hill to the north and Stanwell Tops to the west, with the break framed by a dramatic escarpment. Access is straightforward via Stanwell Park Road with free parking near the surf club, and facilities include wheelchair accessibility and public restrooms.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Stark Bay

Perth, Australia

Stark Bay is an advanced reef break near Perth, Australia that produces left-hand waves over shallow, sharp reef. Best swell arrives from the WSW with favorable winds from the ESE. The remote location and long paddle-out, combined with sharp reef and shark presence, make this an expert-only destination.

Steamers Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Steamers Beach is a sandy beach break that works best in smaller swells from the south, generating wedgy peaks that can throw occasional barrels depending on sandbar shape. The waves have enough push to suit intermediate surfers, and the break picks up swell across most tide levels. The beach faces broadly southward, which keeps it relatively clean as afternoon sea breezes develop. The surf history and specific notable sessions at Steamers are not well-documented in available sources. The break appears to be primarily known as a rugged, isolated alternative to the gentler nearby Jervis Bay beaches, valued by intermediates seeking swell with less crowding. Access involves a 30-minute walk through eucalypt and tea-tree forest from the Steamers Beach carpark, ending with a descent of roughly 250 steep wooden stairs. The 4.6 km return walk gains 160 metres elevation. The beach itself is backed by high cliffs and steep vegetated slopes. Hazards include large rips and strong currents, shallow rock shelves close to shore, and an established shark population—locals recommend avoiding dawn and dusk swimming when sharks are most active.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Steps

Surf Coast, Australia

Steps is a right-hand reef break on the Surf Coast near Jan Juc. It works best with southwest swell and northnorthwest winds. Rocky reef and crowds are hazards to be aware of here.

Storm Bay

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island, Australia

Storm Bay is a reef break near Ventnor on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia, featuring a rocky bottom and right-hand waves suited to advanced surfers. Best conditions arrive at high tide, though the break is exposed to boulders and presents a large tide range. The unpatrolled beach carries multiple hazards including rips and sharks.

Stuarts Point

Coffs Harbour, Australia

Stuarts Point Beach runs south from Grassy Head toward the Macleay River entrance on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. Vegetated dunes separate its sandy shore from the old Macleay Arm beside the village.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Suck Rock

Sydney, Australia

Suck Rock is a shallow right-hand reef break on exposed coral at Potters Point near Kurnell, best surfed at medium to high tide—particularly when the peak comes around 6pm—to avoid scraping on the reef in shallow water. It holds swell from about 1 to 2.5 meters and is fairly consistent. The main hazard beyond the shallow bottom is the exit; in larger swells, surfers risk being pushed seaward toward Boat Harbour and Mays Reefs if not timed correctly, and the rip current here can be strong. Access requires driving into the Kurnell Peninsula via Potter Point, where coin and card payment parking is available, though the lot can fill by mid-morning on weekends. The spot sits within Kurnell National Park, so an entry fee applies. The surrounding area has unfenced cliffs, so take care near cliff edges. I could not locate specific published records of historic sessions, notable competitions held at Suck Rock, or prominent surfers closely associated with this break. Local knowledge may hold more depth than what appears in general web sources.

advanced · shortboard

Suffolk Park

Northern NSW, Australia

Suffolk Park is an exposed beach break that generates left and right-hand waves across a wide, sandy beach. It maintains consistent swell during winter months when east and northeast swell combine with offshore west-northwest winds. The break works at all tidal stages and tends to be less crowded than nearby Byron Bay, with plenty of room to spread across the beach. The area around Byron Bay has a long history of local surfing culture, though specific documentation of Suffolk Park's surfing heritage is limited. The break has been worked by local surfers for decades as a reliable alternative to the busier spots closer to town. Suffolk Park sits about 5 kilometers south of Byron Bay town center, roughly 10 minutes by car via Clifford Street to the beach carpark. A local bus service also connects it directly. Facilities are minimal—there are no shower blocks, food vendors, or lifeguards—so surfers typically prepare before heading to the water. The exposed location means consistent swell, though currents and rips can be strong when conditions are large.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Summerland Bay

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island, Australia

Summerland Bay is a right-hand reef break on Mornington Peninsula near Phillip Island. Best conditions occur with southwest swell, northwest winds, and high tide. Watch for rips, rocks, and sharks when paddling out.

Sunshine Beach

Sunshine Coast, Australia

Sunshine Beach is a sand-bottom beach break with both lefts and rights across multiple peaks. The break responds particularly well to east and southeast swells combined with westerly winds. Wave character varies significantly with swell size—small summer days can offer mellow conditions suitable for beginners, while bigger winter swells produce more demanding, punchy peaks. Tide has minimal influence on wave quality. The break attracts crowds when conditions align, and hazards include strong rips, sharks, and jellyfish. The Noosa area, of which Sunshine Beach is part, has been surfed since the 1950s and gained wider recognition through the Noosa Festival of Surfing, established in the early 1990s as a longboard-focused competition and now the world's longest-running amateur longboard event. The region's breaks, particularly the right-hand points nearby, were historically focal points for international competition and remain culturally significant to Australian surfing. Sunshine Beach sits within the Shire of Noosa with direct beach access off Ben Lexcen Drive. Free parking is available without time limits, though it fills during peak periods. The location offers public facilities including showers and toilets, lies adjacent to Noosa National Park, and is close to cafes and shops. Access is straightforward from the M1 and Sunshine Motorway.

