Surfing in Sydney: The Best Surf Beaches for all Experience Levels

 

Sunny days in Sydney mean one thing… it's time to surf those Australian waves! Surfing in Sydney and New South Wales is a must-do when you’re in Australia. There are so many beautiful beaches surrounding Sydney and other destinations in New South Wales, so if you’re looking to surf those waves during your travels, this is the place to do it! Imagine your perfect day looking like this… rocking up to some of the most iconic beaches in the world, getting your adrenaline pumping by surfing some waves, then heading out of the sea to soak up the sun and have a classic Aussie BBQ. If that sounds like your perfect day, and you’re wondering what beaches are best for surfing in New South Wales, this article has everything you need! Even if you are keen to surf but are still a beginner, we have solutions for which beach is best to make you a pro in no time! 

Best Time of Year for Surfing in Sydney & New South Wales

So you’ve decided to hit the waves in Sydney… but when is the best time to surf? Between March and June, the seas of Sydney and New South Wales have perfect weather for surfing. There are light breezes with a good swell during these months.  However, any time of the year is a great time for surfing in Sydney. Plus, practice makes perfect, so grab that board and go! 

Best Spots for Surfing in Sydney & New South Wales

Manly Beach 

Manly Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Australia. It is known for hosting one of the first world surfing contests in 1964. Whether you want to surf or just chill on the sand, this paradise is perfect for everyone. 

Difficulty: Good for beginners to learn how to surf! 

Best Wind Direction: Southern winds 

Crowd Level: During the weekday is often quieter and perfect for beginners

Wave Size: Average 1.5 metres

 

Freshwater Beach 

This family-friendly beach is the birthplace of surfing. With shallow waters and protection from Northerly winds, this is a safe beach to visit with friends for those relaxing days whilst travelling. 

Difficulty: This beach is ideal for all levels

Best Wind Direction: East winds

Crowd Level: It is a frequently visited beach with both tourists and locals.

Wave Size: 2.5 metres

 

Bondi Beach 

One of the most popular beaches in Australia, Bondi Beach is perfect for everything from surfing, restaurants and cafes to soaking in the sun on the sandy shores. Why not take up a surf lesson on this famous beach and learn to score some waves?

Difficulty: All levels can surf here

Best Wind Direction: North Easterly swells 

Crowd Level: Bondi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sydney, so it has an energetic, bustling vibe!

Wave Size: 2 metres

Maroubra Beach

This beach is located near the city. So if you’re looking to nip to the beach after work or quickly during the day this would be the one for you! With consistent waves, it is great for surfers too. 

Difficulty: Great for beginners! 

Best Wind Direction: good East to North Easterly swells 

Crowd Level: Maroubra Beach is considered a popular surfing location in Sydney.

Wave Size: 2 metres

Tamarama Beach 

A stop along the Coogee to Bondi Beach walk is the fantastic Tamarama Beach, the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic on the sands. It is also popular with swimmers and surfers! So you can take a dip in the ocean after lunch. 

Difficulty: This is one for experienced surfers.

Best Wind Direction: South Easterly winds  

Crowd Level: Being a popular surf spot amongst experienced surfers, it's easy to meet like-minded people. It is often quieter than other beaches in the area. 

Wave Size: 2.5 metres

 

Cronulla Beach 

One of the longest beaches in Sydney, you have a lot of space to choose from to settle for the day. Cronulla Beach has consistent surf all year round so is a great place to visit whenever you’re in the area!

Difficulty: Great for all levels to go to

Best Wind Direction: South Easterly winds

Crowd Level: During the week, this beach is usually quiet, but picks up in the summer! 

Wave Size: 1 metre

 

Palm Beach 

With clear waters and golden sandy shores Palm Beach is a holiday paradise to surf on. It is a long-stretched shore that is popular amongst locals and is particularly ideal for beginner surfers. 

Difficulty: Best for beginners and intermediates

Best Wind Direction: North Easterly winds

Crowd Level: This is another favourite beach in Sydney, so its likely you will see many other surfers all year around.

Wave Size: 1.5 metres

 

Curl Curl Beach 

This beach is 1.2km long and is separated into two parts. In the northern part of the beach, there is a stunning lagoon that flows out into the ocean! A lot of people often bodyboard at Curl Curl Beach if you’re not wanting to surf. With only a 30-minute drive from the city, it's easy to see why this beach is popular with both locals and tourists. 

Difficulty: All levels are good to surf here 

Best Wind Direction: North Easterly winds

Crowd Level: Curl Curl beach is very popular, so make sure to arrive early in the day if you want to make the most of the free space in the waves.

Wave Size: 1.6 metres

North Narrabeen Beach 

The perfect spot for locals and visitors. There are many facilities here like showers and picnic areas perfect for a day out. It is known for its fantastic surf along the golden shores. 

Difficulty: Perfect beach for those pro surfers! 

Best Wind Direction: North Westerly winds

Crowd Level: This beach is frequently bustling, with a mix of both locals and tourists!

Wave Size: 1.3 metres

 

Stanwell Park Beach 

Located off the Grand Pacific Drive, Stanwell Park Beach is the ultimate location surrounded by beauty and ideal for barbecues or picnics. Plus, it is a great beach all year round for surfing. 

Difficulty: All levels are welcome! 

Best Wind Direction: North Westerly winds

Crowd Level: This hidden gem beach is not as well known as some of the other beaches in the area, so is the perfect destination if you want to surf by yourself. 

Wave Size: 1.8 metres

 

Grab that surfboard and head out to the best beach that suits you! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, there is something for everyone. If you’re feeling like you don’t want to go hit the waves alone just yet, why not check out our Aussie Surf Camp? On this trip, you can have 5-days of instructed lessons to help you up on the board to score some waves alone! During the camp you’ll be staying and having lessons on Seven Mile Beach - one of the best to learn at - surrounded by the natural beauty of this National Park. If surfing isn’t your thing, we recommend checking out these beautiful beaches! You can enjoy the beaches on the surfboard and off the board, as both experiences are still just as fantastic when soaking up the sun! Check out our trips to New South Wales to get yourself surfing in Sydney in no time.

Image credits: Destination New South Wales