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. In fact, the region’s conditions are known to be more reliable than Australia’s east coast because of the wider, unobstructed ocean that offers more space for the wind to create groundswells over reefs and coasts.
Surfers from around the world dream of catching waves in Western Australia, with many surfing competitions in the area annually.
Beginner-friendly swell in Perth
Drive 20 minutes from Perth CBD and you will discover the area’s most consistent surf break, Trigg Beach. On warm days, the water is filled with surfers and boogie boarders riding waves on the reef break just offshore, while swimmers enjoy the white sand and turquoise shallows.
Here, you can expect decent winds and right-hand breaks perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Lifeguards patrol the waters in Summer, making it a safe spot to practice new skills. While here, make sure to check out the grassy area with barbecues, a kiosk and change rooms, and wander over to the rocky limestone outcrop to spot birds and look for dolphins in the water below.
Also 20 minutes from Perth, Scarborough Beach welcomes visitors with its vibrant esplanade lined with cafes, bars and boutiques. Kids can enjoy the beachside skate bowl, climbing wall and playground before wading out into the ocean for year-round surf lessons at the Scarborough Beach Surf School. This family-run business offers classes for all ages and skill levels, and all equipment is provided. Or, if you’re looking to level-up your gear, there are plenty of nearby surf shops with friendly locals ready to find your perfect fit.
Just an hour outside of Perth, Mandurah is a famed surfing location known for its stunning beaches. Avalon Bay is a reliable spot with left-hand reef breaks, while Mandurah Wedge is a bucket list swell for advanced riders. Located behind the southern groyne of the Dawesville Channel, it offers heavy, barrelling right-hand waves. You’ll face a climb to access the water, but it’s well worth it for the incredible ride.
For beginners, Mandurah Surf Lessons offers classes in a fun and safe environment, with classes for women and under 12 specifically, as well as the usual lessons for less experienced riders.
Make sure to check out WA’s most awarded surf shop on your trip, Star Surf. This local institution stocks more than 500 types of surfboards, wetsuits and accessories. Plus, owner Wooly runs his own surfboard review channel on Youtube with heaps of tips and tricks.
Margaret River is an expert’s dream
While there are many popular surfing regions in Western Australia, the Southwest Region has become the most iconic. And the crowd favourite has to be Margaret River.
Margs, as she is known, is a surf town with more than forty quality breaks. Main Break at Surfer’s Point is a powerful, world-renowned reef break known for its consistently large waves. The swells here can grow as large as four meters, and this spot 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). Each year, the world’s top professional surfers converge here to secure their spot ahead of the mid-season cut.
Kite and wind surfers also share a love for Main Break, as the winds are famously strong.
Just a short distance out to sea, The Box is an iconic right-hand reef break off the coast of Margaret River. It is known as one of the most dangerous and challenging surf spots on the planet because of the frequency of ‘mutant slabs’. These dangerous, shallow waves create hollow tubes that break over a jagged reef, making heart-pounding rides for advanced surfers. The Box also 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. The Box hosts the World Surf League’s Western Australia Margaret River Pro alongside Main Break.
North Point boasts a world-class right-hand surfing break, and produces perhaps the most heavy-duty waves on this stretch of coast. 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 waves attract pro surfers year round, making it a great spot to sit on the rocks and watch all the action.
If you’re hoping to score your own gear, Board Store is WA’s largest surfboard shop. Here, the experienced staff can even guide you through the process of designing your own custom board. Every product is handpicked by the team of experts, who take time to talk you through everything you’ll need whether you’re a beginner or a pro. It is also an official distributor of Margaret River Pro merchandise.
Meeting in the middle at 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. The waves here break from two feet up, making the swell ideal for serious surfers. Beginners will find a calmer environment at Jake’s Bay, where the local community are always happy to have a yarn between sets.
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.
Back Beach is perhaps the most popular surfing spot in Geraldton, with medium to large waves loved by locals and tourists alike. Lifesavers patrol the shores in Summer, so you can rest easy knowing you’re looked after. Thanks to the beach’s southerly orientation, it is more protected from wind interference than other spots, making for better swell that breaks between 2-4 feet.
Make sure to also check out Flat Rocks, a renowned surfing beach that hosts Surfing Western Australia’s state surf round each year. The conditions are consistently good, and onlookers are known to collect on the shores to watch riders catch the waves. Furry friends are allowed to join in on the fun, so bring your pooch along for even more excitement.
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 an unforgettable trip.
Looking to plan your next trip to Western Australia? Check out the best things to do in Margaret River here!
Rex flies to Western Australia! Head to the website or check out the route map below for more details.
