Angourie Point Beach, AngourieCredit: Destination NSW
Angourie Point is one of the most famous right-handers on Australia’s east coast.
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Luckily for surfers, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea deliver some of the most consistent waves in the country. It’s no surprise then that New South Wales has produced most of Australia’s surfing world champions and continues to lead the way with learn-to-surf schools, surf camps and surfing events.
Learning to surf in NSW is easy with accredited surf schools all along the coast. As NSW has more accessible surf beaches than any other state, it’s the perfect place to give it a go. Wherever you paddle out, remember the key rules of the surfers’ code: don’t surf in conditions beyond your ability; always wear a leg rope; and don’t ‘drop in’. Which means the surfer on the ‘inside’, closest to the breaking part of the wave, has right of way. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a beginner, here are the top spots to catch a wave around the state.
Sydney
Manly Beach is an enjoyable 30-minute ferry ride north of Circular Quay. The southernmost surf beach on the Northern Beaches is great for learning, with several surf schools to choose from including Manly Surf School and Manly Surf Guide.
In 1915, Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku gave an exhibition of wave riding at Freshwater Beach, making it the birthplace of Australian surfing. This small, protected beach just north of Manly remains popular with beginner to intermediate surfers.
Further north, North Narrabeen is popular among more experienced surfers, with a powerful left-hand point break that produces nice barrels in larger swells.
On Sydney’s eastern beaches, Bondi — Australia’s most famous beach — is popular for its beach breaks. Try a lesson with with Lets Go Surfing.
Further south, the beaches of Maroubra and Cronulla have a variety of breaks for all experience levels, including the experts-only Shark Island off Cronulla point, which produces one of the best tubes in the world in the right conditions.
Garie is the most popular beach in the Royal National Park, south of Cronulla, with the most consistent surf arriving in the autumn months.
North of Sydney
Super-protected Umina Beach on the Central Coast, 80 minutes north of Sydney, is one of the best beaches in the region for learning the ropes.
The reef breaks at Forresters Beach, 40 minutes’ drive north of Umina, are best suited to experienced surfers.
Newcastle’s surf schools generally operate between the reliable beach breaks of Blacksmiths, Caves, and Stockton beaches.
On the mid-North Coast, Crescent Head is a favourite among longboarders for its peeling right-hand point break, but there are plenty of other waves in the area to choose from.
Diggers Beach at Coffs Harbour is a popular beach break, with lessons available from East Coast Surf School.
Further north, the right-hand point break in Angourie, Australia’s first dedicated surfing reserve, has been luring surfers since the 1950s.
The Pass at Byron Bay is one of the world’s longest right-handers. With multiple breaks working in different winds, there’s always a wave to be found in the popular surf town, with plenty of surf schools to choose from, including Byron Bay Surf School and Soul Surf School.
At the northern tip of coastal NSW, D-bah in Tweed Heads is a peaky, wedgy beach break better suited to experienced surfers.
Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach.
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Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Woman enjoying a surf lesson with Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach.
Racecourse Head, Crescent Head Credit: Destination NSW
A lone surfer enjoys perfect waves at Crescent Head on the northern side of Racecourse Head.
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Racecourse Head, Crescent Head Credit: Destination NSW
A lone surfer enjoys perfect waves at Crescent Head on the northern side of Racecourse Head.
South of Sydney
Port Kembla near Wollongong, 90 minutes south of Sydney, has a consistent beach break. Just around Boilers Point, more beach breaks can be found at Fishermans Beach.
Further south, Killalea Reserve beaches ‘The Farm’ and Minnamurra or ‘Mystics’, are two of the best surf beaches on the South Coast.
South of Jervis Bay lies Wreck Bay, home of the South Coast’s infamous ‘Aussie Pipe’, for experienced surfers only. Just south of here, the beach breaks of Sussex Inlet are a good place to learn - try JB Surf School, with most lessons held at Cave Beach in Booderee National Park.
In nearby Mollymook, 1990 ASP World Champion Pam Burridge runs her surf school, offering group, private lessons and surf retreats.
The safe waves of Broulee Beach near Batemans Bay are also ideal for learners — take lessons with Broulee Surf School.
For experts only, Pambula Rivermouth, south of Merimbula, has been known to hold 10-second tubes.
Surfing, Wreck Bay Credit: Dee Kramer
Surfer catches a wave at Wreck Bay, Jervis Bay Territory off Booderee National Park.
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Surfing, Wreck Bay Credit: Dee Kramer
Surfer catches a wave at Wreck Bay, Jervis Bay Territory off Booderee National Park.
Broulee Beach Credit: Jonathan Poyner; Eurobodalla Coast Tourism
Surfer on Broulee Beach, Eurobodalla, South Coast
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Broulee Beach Credit: Jonathan Poyner; Eurobodalla Coast Tourism
Surfer on Broulee Beach, Eurobodalla, South Coast
Newcastle Memorial Walk, NewcastleCredit: Destination NSW
The scenic coastline of the city of Newcastle with views of Merewether beach.
