New South Wales has some of the best surf breaks in Australia, and when you're travelling around this coastal state you'll find endless stunning coastline with waves that will have you begging to hit the surf.
New South Wales offers good swell during both summer and winter, and lots of uncrowded spots that will remind you of why you love surfing, giving you that complete feeling of serenity while out in the ocean.
Sound like your perfect vacation? What are you waiting for?! Get your holiday accommodation booked in so you have a comfortable (and dry!) place to rest your head after a long day in the surf. Pack up your board (or hire one while on the road), grab your wetsuit and get set to explore some of New South Wale's most pristine surf beaches.
Angourie's point break is legendary. Bordered by Yuraygir National Park, the swell ranges in size from one or two metres, which is manageable for most levels of surfer, through to larger, more powerful waves that are best suitable for more experienced surfers. Eastern and northern swells create fast, hollow tubes while southerlies bring in the gentler waves, ensuring there's something for everyone here.
The locals here are very fond of this beach, and while it's easy to paddle out and drop in to a wave, sometimes there can be competition for the best swells.
Angourie Beach was the second site in Australia to be recognised for its recreational surfing significance, and in 2007 it was given the title of National Surfing Reserve. With those credentials, you know this beach is going to be good.
Located in the Shellharbour area, this beach sits within a 250 hectare state park. Killalea Beach is also known as "The Farm" and is one of New South Wales' most renowned beaches, declared a national surfing reserve in 2009. The unpatrolled beaches mean it's best enjoyed by confident surfers and swimmers, though there are plenty of more family-friendly areas around the park for everyone to enjoy. The exposed beach and point break offers consistent surf that runs a little flat in summer.
Waves here can be taller than six feet at times, with a unique south-facing location which catches the coastline's south swell. It's ideal for surfing during summer.
Also a National Surfing Reserve, Lennox Head is the largest of its kind in Australia and spans 7.2km from Flat Rock up to the Surf Club. It's famous for its right-hand point-break, which is one of our country's most notoriously powerful yet beautiful. If you dare brave this beach, you'll have to fight for your place on the waves among local surfers.
For the best surf conditions, visit Lennox beach from December to April. If you want a safer, calmer beach for kids you may want to continue south to Ballina, as Lennox Heads' conditions are best suited to more experienced riders.
"New South Wales offers good swell during both summer and winter, and lots of uncrowded spots that will remind you of why you love surfing, giving you that complete feeling of serenity while out in the ocean."
Cronulla Beach is immensely popular and generally regarded as one of the best surf beaches in the area. Due to its close vicinity to the Royal National Park, you may find yourself sharing the waters with not only other surfers, but dolphins and turtles too. Surf here when winds are blowing offshore from the north west, or relax on the beach-front parks and enjoy a treat from one of the nearby stalls.
Swimmers, surfers, kite boarders and paddleboarders can all exist in harmony at Cronulla, and there are surfing lessons available to ensure everyone who wants to get out in the waves can do so. If you're fond of public transport, theres good news - Cronulla Beach can be accessed by train!
You're among fine company when you surf at Merewether Beach - it's home to Mark Richards, four-time World Surfing Champion, along with Malibu Surfboard Riding Champion, Martin McMillan. The Merewether Beaches National Surfing Reserves extends from Dixon Park to Burwood Beach.
Lifeguards patrol the beach week-long during swimming season, so you can feel comfortable hitting the waves and letting your kids frolic in the shallows. There are also changing rooms and a cafe/kiosk operating all year round.
Hat Head offers great conditions for both swimming and surfing, with a right-hand beach break at the point. Expect waves up to three metres high, especially when the south westerlies are blowing. Beginners should try the beach's southern pocket for calmer conditions and soft waves. The more isolated beaches along this strip can offer big, strong waves, but they bring with them strong current that make these areas best suited to more experienced and confident surfers.
Families can enjoy safe swimming conditions here at high tide, and there is also Surf Lifesaving Patrol at the weekends during October to April.