Supertubes

Western Australia, Australia

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Surfies Point

Mornington Peninsula - Phillip Island, Australia

Surfies Point is a right-hand point break on the Mornington Peninsula near Phillip Island with a sand and rock bottom. Best conditions occur at mid tide with northerly to northwesterly winds and southern swell, offering intermediate-level waves. Watch for hazards including sharks, rocks, strong rips and currents, shallow sections at low tide, and crowded local lineups.

Surfing

Australia

Susan Gilmore Beach

Newcastle NSW, Australia

Susan Gilmore Beach near Bar Beach, Newcastle is an advanced point break with sand and rock bottom. Best conditions occur at mid-tide with north-easterly swell and westerly winds, working across both wave directions. Steep access paths and slippery rocks present significant hazards at this break.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Tallow Beach

Central Coast NSW, Australia

Tallow Beach is a sandy beach break located near Killcare on NSW's Central Coast. The break features rocky areas and is exposed to rips, with no lifeguards present.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Tamarama Beach

Sydney, Australia

Tamarama Beach is a left-breaking reef break near Bondi with a rocky bottom that picks up southeast swell. The spot works best with southwest winds and is exposed to rips, rocks, and crowds.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Taroona Beach

Tasmania, Australia

Taroona Beach faces southeast along the Derwent estuary south of Hobart. Its rocky shore lies below Taroona Park, with Crayfish Point to the north and Hinsby Beach just beyond rocks to the southwest.

Tathra Beach

South Coast NSW, Australia

Tathra Beach is a beginner-friendly beach break near the town of Tathra on NSW's South Coast. The break handles swells from the southeast and works on both left and right-hand waves, with mid-tide and westerly winds offering the best conditions. Watch for rips and sharks in the water.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Terrigal Haven

Central Coast NSW, Australia

Terrigal Haven is a right-hand point break on the Central Coast near Terrigal, with a reef bottom that works best on SE swell in low to mid tide with SW winds. Advanced-level surfers can find quality waves here, though the break comes with hazards including shallow submerged rocks, rips, sea urchins, sharks, and crowds.

The Box

Southwest Australia, Australia

The Box is a fast, square-shaped right-hander that detonates on a shallow, jagged reef lying roughly 200 meters offshore. The wave builds suddenly from deep water and appears almost geometrically boxed as it peaks before exploding over the rocky bottom. It requires advanced skill and demands precise late takeoffs to thread the barrel cleanly. The break responds only to specific conditions: southwest to south swells combined with northeast to easterly winds and a mid-to-high tide produce rideable waves, while the region's frequent onshore wind patterns can render it churned and unworkable for weeks at a stretch. When it fires, waves typically run from waist to triple overhead, with the most consistent quality occurring between March and May. Beyond the technical demands, the break presents real hazards in its sharp reef, scattered rocks, and history of injuries among visiting pros. The Box was pioneered in 1961 by surfers Cliff Hills and Rob Birch from Perth. The wave remained a regional specialist break for decades before gaining broader attention as The Box was incorporated into the World Surf League's Margaret River Pro in 2014. Competition heats have run there only sporadically since then, with the most notable contest appearance in 2019 before the event returned in 2025. That same 2019 event saw Leo Fioravanti dislocate his shoulder attempting to paddle in. In free surf, the break has attracted elite competitors including John John Florence, Griffin Colapinto, Seth Moniz, and Jordy Smith, who continue to seek it out for the challenge and the quality of barrels when conditions align. Access is via Surfers Point car park, reached by heading south on Caves Road and turning right onto Wallcliffe Road, passing the cemetery and golf course. The wave can be observed from the parking area when conditions allow, and sight lines from nearby Margaret River Mouth also provide good vantage points. Local knowledge and respect for the established surfing community are essential at this break, where small crowds and significant expertise requirements define the culture.

advanced · shortboard

The Cutting

Western Victoria, Australia

The Cutting is a sandy beach break built around a consistent quality sandbank that generates both left and right-hand waves, though the lefthander is the main draw. It works best on south-facing groundswells up to 6 feet with northerly offshore wind, performing particularly well around mid tide. The break is notably more reliable than the main Warrnambool and Port Fairy beaches, often delivering waves when those nearby breaks are flat. Winter brings the most consistent conditions, with June typically offering the best windows. Water temperature stays cold year-round at around 15°C. Dangerous rips are the primary hazard; crowds can build on good days. Access is straightforward from the Warrnambool area, located roughly 4 km between Warrnambool and Port Fairy along Victoria's southwest coast.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

The Entrance

Central Coast NSW, Australia

The Entrance is a beach break that works best at high tide and faces inconsistency from surfers due to a strong rip that runs along the channel, making paddling out challenging. The swell tends to create a lateral sweep effect depending on conditions, pushing surfers toward either Soldier's Beach or back toward The Entrance depending on swell direction. The waters are regularly patrolled by professional lifeguards during weekdays and volunteer surf lifesavers on weekends, making it a generally safe swimming and paddling zone for competent swimmers. The Entrance Surf Club, established in 1922, became the second surf lifesaving club on the Central Coast, suggesting the break has a long history of recreational use. However, I could not find specific information about notable competitions, historic sessions, or individual surfers particularly associated with this spot. Located directly in the town center of The Entrance, the beach offers easy access with town parking and facilities nearby. The break sits within the broader Central Coast region, which receives consistent Southern and Southeastern swell throughout the year, with more powerful groundswells typically arriving during autumn and winter months.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard