With over 12,500 kilometres of coastline to choose from, it’s no wonder that Western Australia is one of the most sought-after surfing destinations in the world.
Western Australia offers crystal-clear waters with consistent and powerful groundswells. The region’s conditions are known to be more reliable than the East Coast of Australia because of Western Australia’s location geographically.
On the West Coast, there is more water for wind to travel over, giving the West Coast longer and more groomed waves than the East Coast. Surfers from around the world dream of catching waves in Western Australia, and many surfing competitions take place in the area.
Margaret River
While there are many popular surfing regions in Western Australia, the Southwest Region has become the most iconic. Within the Southwest Region, Margaret River is a crowd favourite.
Margs, as she is known, is a surf town with more than forty quality breaks. There’s Main Break at Surfer’s Point, which is a powerful, world-renowned reef break known for its consistently large waves. The swells here can grow as large as four meters and with a good range of breaks, this is the perfect spot for all surfing levels. Main Break is also part of the Annual Margaret River Pro – one of only three Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour (CT). The world’s top professional surfers converge here to compete with some of the best surfers on the planet.
Kite and wind surfers also share this spot with surfers, as the winds are also famous.
The Box is an iconic wave of the Southwest Region of Western Australia. It is known as one of the most dangerous and challenging surf spots on the planet. The Box is a thick, hollow wave, directly outside of the River Mouth that is incredibly dangerous because it sits in the path of the Roaring Forties – a strong Westerly wind group.
Although the winds make it dangerous, they also make for consistent and groomed waves. And The Box hosts the World Surf League’s Western Australia Margaret River Pro.
The Box’s heavy reef break is reserved for experienced surfers because it breaks over a shallow ledge of rocks, which also raises concerns of possible head injuries if surfers are not cautious.
North Point boasts a long barrel right into a large aerial section. Two-time Surfer of the Year, Jack Robinson, claims North Point as one of his favourite waves, mainly because he grew up surfing it, and it allowed him to become the surfer he is today. These heavy-duty waves are challenging and attract pro surfers and spectators.
Western Australia is bursting at the seams with a multitude of reliable surf spots. Smith’s Beach is a sandy reef, with waves suitable for beginners or more experienced surfers. There are also opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.
Redgate Beach has more consistent waves and gentler breaks. Redgate Beach also has rock pools to explore, and top snorkeling and swimming spots, so it’s a great spot for all ages.
Yallingup Beach has both reef and beach breaks, best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers. The long, white sandy beach is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Just North of Yallingup Beach is Rabbit Hill, which is pro surfer Taj Burrow’s favourite spot.
Geraldton and surrounds
While the Southwest Region of Western Australia is known for its breaks, the city of Geraldton and the surrounding region has many iconic surf spots too.
Jake’s Point, located in Kalbarri National Park, is an iconic left-hand reef break. This designated National Surfing Reserve is a world-class point break set against rock formations. Aside from the surfing, Jake’s Point is also famous for its pink-hued sand, which results from naturally occurring garnet crystals. There’s also a scenic coastal path to walk and multiple opportunities to spot magical bottlenose dolphins playing in the turquoise waters.
If you’re in search of a more beginner-friendly surfing spot, Jake’s Bay, just outside of Jake’s Point, is a must-do. A 6.5-hour drive from Perth, this lovely spot is an ideal destination for a family road trip packed with adventures in the great outdoors.
It’s also important to note that since most of the Western Australian beaches in parks and reserves are unpatrolled, visitors need to be diligent about monitoring the changing conditions of the day, and take necessary precautions.
With deadly waves and currents, paired with an abundance of rocks and cliffs and regular shark sightings, Western Australian beaches do pose threats to visitors.
However, even if you’re not a pro surfer, seeing these beaches with your own eyes and discovering the incredible beauty of Australia’s west coast makes for a bucket list trip.
Looking to plan your next trip to Western Australia? Check out the best things to do in Margaret River here!
