Guide to surf hot spots for beginners, regular and pro surfers in the Sunshine State
Want to go surfing in Queensland?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll reveal 18 of the best places you can ride the swell in the Sunshine State.
Here is a brief overview of how the post is structured.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Best places for surfing in Queensland
3. Gold Coast Surfing Spots
3.1 Snapper Rocks
3.2 Kirra
3.3 Burleigh Heads
3.4 Currumbin Alley
3.5 Surfers Paradise
4. Sunshine Coast Surfing Spots
4.1 Kings Beach
4.2 Alexandra Headland
4.3 Coolum Beach
4.4 Noosa
4.5 Double Island Point
4.6 Cooloola Beach
5. Discovery Coast
5.1 Agnes Waters
6. Island Surf Spots
6.1 South Stradbroke Island
6.2 Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
6.3 Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)
6.4 Bribie Island
6.5 K'gari (Fraser Island)
6.6 Great_Barrier_Reef
7. Tips For Surfing in Queensland
8. Final Thought
9. FAQs
Please read this post all the way until the end. Hopefully you will discover a new place to hit the waves!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 9 Minutes
Introduction
World champions like Mick Fanning, Isabella Nichols, Peter Drouyn, Joel Parkinson and Paul Neilsen all hail from Queensland. So, it is no surprise that the Sunshine State is a mecca for surfing.
From the very southern tip of the Gold Coast all the way up to the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of excellent places for surfing in Queensland where you can go to ride some seriously good swell.
But which are the best?
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned surfer or a novice who just likes to watch the pros tackle monster waves, here are 18 outstanding destinations you should add to your bucketlist.
10 Rules of Surfing in Queensland
Best places for surfing in Queensland
Want to go surfing in Queensland? Here is my take on the 18 best beaches to ride the waves in the Sunshine State.
Be sure to add them to your ‘must-do’ list!
Gold Coast Surfing Spots
The Gold Coast is the spiritual home of surfing in Queensland.
Known for its many sandy beaches and consistent waves, the region boasts numerous world-class breaks that attract plenty of professional surfers and hosts world class tournaments like the annual Quiksilver Pro event.
Here are the best places to go.
Snapper Rocks
Residing at the southernmost end of the Gold Coast, Snapper Rocks is undoubtedly one of the best surfing spots in Queensland. It is home to an incredible right-hand point break, colloquially known as Superbank, that is a huge drawcard for bona fide grommets and shredders.
Snapper Rocks is also the venue for the Corona Open Gold Coast, a prestigious world championship tour event, which used to be known as the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro. If you are able to venture into a peeling set wave, you could easily find yourself riding the swell for several hundred metres (watch out for the jelly legs!).
Overall, this break is at its best on E-SE swells, while it is fairly clean during the prevailing southerly winds – which last for much of the year. Although the autumn and winter months are the best time to go surfing at Snapper Rock, you will get consistently good waves over most tides whenever you visit here.
That said, you’ll get more barrel potential at low tide, and if the southerly swell is particularly strong, you’ll need to either run up the beach or be prepared to wade against the current for quite a distance to catch the next one.
Kirra
When it comes to Gold Coast surf spots, Kirra enjoys legendary status. Indeed, it has often been referred to as the world’s greatest right-hand sand point break.
If conditions are just right, you’ll negotiate some of the best barrels you are ever likely to experience, especially if you make your way through the sections at high speed.
Throughout the year, the big southeast swells are consistently good. However, during the cyclone season, when the sand is right, you’ll get a lot of joy from the northeast and eastern swells.
This isn’t a beach where you’ll ever surf alone, so make sure you exercise proper surf etiquette when you do enter the water.
Burleigh Heads
If you make your way over to Burleigh Heads, you’ll be able to feel the burn on your legs at a challenging right-hand, sand bottom point break. Start off from the rock-strewn, basalt point to bunt for heavy, thick barrels that will cover you in goosebumps.
Burleigh offers terrific protection from S-SE trade winds, although it probably works best when there is big S swell or as the SW winds come offshore in the winter.
Once you’ve finished riding the swell, there are plenty of terrific places to grab a coffee or something to eat at the surrounding cafes.
