10 Best Beginner Waves to Surf in Australia
Home to kangaroos, The Big Lez Show, and 25,780 km of coastline, surfing in Australia is, not surprisingly, one of the most popular past times. Ever since wave riding was brought to the country in 1915 by Duke Kahanamoku*, Australia has brought some of the best surfers in the world... think Mick Fanning. Here are 10 breaks perfect for beginners looking to start their surf adventure.
Dicky Beach – Queensland
Getting its name from the wrecked hull of the S.S. Dicky that crashed into the shore in 1893, this surf spot is popular among beginner surfers and shipwreck chasers. Its bright clear waters and gentle surf attract surf schools and are home to the Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving Club, which has been around since the 1950s. This consistent beach break is best with a Southeast swell and best for beginners in the 2-4 ft range. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreens because the UV rays are strong in this neck of the woods.
Tathra Beach - New South Wales
Tathra Beach is home to sandy bottom small surf breaks suited for all skill levels. It’s the perfect spot to learn to surf and play in the waves. It works best with a Southeast swell at a mid to high tide and little wind. The best swell size for beginners is from the 2- 5 ft range. For the less experienced, it is best to stay towards the southern end of the beach and watch out for flagged warnings for strong currents.
Crescent Head - New South Wales 
Declared a National Surf Reserve in 2008, Crescent Head is a long right-point break that is a favorite among longboarders. It handles best with East to Southeast swells, West wind, and any tide. With some size, the spot is better suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, but around the knee-high range, the gentle waves are perfect for beginners looking to test out their sea legs.
The Wreck - Byron Bay - New South Wales
Named after another shipwreck, this beach break is located in Byron Bay and always has something to surf. It works best on a North, Northeast, or East swell, Southwest wind, and medium tide, be careful of the shipwreck at low tide. Due to its proximity to a town, it can get crowded, however, there are lots of waves for every level of surfer.
Turners Beach - New South Wales
Located close to Yamba Town at the mouth of the Clarence River, Turners Beach has both rights and left beach breaks. It works best with a Southeast swell, Southeast wind, and works on all tides. Under 4 ft it's the perfect beginner wave.
Pambula Rivermouth - New South Wales
Pambula hosts waves suitable for all levels, and when the stars align it is home to some incredible sandy bottom tube rides. For beginners, it’s a consistent break that works best with a Northeast swell, Southeast wind, low to medium tides, and most gentle under shoulder high.
Anglesea – Victoria
Anglesea is an exposed beach break that’s consistent and works on all tides. It's best with a South to Southeast swell and Northwest wind. For beginners, it's best on smaller days up to shoulder high, and on clean days with a bigger swell, it can get a bit crowded.
Eagles Nest Beach - Wonthaggi - Victoria
The most convenient surf spot in the South of Melbourne, Wonthaggi has lots of breaks for all levels. Eagles Nest is a consistent point break that on smaller swells is best for beginners. It works on a South to Southwest swell and North wind. The water is cold here, so make sure to pack a wetsuit, here are some of our favorites from Buell.
Middleton Beach - Southern Australia 
East of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Middleton beach is a pristine and gentle beach break perfect for beginners. It works best on a South to Southwest swell, North Wind, and any tide.
Cottesloe Beach - Western Australia
In the surf hotspot of Perth, Cott doesn’t get as big as some of the more northern breaks in the area, making it the perfect beginner spot. It works best on a Southwest to Northwest swell, Southeast to Northeast wind, and mid to high tide. For beginners, the waist to shoulder high range is ideal for wave heights.
If you’re looking to surf in Australia, remember to brush up on your skills with surf coaching advice on our Jamie O’Brien Surf App found here.
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