COASTRIDER Surf Academy specialise in coaching Beginner to Intermediate Surfers, but we also offer step up sessions for those wanting to rip. Book your surf lessons in Tasmania today!
Nestled in the charming tourist town of Dodges Ferry in the state of Tasmania, Island Surf School provides an excellent gateway to the world of surfing. Named after Ralph Dodge, a local figure who operated a ferry in the 1820s, this small town with less than 3,000 inhabitants offers a picturesque setting for surf enthusiasts.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Manly, just steps from the iconic N Steyne Beach, Manly Surf School offers an authentic Australian surf experience in a stunning coastal setting. Surrounded by the lively atmosphere of Manly’s surf culture and the pristine waves of the Tasman Sea, our school provides an ideal environment for both beginners and seasoned surfers to refine their skills and connect with nature. Whether you’re catching your first wave or honing advanced techniques, our experienced instructors create a welcoming atmosphere rooted in safety, fun, and personalized guidance. With access to consistent surf conditions and a backdrop of breathtaking ocean views, students can immerse themselves in the unique rhythm of coastal life, learning everything from paddling techniques to wave selection. At Manly Surf School, every session is designed to build confidence and foster a deep appreciation for the ocean, making it more than just a surfing lesson—it’s an experience that captures the essence of Australian surf culture while helping you develop your skills in a lively, supportive environment.
Surf Camp Australia . Since 1999. Stay at the purpose built surfcamp just a short walk to Australia's best beginner waves. Eat healthy meals and learn to surf.
Australia is one of the world's great surf nations, with thousands of kilometers of coastline offering world-class waves. From the famous points of the Gold Coast to the powerful beach breaks of Western Australia, the country offers incredible diversity and quality.
What makes Australia special is the combination of consistent surf, warm water (in most areas), and a deeply ingrained surf culture. Surfing is part of the national identity, and the country has produced countless world champions and surf icons.
The Gold Coast's point breaks have produced more world champions than anywhere else.
New South Wales offers diverse surf from Sydney's beaches to the points of the North Coast. The state is home to famous breaks like Manly, Bondi, and the Byron Bay area. The surf scene is highly developed with schools and camps throughout.
Queensland's Gold Coast is Australia's surf capital, home to the famous Superbank and point breaks like Snapper Rocks, Kirra, and Burleigh Heads. The warm water and consistent waves make it a year-round destination. The Sunshine Coast around Noosa offers more mellow waves.
Western Australia offers powerful waves and uncrowded lineups. Margaret River is the state's surf hub, hosting professional events and offering world-class breaks. The water is cooler and the sharks more prevalent, but the waves are worth it.
Tasmania offers cold water surf in a wild, beautiful setting. The island receives powerful Southern Ocean swells and offers uncrowded waves for those willing to brave the cold.
The Most Famous Surf Spots in Australia
Snapper Rocks / Superbank
The Superbank is a man-made sand point that creates one of the longest rideable waves in the world, connecting Snapper Rocks to Kirra.
Bells Beach
Victoria's Bells Beach is one of Australia's most iconic waves, hosting the Rip Curl Pro since 1973.
Margaret River
Western Australia's Margaret River offers powerful waves and has hosted professional events for decades.
Noosa
Queensland's Noosa offers long, peeling right-hand points perfect for longboarding and high-performance surfing.
Surf Scene in Australia
Australia's surf scene is one of the most developed in the world. The country has produced more world champions than any other nation and continues to dominate professional surfing.
Surf culture is deeply embedded in Australian life, with millions of Australians surfing regularly. The industry is massive, with Australian brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Rip Curl having global reach.
Australia's surf seasons vary by coast. The east coast (Queensland, NSW) receives the best swells from February to May during cyclone season and again in winter (June-August). The west coast (Western Australia) works best from April to October. Victoria's south coast has consistent waves year-round, with the biggest swells in winter. The variety of coastlines means Australia offers surfable waves somewhere at any time of year. Summer (December-February) is popular but often has smaller waves on the east coast.
Australia is excellent for beginners, with countless surf schools and gentle beach breaks along its extensive coastline. Bondi Beach and Manly in Sydney, Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, and Torquay in Victoria all have established surf schools with qualified instructors. The water is warm enough in Queensland and northern NSW to surf without a wetsuit in summer. Australian surf instruction is world-class, and the beach culture makes learning enjoyable. Summer offers the most beginner-friendly conditions.