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Golden beaches, postcard-perfect ocean pools, a busy harbour and intriguing history make New South Wales’ second-largest city, Newcastle, a favourite travel destination just 170km north of Sydney. It’s also the gateway to some of the state’s best wines, 50km northwest in the Hunter region, and yet more beaches and whale-watching waters in Port Stephens, 60km to the northeast. Regardless of whether you’re a gourmand, adventure enthusiast or lover of luxury, here is a guide to discovering Newcastle— and beyond.
Newcastle
Take a dip in Bogey Hole: There are more than 100 ocean baths across New South Wales, but none are quite as enticing— or important— as Newcastle’s Bogey Hole. Thought to be the oldest of its kind in Australia, this sea-fed pool was cut into the rocks off Shepherds Hill by convicts in 1819. Splash about in the turquoise water, or soak up views of the coastline from any number of cliffside perches; just arrive early in summer, as it’s a popular place to cool off.
Get cultural in Cooks Hill: The inner-city neighbourhood of Cooks Hill is distinguished by its lovely leafy streets, lined with grand Victorian mansions and timber cottages home to some of the city’s most happening restaurants, bars and cafes. In between you’ll discover the Newcastle Art Gallery (with a collection of more than 6,000 works), bookshops and independent galleries. Small wonder it draws an eclectic crowd.
Explore the Honeysuckle precinct: Once a busy industrial area, the Honeysuckle precinct has been reinvented as Newcastle’s hippest waterfront hangout. Many visit to walk, cycle or rollerblade along foreshore promenades— many more arrive to gaze over the busy harbour from buzzing restaurants and bars. You’ll also find the Newcastle Museum here, hosting an exciting calendar of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Stay a stone’s throw from the ocean as well as the city’s attractions at Novotel Newcastle Beach, featuring contemporary and well-appointed guestrooms and modern Australian dining at Bistro Dalby.
Newcastle Highlights Credit: Destination NSW
Newcastle is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
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Newcastle Highlights Credit: Destination NSW
Newcastle is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
Camel Riding, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Sunset camel riding experience with in Anna Bay, Port Stephens.
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Camel Riding, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Sunset camel riding experience with in Anna Bay, Port Stephens.
Port Stephens
Cruise out to see whales: Every year between May and November, more than 25,000 humpback and southern right whales steam up and down Australia’s east coast on their annual migration. While you’ll likely spot them breaching and blowing from the shore (the headland in Tomaree National Park is an ideal lookout), there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as getting within a flipper of these majestic creatures on a cruise— there are a number of Port Stephens operators to choose from.
Stay and dine at Bannisters: The retro Salamander Shores motel was a Port Stephens icon for decades— it’s been reborn as Bannisters Port Stephens, its 80 barefoot-luxe rooms and suites done up in a coastal palette of blue and white. Slide into the infinity pool overlooking the glittering bay, dine on fresh seafood by celebrated chef Rick Stein or explore the national parkland and crystal-clear waterways that characterise the Port Stephens region.
Discover the sand dunes: The longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, the Stockton Sand Dunes reach heights of more than 40 metres, their steep sides often hitting an incline of 60 degrees. Speed freaks will want to sign up for dune surfing or a quad-bike tour, while more leisurely ways to explore the area include camel rides and cultural tours, visiting ancient Aboriginal sites while learning about bush foods.
Hunter Valley
More than 6,000 trees, 60,000 shrubs, and a million other plants and bulbs create a floral wonderland at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Across the 14 hectares there are 8km of walking trails, leading to cool waterfalls and themed areas, including an Italian grotto and the Storybook Garden, taking you on a journey through childhood fantasies. After wandering the grounds, pop in to Harrigan’s Irish-themed bistro for a glass of Hunter Valley wine and the signature beef-and-Guinness pot pie.
Stay and dine at Spicers Guesthouse: Set in the heart of the Hunter Valley— arguably the state’s premier wine region— Spicers Guesthouse is the ultimate country retreat, from the elegant manor house to the stylish rooms. After a day hopping between cellar doors, return for a dip in the infinity pool overlooking native bushland, and a meal at modern-Italian éRemo Restaurant, its menu showcasing the region’s finest producers.
Take a tour: Leave your car behind at your hotel and explore the Hunter Valley’s top wineries on a bespoke tour. The range of offerings is diverse, from chauffeured vintage vehicles cruising between cellar doors— perhaps with an indulgent lunch included— to soaring above the vines at sunrise in a hot-air balloon, with a champagne breakfast when you touch down.
Note: The Newcastle Art Gallery is currently closed for major refurbishments and will reopen in 2024.
Zenith Beach, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along Zenith Beach, Port Stephens.
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Zenith Beach, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along Zenith Beach, Port Stephens.
Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking the manicured hedges of the Border Garden located in the Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin.
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Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking the manicured hedges of the Border Garden located in the Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin.