South Australia Surf Travel Guide
Although Adelaide is a surfless capital, there are epic waves to found on different parts of South Australian Coast. From East to West, the waves get arguably better as you head to the desert. The East facing Limestone Coast offers a great exposure to swell but can be plagues by onshore winds. Goolwa, Victor Harbour and the Mid Coast is the most popular with plenty of fun beachies and peeling reefs that work in a variety of conditions. Kangaroo Island offers remote solitude and great adventure potential. West of Adelaide the southern tips of the Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas are open to the swell with a variety of reefbreaks. However the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula around to Cactus and beyond offer that classic arid wilderness with big and perfect waves. Don’t forget you will need to be pretty self sufficient in this remote region and always respect the locals!
What we love
Outback desert surf adventures.
Abundant wildlife, koalas, emus, echidnas and kangaroos seen commonly.
Great food and wine regions.
West Coast
On the edge of the Nullabor is a very special region for Australian surf culture. A variety of limestone reefs offer a series of world class waves well oriented to SW groundswells. Marine life abounds, including the large ones with sharp teeth. Search and you will discover!
Eyre Peninsula
Home to some of South Australia’s greatest waves, the West and South facing coasts get plenty of swell. Home to a tight knit surf community, discretion and respect are essential!
Kangaroo Island
Great exposure to the Southern Ocean means there is a lot of waves to found on this large island. The beach breaks can get good and there are a number of reefs that shape up nicely. The rocky reefs of the Western end are for experienced surfers only! Kangaroo Island is sparsely populated, there is plenty of opportunity to find a break to yourself. Wildlife abounds on both land and sea, always be aware that apex predators (aka Great White Sharks) patrol the waters off Kangaroo island.
Middleton and Victor Harbour
A popular surf region with a variety of surf beaches to suit all levels. The broad beach of Goolwa offers beginners and intermediate surfers heaps of user friendly waves across a broad surf zone. Nearby more challenging beaches include the wedging Knights beach and the exposed Waitpinga and Parsons receiving more swell from the south.
When to go
South Australia has multiple coasts but they all enjoy South West swells from the Southern Ocean You can find waves year round on all coasts. Keep in mind the biggest swells are usually Autumn and Winter months. Summers can be really hot and dry and the flies can get out of control.
Attractions
Incredible outback experiences, cool, clear water and fine food and wine.
South Australia
South Australia is huge and it can be hours and days to drive from one coast to another. However often there are many good waves in close proximity in some of the better surf regions.
Getting There
Flying in to Adelaide puts you at the centre of the state. Get a rental car or camper and head west to Yorkes and Eye Peninsula or South and east to Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.
Travel Information
Time Zone
Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10)
Currency
Australian Dollar AU$
Calling code
+61
Electric
230 Plug type V, 50 Hz