Currumbin Alley
If you are new to the practice, one of the best spots for surfing in Queensland is at Currumbin Alley, which resides to the south of Palm Beach, around the mouth of Currumbin Creek, near Currumbin Beach.
Here, you will find the Currumbin Alley Surf School, which is renowned for being one of the best surf schools on the Gold Coast, and offers lessons throughout the year.
For those who aren’t novices, if the wave conditions are large enough, you can ride the swell from Currumbin Rock to Lacey’s Lane, at Palm Beach’s south end.
The great thing about Currumbin Alley is that during flat days, it is also a terrific longboard beach. However, you’ll have to share the zone with the kiteboarders, kayakers and paddle boarders who regularly come here.
Surfers’s Paradise
When you think of destinations for surfing in Queensland, it is inevitable that Surfers’s Paradise will spring to mind.
Despite its name, the swell doesn’t quite offer the same rush as other parts of the Goldie. However, you do still get waves that break right and left on a consistent basis.
Away from the 3 km stretch of beach and the dependable surf, you can spend some time on its lively foreshore or enjoy its world-class shopping, dining and superb nightlife.
If you want to make a weekend of it, or even take a longer holiday, here are some excellent accommodation options you can book.
Sunshine Coast Surfing Spots
The Sunshine Coast has a number of spots for surfing in Queensland that rival anything the Gold Coast has to offer.
Home to some outstanding beaches, the region offers a number of excellent places to ride the swell.
Here are the best places to head to.
Kings Beach
By Gold Coast standards, Kings Beach isn’t as good an option for surfing in Queensland. However, it is one of the best Sunshine Coast beaches to escape from the northeast sea breeze, which is why it makes this list.
Surfers tend to congregate at the beach’s southern end, mainly due to it being patrolled by lifesavers. However, you can find a decent bank down there which offers good closeout air sections. If bodyboarding is your thing, you should enjoy the fast shallow left, just to the south of the groyne which breaks over the rocks.
Further south, if conditions are right, the Caloundra Bar can produce waves which rapidly snowball. While you can’t really call it consistent, you should definitely keep an eye on this spot if a large northeast swell wraps along the coast.
Connecting these three spots is the Caloundra Coastal Walk, which provides you with terrific views to assess the conditions.
Alexandra Headland
The beautiful Alexandra Headland beach is located in between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. It is renowned for being a great spot for surfing in Queensland, as a result of it being exposed and accommodating dependable offshore southwesterly winds.
Predominantly, the surf here results from groundswells, with the southeast providing the optimum swell angle. Beach breaks offer both right and left handed waves, but just be mindful that it can get crowded here.
Overall, the surf at Alex is a bit smaller than what you’ll experience a little further up north on the Sunshine Coast. But, don’t let that put you off from coming here, because on good days, it can be very good.
Its worth bearing in mind that the beach has rips running fairly consistently across it, so you’ll need to be vigilant in the water. However, it is patrolled by the Alexandra Headland Surf Club, which is renowned for being one of the best in Queensland. (They do amazing burgers!).
Coolum Beach
Julian Wilson, the accomplished World Surf League competitor, spent many hours training at Gold Coast. So, it is safe to assume you can catch a good wave there.
Located pretty much in the middle of Caloundra and Noosa, this beautiful beach is part of a 15 km stretch of unbroken coastline that runs up to Sunshine Beach. Generally speaking, it is a bit more exposed to the southerly swells that get blocked off around Maroochydore, so when the conditions are right make sure you tackle the barrels at Stumers Creek.
Given how long the beach is, you’ll find plenty of space to sit in further up north to catch the perfect beach break.
For those who are novices, there is a small headland at the southern end of the beach that provides a sheltered area to learn to surf.
Away from the water, the foreshore has an excellent skatepark, while climbing up Mount Coolum will showcase tremendous views of the full coastline.
Noosa
World-famous Noosa Beach is a terrific spot for surfing in Queensland. As it offers good swell for longboarding, even on small days, there is always a good number of skilled surfers hanging 10 when the waves start rolling in.
The waves are good fun here, and many surfies go old school with retro single or twin fins, though you can just as easily use a high-performance thruster.
For a more intimate surfing experience, Noosa National Park offers several points to venture to, and the crowd thins out the further you go, to a point where you’ll only be joined by a handful of others.
