New South Wales is home to some of the best surf spots in Australia. From the famous breaks at The Pass and Byron Bay to the more secluded and less crowded spots along the coast, there are plenty of options for surfers of all levels. For those looking to hit the waves and explore the stunning coastline, a road trip in a camper is the perfect way to experience the best of what New South Wales surf culture has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a beginner, we have you covered with this guide to the best surf spots in New South Wales. So whether you are planning a Sydney to Brisbane itinerary or plan to head south instead, grab your campervan, and let's go surfing!
Why New South Wales is a great place to surf
New South Wales is a premier surfing destination, boasting over 2000km of pristine coastline with a diverse range of surf breaks to suit all levels of surfers. From beginners to advanced – even professional surfers love to visit NSW to experience its world-class waves! With its crystal clear waters, picturesque sand beaches, and scenic coastal towns, there's also plenty to do in between surf sessions. Whether you're looking to grab a bite to eat, shop at boutiques, or simply relax on the beach, NSW has it all.
Image: Camilla Rutherford
Surfing safely in New South Wales
Whether you are visiting interstate or from abroad, it’s important to make sure you are surfing in a safe spot when surfing in new waters. A few things to consider to ensure you are keeping safe in the NSW ocean include:
Take note of beach flags – Beach flags are there to indicate which parts of the beach are safe for swimmers. As such, you are not able to surf in these areas – steer clear!
Listen to the lifeguards – Take advice from lifeguards as they understand the area well.
Be SharkSmart – We share the water with sharks, so keep an eye on risks in the area when surfing and how to minimize your interaction with these sea creatures.
Slip slop slap – Be sure to apply sunscreen to your face regularly when out in the harsh Australian sun.
Forecast – Always check the surf forecast before heading out so you can come prepared for the conditions.
Where to surf in New South Wales
New South Wales offers a variety of surfing destinations, from the rugged beaches of the South Coast to the tropical waters of the North Coast and the bustling surf scene of the Central Coast. Here are some of the best surf spots to add to your upcoming surf road trip:
South Coast
Thirroul beach
Thirroul Beach is a picturesque spot located 20 minutes north of Wollongong, just under an hour south of Sydney. With its long stretch of sand and clear waters, Thirroul Beach is suitable for all levels of surfers. What makes this beach special for surfing is the consistent swell that rolls in, creating a range of waves to suit different styles and levels of surfing. The beach is also nestled between stunning cliffs and headlands, adding to its natural beauty.
Parking is available near the beach, allowing easy access from your motorhome. With the nearby Seacliff Bridge, a saltwater pool and a buzzing main street full of charming shops, restaurants and cafes, there is plenty to do even when you are out of the water.
Corrimal Beach
Corrimal Beach is another beautiful spot just outside Wollongong, north of the city centre. With its long stretch of sand and sheltered northern and southern corners, Corrimal Beach provides great waves in almost any condition, making it an ideal spot for beginner and intermediate surfers. The beach also boasts stunning views of the Illawarra Escarpment, making for a spectacular surfing experience.
Parking for your camper is available at the beach, with easy access from the main road. Being so close to Wollongong centre, there are ample opportunities to drop into some special boutiques or grab a bite to eat or a coffee before or after hitting the waves.
Image: Destination NSW
Ulladulla
Ulladulla, located in the Shoalhaven region and is seen as the mecca for south coast surfers. Boasting several breaks, including the left-handers at Golf Course Reef, the big and rewarding waves of Ulladulla Bommie and the more chill beach break at Mollymook. The Ulladulla harbour offers an array of seafood restaurants and cafes as well as the Ulladulla Seapool on the southern end, making it the perfect destination for those seeking world-class waves or just a beachside getaway. If you’re planning on doing some exploring, Ulladulla is surrounded by stunning national parks, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and bushland to explore. While travelling in a campervan, Ulladulla has several parking options available, including a caravan park with beach access.
North Coast
The Pass
The Pass is a famous surf beach located in Byron Bay, known for its endless clear waves, expansive white sands, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is suitable for all levels of surfers but becomes an intermediate to advanced-level playground when the swell picks up. The Pass is particularly popular with longboarders, but short boarders can also find good waves here when the swell is pumping. With several restaurants and cafes nearby, The Pass offers some of the best waves, scenery and out-of-water relaxation in this region and should definitely not be left off a surf Australia travel itinerary.
Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a world-renowned surf destination located just 45 minutes from Port Macquarie. Home of the Malibu Classic, Crescent Head is a world-class surfing destination. This is proudly the home of a dedicated National Surfing Reserve and offers some pretty iconic whale-watching opportunities in the migration season. The beach is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the iconic Crescent Head Point.
Central Coast
Terrigal beach
Terrigal Beach is located in Terrigal on the Central Coast of New South Wales. It is also just over an hour's drive north of Sydney, making it a popular weekend destination for those checking out the Sydney surf. The beach itself is the perfect, laid-back spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. The waves are known to be suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, making it an ideal spot if you are learning to surf. Overall, it has a relaxed atmosphere and is suitable for families and couples looking for a day out at the beach, and you can easily park your campervan at the public car park located right next to the beach.
Image: Destination NSW
Avoca beach
Located just south of Terrigal, Avoca Beach is a popular destination for surfers of all levels. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it a safe option for beginners learning to surf with the Central Coast Surf Academy. Alternatively, more experienced surfers can catch some of the more challenging waves on the south side of the beach. Avoca Beach is backed by stunning cliffs and is surrounded by lush vegetation, making for a picturesque surf sesh. In addition to the surf, Avoca has a thriving cafe culture and is full of wonderful restaurants and boutiques to explore.
Ready to hit the surf in New South Wales?
New South Wales is a surfer's paradise with a variety of beaches suitable for all levels of surfing. From the beginner-friendly waves of Terrigal to the world-class barrels of The Pass, there's no shortage of amazing surf spots to explore. Whether you're planning a surfing Australia road trip in a campervan or just looking for a spot to try surfing for the first time, NSW has you covered.
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