Australia is one of the more expensive surf destinations. Budget accommodation starts from AUD 30-50 per night for hostels, while surf camp packages range from AUD 1,500-3,000 per week. Daily expenses add up - meals cost AUD 15-30, and transport between surf spots requires a rental car (AUD 50-100/day). The Australian dollar's fluctuation affects value for international visitors. Camping and cooking your own food can significantly reduce costs. The east coast surf trip is a classic budget travel route.
Most visitors need a visa to enter Australia. Citizens of the USA, Canada, and most European countries can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) online, valid for stays up to 3 months. UK citizens can apply for an eVisitor visa. New Zealand citizens can enter without a visa. The application is straightforward and usually approved within minutes. Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay. Australia has strict biosecurity laws - declare all food, plant material, and outdoor equipment on arrival.
Water temperatures vary dramatically across Australia. Tropical Queensland has warm waters (25-29°C) year-round - boardshorts are fine. Sydney ranges from 18-23°C, comfortable with a spring suit or 3/2mm wetsuit. Melbourne and southern Australia are colder (12-18°C), requiring 3/2mm to 4/3mm wetsuits. Western Australia varies from tropical in the north to cold in the south. The Gold Coast offers a good balance - warm enough for thin wetsuits most of the year.
Australia has world-class waves along all its coasts. The Gold Coast's Superbank (Snapper Rocks to Kirra) offers perfect sand-bottom barrels. Sydney's Northern Beaches have consistent waves. Victoria's Bells Beach hosts the longest-running professional surf contest. Western Australia has Margaret River's powerful reef breaks and remote desert points. The NSW North Coast has excellent point breaks like Byron Bay and Lennox Head. Queensland's Noosa has gentle waves perfect for longboarding. With 25,000km of coastline, options are endless.
Shark encounters do occur in Australian waters, though attacks are statistically rare. The "Red Triangle" area of NSW and the west coast have great white sharks. Queensland has tiger and bull sharks. Most beaches have shark nets and aerial patrols during summer. To minimize risk: avoid surfing at dawn/dusk, near river mouths, or in murky water; don't surf near seal colonies; and be aware of recent sightings. Millions of Australians surf safely every year. The risk is real but manageable with awareness.
Packing depends on your destination. For Queensland: boardshorts, rash guard, and sunscreen. For NSW: spring suit or 3/2mm wetsuit, plus boardshorts for summer. For Victoria/SA: 3/2mm to 4/3mm wetsuit and booties. Universal items include strong sunscreen (Australian sun is intense), a good board bag, and travel insurance. Australia has strict biosecurity - clean all outdoor equipment thoroughly before arrival. Most surf gear can be purchased or rented locally. Don't forget a valid visa/ETA and any medications you need.
Australia's size makes transport planning essential. Renting a car or campervan is the most flexible option, allowing you to chase swells along the coast. Prices start from AUD 40-80 per day. Domestic flights connect major cities affordably with carriers like Jetstar and Virgin. Greyhound buses run along the east coast. For the classic Australian surf trip, a campervan along the east coast from Sydney to Byron Bay or the Great Ocean Road is hard to beat. Many surf camps offer airport transfers.
The Gold Coast is Australia's surf capital, with some of the country's best and most consistent waves. The Superbank - a man-made sand formation stretching from Snapper Rocks to Kirra - creates perfect, long barrels. Burleigh Heads is a world-class right-hand point. D-Bah offers high-performance waves. The area hosts professional contests and has produced numerous world champions. Crowds can be intense at famous breaks, but the wave quality is undeniable. The Gold Coast combines excellent surf with a vibrant beach lifestyle.
Sydney has excellent surf within the city limits. Bondi Beach is iconic, with consistent waves and a famous surf culture. Manly has multiple breaks from beginner-friendly to challenging. The Northern Beaches (Dee Why, Curl Curl, Narrabeen) offer quality waves with fewer tourists. Cronulla in the south has good beach breaks. Sydney's surf is accessible by public transport - you can surf before or after work. The city combines world-class urban amenities with genuine surf culture. It's one of the few major cities where surfing is part of daily life.
Australia has one of the world's most developed surf cultures, with surfing woven into the national identity. The country has produced numerous world champions and has a thriving surf industry. Beach culture is central to Australian life, particularly along the east coast. Surf lifesaving clubs are community institutions. The vibe varies by location - the Gold Coast is competitive, Byron Bay is laid-back, and Victoria has a rugged, dedicated community. Australians are generally welcoming to visiting surfers who show respect in the water.
