Western Australia Surf Travel Guide
A huge state with multiple surfing coasts from East to west and up to the remote North West. The turquoise waters around Esperance offer a great selection of white sand beachbreaks and a few reefs. There is an abundance of isolated beaches as you head East toward Albany then Denmark and Walpole. For the chargers there are some serious slabs on the WA South coasts including “The Right’. The South West from Cape Leewin to Naturaliste is one of the most wave rich coast in Australia, including classics like Margaret River, Gracetown and Yallingup. Mandurah and Perth are blocked from direct swell by offshore reefs but still get fun beachbreaks. Rottnest Island is a destination in its own right and worth a visit with a surfboard. North from Perth the country opens up up to wide spaces and occasional epic waves. Although the distances can be great, it can be well worth the drive to Kalbarri, then Red Bluff, Gnaraloo and the Ningaloo reefs to Exmouth. The ultimate North West surf adventure is found amongst the incredibly remote Montebello Islands, offshore of the Pilbara.
What we love
Powerful Southern Ocean swells.
Crystal clear waters.
So much space, you might be be the only surfers for miles.
North Western Australia
Head to the North West of Australia and score world class waves to yourself that few even knew existed. Nothing really compares to surfing somewhere remote, with empty line ups, pulsing swell lines, and water so clear that as you are barrelled down the face of the wave you can see the fish life teaming under your feet.
As you’re getting barrelled down the face of the wave you can see the coral and fish life teeming under your feet. The main left is shorter and punchy, growing down the line with a couple of turns before fading in to the channel. Gets hollower as the swell increases, a super fun wave with protection from the wind.
South of Bali and North of Gnaraloo, the Montebello Archipelago enjoys good exposure to groundswells from West to SW with the many reef passes and islets turning long period swells in to peeling perfection. Most of the waves are super mellow, playful, fun, with deep channels and reasonably forgiving reef. Then with size they become better suited to and cater for more experienced surfers. When smaller is ideal for longer boards or sups.
With the large variation in wind, tide and swell direction the waves also change constantly, so you don’t just get the same everyday.
The main right is super fun and a longer wave. Most consistent in the islands and handles wide range of conditions. With a deep channel and hard rock and weedy bottom it is quite forgiving as well. Multiple takeoff sections, so you can link one through, wait for wider sets or just surf the end bowl. Definitely gets better with size, when around the head height starts getting barrel sections and 4 turns runners on the wider sets.
North of Perth and South of Ningaloo,the Abrolhos enjoy incredible exposure to Indian ocean swells. Isolated and uncrowded, a true destination for the surf explorers. Surf charters run from March to June
The limestone and coral reefs of the Abrolhos offer surfing options in a wide range of swell and wind combinations. Generally best during the Autumn season when the South West swells are pulsing and winds are lighter
A stunning limestone headland offers reeling left reef break in the powerful winter swells. A hardy crew of surfers set up for weeks and months to get their share of the world class lefts. A variety of camping options are available, best catering to self sufficient camp set ups. BYO fresh water, food, beer, firewood…. everything!
Margaret River and the South West Australia
A stunning region of world class wineries, rolling farmland, tall eucalypt forest and pumping waves. You can find every sort o experience from budget hostels, wilderness camping through to exclusive high end resorts.
SW Western Australia
Surfers Point near Margaret River is internationally renowned as the best break in the area and home to the Margaret River Pro. Main Break offers a shorter right while the left handles all sizes. The South Side reefs offer long Rights without the attention of Main Break
SW Western Australia
Between Margaret River and Yallingup is village with a world class Right barrel, North Point. handling real size there is always a committed crew wrangling the fast and powerful barrels when it turns on.
SW Western Australia
The secluded bay offers some great waves in a wide range of conditions, often more user friendly than the big name reefs breaks Carpark Rights offers rippable walls while the left off the point has long walls over sand and reef.
SW Western Australia
The broad limestone reefs at Yallingup are highly valued by surfers. Powerful Rights, Freight Train Lefts, different parts of the reef light up under varying swell directions. Able to handle real size!
SW Western Australia
Just north of the channel from Main Break, The Box is heaving right barrel on the right swell and tide. Not for the feint hearted, chargers only!
Perth and Rottnest Island
was recently home to WSL Rip Curl Search contest, profiling the reliability of this area, with very surfable lefts and rights on offer day after day.
Access is by bus and a short walk – or ride your bike! Bring water, food everything as its a long way back to the cafes and shops of Rottnest main settlement areas.
When to go
With so much coast, you can find waves in WA year round. The premier surfing region of the South West is usually at its best from late summer until early winter, when swells pulse and favourable easterly winds are common. The South Coast beach breaks are great in summer months as it picks up background swells and is offshore in the Northerly winds. Can stay good right through the year. The far North West is usually best surfed in winter months, however, winds can be strong although usually offshore. Winds ease from September to November.
Attractions
Wide open spaces and uncrowded waves, powerful waves, world class wine and seafood and great climate.
The Country
You cannot overestimate how large Western Australia is. It can take days to drive to a surfing objective.
Getting There
Almost all flights to Western Australia land in Perth where travellers pick up a rental vehicle or connecting flight. There are regular domestic flights to Karratha (Dampier) for Montebello Island charters.
Travel Information
Time Zone
Australian Western Standard Time (UTC+8)
Currency
Australian Dollar AU$
Calling code
+61
Electric
230 Plug type V, 50 Hz
Western Australia Surf Experiences