Typically, these spots are situated around the headland, which is protected from southeasterly winds and are spurred on by the southerly swells that wraps around it. Having said that, don’t rule out finding good waves during light winds on a northeast swell.
If you happen to visit during the month of March, you should check out the Noosa Festival of Surfing.
Double Island Point
For many years Double Island Point was a secret among Sunshine Coast locals. But ever since it appeared in the film Endless Summer 2, it quickly grew in popularity.
You’ll need to take a 4WD from Noosa North Shore or Rainbow Beach to get to the area, and possibly even get their early, depending on the timing of the tides. Once there, you’ll get to ride a wedgey beach break towards the southern part of the headland. At its north, you can experience a massive long right peeling, if the sand sits right.
To really make the most of this brilliant destination for surfing in Queensland, consider camping on the designated areas of the beach. As both sides of the headland boast fantastic waves at varying time, just be prepared to adjust your position depending on the conditions.
Cooloola Beach
If you have a car and fancy escaping the crowds that can gather at other Sunshine Coast surf spots, you should consider heading to Cooloola National Park. It is worth noting that you’ll have to exercise extreme caution here as it is prime shark territory. So, this should be a destination for surfing in Queensland which you do not go to alone.
Overall, you should be prepared for shifty peaks. However, when they work you’ll be able to ride continuous sandbar setups that peel and barrel towards the eucalyptus-flanked shores. At these moments, prepare to holler with delight!
Discovery Coast
The Discovery Coast is considered the most northern safe spot for surfing in Queensland.
Here is where you can catch a good wave.
Agnes Water
If you are looking for one last place on the mainland to go surfing in Queensland before heading up north, head on over to Agnes Water or the adjacent town of 1770.
Located on the Discovery Coast, within the Gladstone region, the waves here are rather inconsistent, and do not have the structure or power of the Gold Coast. Or even the Sunshine Coast for that matter. But nonetheless there is still a lot of fun to be had on them.
Optimal conditions for surfing here are when there is light winds and a NE swell, although its offshore is typically south-westerly. There is also a craggy headland that gradually translates into a sand bottom wave.
Perhaps the best time to come here is the wet season, when low pressure systems generate within the Coral Sea to create more powerful swell. Whenever you do decide to venture into the water, you’ll find it is pretty warm for most of the year.
Island Surf Spots
Away from the mainland, there are a number of excellent island destinations where you can go surfing in Queensland.
Here are some of the most notable ones.
South Stradbroke Island
Affectionately referred to as ‘South Straddie’ by locals, South Stradbroke Island is not far from the mainland on the Gold Coast. This makes it one of the most popular island destinations for surfing in Queensland.
Conveniently accessible for seasoned surfers, who can easily make their way across the seaway, the island is just 200 metres from the spit’s northern end. Despite this, its nowhere near as busy as the surfing hotspots of the ‘Goldie’, so it is a wonderful destination to ride the waves in relative peace and quiet.
On the eastern side of the island, you’ll find an exposed beach break which offers regular, dependable surf. But you can head over to the western side if you prefer more of a swim or to partake in water sports.
For those who fancy hanging ten for more than a couple of hours, there is a nice resort and numerous camping sites where you can enjoy an extended stay.
Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
While there are several beaches near Brisbane where you can ride the swell, if you fancy leaving the mainland for a while to go surfing in Queensland, you should take the ferry to North Stradbroke Island.
The best conditions can be found at Point Lookout on Main Beach, which is situated adjacent to the headland underneath the clubhouse. The beach breaks here run all the way through the 33 km of golden sand.
As ‘North Straddie’ is a sand island, (the second largest in the world), it does not have the turbidity problems other Queensland surfing destinations have. Subsequently, you will find the water crystal clear here.
Main Beach relies on good sand conditions to produce its best beach breaks, which typically result from offshore southwesterly winds and S swell events. But because it is more exposed, you can expect wave heights to be a bit bigger here than on the mainland.
While the waves are best for more experienced surfers, novices can take lessons courtesy of a surf school that is based on the island.
Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)
For those wanting a truly off-grid experience for surfing in Queensland, Moreton Island is where you will find it.
