The best surf beaches in NSW
Hands down, the best surf spots in Australia
NSW is hands down one of the best surf destinations in Australia, with world renowned breaks, beginner-friendly beaches and hidden pieces of paradise peppered along the coast.
From the powerful swells on the south coast, to the longboard-friendly waves of the north coast, there are waves, swells and breaks for everyone to enjoy and conquer in NSW.
To discover your new favourite surf spot - whether it’s a hidden gem or a surfer’s bucket-list destination, read on.
Best surf beaches in Northern NSW
Byron Bay: A surfing paradise with something for everyone
Skill level: All levels
Byron Bay is one of the most popular surf towns in Australia, with top spots for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers at these five surf spots: Main Beach, Clarkes Beach, The Pass, Wategos Beach and The Wreck.
Both Main Beach and Clarkes Beach boast gentle waves, and Main Beach is patrolled by lifeguards, making it ideal for those new to the sport and with families in tow.
During school holidays and weekends Byron can get crazy busy, and if you combine the crowds with big waves in the bay, this spot can be chaotic and even dangerous. In particular, the rocky outcrop called The Pass can be challenging for inexperienced surfers.
Experienced longboarders love The Pass, as there’s a right-hand point break between Clarkes Beach and Wategos with a swell they can ride for half a kilometre.
North of Main Beach, The Wreck is a surf spot named after the waves that break over an old shipwreck and pier, giving it big swells that are suited to intermediate and advanced surfers.
Families should check out Wategos Beach for a laidback vibe and mellow waves. Dolphins can often be spotted here, and the picnic area has BBQs to whip up a seaside lunch.
Lennox Head: Home to a world-class right-hander
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Just a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay is Lennox Head, which is home to the country’s largest designated National Surfing Reserve. Stretching for 7.2 kilometres, this hugely popular surf hotspot is famous for having one of Australia’s top ten right-hand breaks that attracts world-class surfers set on challenging themselves in powerful waves.
Seven Mile Beach is the unspoiled stretch of coastline within the reserve, and surfers with 4WDs can drive down onto the beach at the northern end.
For another challenging hotspot, sandwiched between Ballina and Lennox Head is Skennars Head and Flat Rock. It’s home to beautiful beaches, top-notch fishing spots, and world-class surf breaks, but there’s stronger rips and steeper drops in these parts.
Nearby Boulder Beach has a headland with spectacular views ideal for checking out surf conditions. It’s popular with advanced surfers due to the unusual conditions caused by an outcrop of stone dubbed the ‘Iron Peg’, which creates right-hand breaks. There’s a lot of stone underfoot here, meaning access is challenging and it’s tough taking off.
Angourie: A legendary surf break
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Angourie Point is famous among the Australian surfing community for its powerful right-hand point break and imposing 150-metre rock shelf.
The constant, fast waves make it perfect for those after a thrilling and unique ride, while nearby Spooky Beach (aka Spookies) welcomes those after a quieter surf session in the bay.
On the southern point lies the often-wild point break known as ‘Spooks’ – a break that locals love, and visitors come to conquer.
Where to stay on the North Coast near these legendary surf spots
Best surf beaches on the NSW South Coast
Killalea Beach (aka The Farm): A south coast favourite
Skill level: Beginner to advanced
Killalea Beach (aka The Farm to locals) is another National Surfing Reserve, and a sacred surf spot for beginners and pros alike. While the northern end caters to advanced surfers with its strong waves, the southern end provides smaller waves for less-confident riders.
The natural surroundings of the beach – including the 250-hectare Killalea Regional Park—is ideal for camping, fishing, bushwalking and birdwatching. The uncrowded beach is a must-visit gem on the NSW coast, that was once voted as the best beach in NSW.
Mystics Beach: A hidden surfing paradise
Forming part of the National Surfing Reserve at Killalea State Park, Mystics Beach (also known as Minnamurra Beach) is renowned for its hollow, fast-breaking waves for experienced surfers.
The beach stretches from the rocky headland to a volcanic outcrop known as Stack Island.
The remote feel and stunning coastal views of Mystics Beach make it ideal for surfers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, and the left-hand point break provides heaps of swell.
Broulee Beach: A great spot for beginners
Forming part of the National Surfing Reserve at Killalea State Park, Mystics Beach (also known as Minnamurra Beach) is renowned for its hollow, fast-breaking waves for experienced surfers.
The beach stretches from the rocky headland to a volcanic outcrop known as Stack Island.
The remote feel and stunning coastal views of Mystics Beach make it ideal for surfers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, and the left-hand point break provides heaps of swell.
Surfing inspo
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Surfing events & comps in New South Wales
NSW plays host to some of the world's premium surfing comps:
Surfest, Newcastle NSW
Reflections is a proud sponsor of Surfest Newcastle, the largest surfing comp in Australia, happening each year in Newcastle, Australia,
The Adaptive Pro, Byron Bay
Byron Bay is set to host the Adaptive Surf Comp, showcasing incredible athletes who push the limits of adaptive surfing in one of Australia's most iconic surf destinations.
Surf Reflections Junior Series
Check out the hottest teen surfing talent in Australia at the Surf Reflections Junior Series, now in 3 locations for 2026.
Logger Heads Classic Malibu
Don't miss the Logger Heads Classic Malibu 2024, a longboarding surf comp usually happening in July at beautiful Scotts Head.
Stay safe in the water
Whilst the beach is beautiful and fun, surfing NSW can be unpredictable. Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, knowing how to stay safe is essential.
To make sure your surf holiday is one to remember for the right reasons, visit Surf Lifesaving Australia for surf conditions and safety tips; before your feet even reach the sand.
