Australia surf forecast

Surfing in Australia

Australia has surf along most of its mainland coastline, but the main surfing regions behave very differently, so it pays to think of them separately. The east coast, from the Gold Coast down through Sydney, faces the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific. It picks up south to south-east groundswell from the lows that track below the continent, east swells from Tasman and Coral Sea systems, and in late summer the occasional tropical cyclone swell that can light up the Queensland points. The southern coasts of Victoria and South Australia face the Southern Ocean, and the west-facing south-west corner of Western Australia around Margaret River sits under the same storm track; both take bigger, more consistent south-west groundswell, especially through the colder months.

Across most regions, autumn into winter, roughly March to September, is the most reliable window: swells are more frequent and the east coast often sees lighter morning winds with westerly offshores. Summer tends to be smaller on the east coast, with afternoon north-easterly sea breezes, which suits learners on the beaches.

Breaks range from forgiving beach breaks with patrolled flagged areas to sand-bottom points such as Snapper Rocks and Kirra and heavy reef and rock ledges for experienced surfers only. Rips are the main hazard on open beaches, so swim and surf between the flags if you are new to it. Popular points are crowded and lineups can be territorial. Water temperature varies widely, from boardshorts or a spring suit in Queensland to a 4/3 wetsuit and boots in Victoria in winter. Use the area pages below to compare spots near you.