You’d be well advised to take your 4WD and camping gear with you because navigating the sandy tracks that zig zag across the spine of the island is almost as fun as riding the epic waves that you’ll find throughout it.
Most surfers head to the east coast, because you’ll find fantastic waves thanks to the swells from both the south and north directions. However, you would need to plan your visit around these winds because they can be very stiff.
Offshore in southwesterly winds, you will find a handful of spots that will provide protection from the predominant southeasterly and northeasterly combinations.
If you are able to find it, Boulders is an incredible area to surf at. To get to it, make your way down a rustic track to the section of beach that resides around 120 metres before the Cape Moreton lighthouse.
Bribie Island
Over on Bribie Island, Woorim Beach can be a good location for learning to surf during the summer if you can a reasonable typhoon swell.
That said, the waves are generally small here and there is little in the way of interference from the prevailing southwesterly winds which tend to blow hard across the shore. (Mainly because of the barrier islands further down south that front Brisbane).
If you intend surfing in Queensland at this destination, you can consider yourself enjoying a good day if the swells range from four to seven feet and are boosted by easterly or northeasterly winds.
As a rule, the more down south you go the smaller the size of the sets you can expect.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
Formerly known as Fraser Island, K’gari ranks up there as one of the best destinations for surfing in Queensland. The only issue is that its waters are shark infested.
You’ll find the best breaks at Waddy Point, which is a very consistent right point that works equally well in southwesterly winter swells and stormy summer swells. The good thing about surfing here is that you’ll pretty much have the breaks to yourself.
However, you will need to keep your wits around you if you do intend to ride the swell here and look out for sharks.
Great Barrier Reef
There aren’t really any consistent spots for surfing in Queensland, once you go past Agnes Waters and 1770. However, if you have access to a boat and consider yourself a bit of an adventurous spirit, you should venture into the Great Barrier Reef, as you should find some decent waves there.
Mainly comprising, barrels that quickly break over shallow reefs, the swell here is definitely not for learners. But if you are a seasonsed surfer, and the weather gods are on your side, the waves here can be magnificent.
If conditions aren’t conducive for surfing, you could always go Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef instead.
Tips For Surfing in Queensland
Before surfing in Queensland, here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable surfing experience:
1. Check the Surf Forecast: Always check the surf forecast before heading out. Websites and apps like Surfline, Magicseaweed and Swellnet provide up-to-date information on wave conditions.
2. Respect Local Rules: Each surf spot may have its own set of rules and etiquette. Familiarize yourself with these rules and respect the local surfers and environment.
3. Safety First: Safety should be your top priority. Use appropriate surfboards and wear the right protective gear, including a leash and sunscreen.
4. Know Your Limits: Don't push yourself too hard, especially in challenging conditions. Knowing your skill level and choosing spots that match your abilities is essential.
5. Be Environmentally Conscious: Protect the beautiful coastal environment by disposing of your trash properly and respecting local wildlife and marine life.
6. Learn from Locals: Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with local surfers. They can provide valuable insights into the best times to surf and hidden gems.
7. Take Surf Lessons: If you're new to surfing, consider taking lessons from certified instructors. They can teach you the basics and help you develop good habits.
Final Thought
So, there you have it. My take on the 18 best spots for surfing in Queensland.
As you can see from this list, the Sunshine State offers a diverse range of surfing experiences.
Regardless of what your skill level is, I hope this list has provided you with plenty of inspiration of where you can ride your next wave.
FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about surfing in Queensland.
How Far North Can you go surfing in Queensland
The furthest places north you can go surfing in Queensland is at the town of 1770 and Agnes Waters
What is the closest beach near Brisbane for surfing in Queensland?
If you want to go surfing in Queensland, Woorim Ocean Beach, located on Bribie Island, is considered the closest safe surf beach.
What are some of the best beaches to go surfing in Queensland?
Some of the best beaches to go surfing in Queensland include Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, Alexandra Headland on the Sunshine Coast and Stradbroke Island.
Is 35 too old to start surfing?
When it comes to learning to surf, age is irrelevant. It is all about mindset. You'll find plenty of excellent destinations for surfing in Queensland on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. There are also plenty of schools that can teach beginners how to ride the waves.
