Best Australian road trips for surfers: 3 epic routes

Nothing screams summer like a surf trip. And if you’ve got dreams of soaking up sunshine and saltwater, there’s no better place to take a surf trip than Australia. Below, we’ve collected iconic stops in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, so all you need to do is hire a van, pack a bag (and a board) and get going.

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Western Australia

Perth to Margaret River via Yallingup and Gracetown Strike out south from Perth after catching some waves at Trigg Point, a popular spot for locals and dolphins (if you’re lucky). This Western Australian road trip will have you finishing up in the Margaret River region, which is renowned for not only its waves, but also its wine – a win-win if we’ve ever heard one (just don’t combine the two).

After three hours of driving, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful coastal landscape of Yallingup. Check out Injidup Beach, which tends to offer more consistent waves, or continue a little further south to Moses Rock. Your next stop is Gracetown, a quiet town between Yallingup and Margaret River. Here, you’ll have plenty of world-class breaks to choose from, though some of the most popular are South Point, Northpoint and Huzza’s.

After arriving in Margaret River, take some time to familiarise yourself with the town. This is an epic holiday destination with great bars and cafes and an unbeatable vibe. There are plenty of wineries around too, but if you’re set on a surf, you’ll want to make your way to Main Break, at the aptly named Surfers Point. Be mindful that the waves can really build with the right conditions, so don’t get out of your depth – beginners may find more favourable surf at Redgate Beach.

Queensland

Snapper Rocks to Rainbow Beach via North Stradbroke Island and Noosa Head Snapper Rocks is the ideal spot to kick off your Queensland surf trip. Located on the southern end of the Gold Coast, a stone’s throw from the New South Wales border, Snapper Rocks is home to the iconic Superbank – a man-made wave created by the construction of the Gold Coast Sea Wall. Take advantage of the consistent sets before heading north and catching a ferry to North Stradbroke Island, where the laid-back locale of Point Lookout should be at the top of your list of places to surf.

Back on the mainland, you’ll keep cruising up the coast to Noosa Heads, which has long been considered a paradise for surfers and was named the world’s 10th surfing reserve. There are breaks for beginners and experienced surfers alike, as well as a number of surf schools should you need to get your confidence up.

Noosa is one of Queensland’s most popular holiday destinations, so if you’re not feeling the summer crowds, we recommend continuing up the Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Beach. Bordered by the Great Sandy National Park, Rainbow Beach is perhaps most famous as the gateway to Fraser Island, but stick around and you’ll discover some epic breaks along its 23 kilometres of sand.

NSW

Crescent Head to Lennox Head via South West Rocks, Yamba and Evans Head Look. You could travel to New South Wales’s north and south coasts and have the best surf trip of your life regardless of which you choose, but today we’re focusing on the North Coast; Crescent Head to Lennox Head, to be specific. It’s a tried-and-tested road trip that has romanced backpackers and Australians alike over the years and we’re certain you’ll find some unforgettable waves along the way.

Crescent Head – your starting point – is about five hours from Sydney, just north of Port Macquarie. The best place to surf is Crescent Head Point, though it’s wise to get there early as the break can be very popular, especially over summer. From Crescent Head, your next stop will be South West Rocks, a stunning little town that’s known for its surfing, SCUBA diving and chilled vibe. Head to Trial Bay Back Beach for waves, or try something different and dive the renowned Fish Rock Cave (rated one of Australia’s top five dives).

Continue north for two-and-a-half hours and you’ll reach Yamba, a cruisy town on the southern edge of Bundjalung National Park. It’s a great surfing destination because you can generally find decent waves no matter the conditions; Turner’s or Pippi for a northerly, Angourie Point or Main Beach for a southerly. It’s also worth making a trip to the World Heritage-listed Iluka Rainforest, on the northern side of the Clarence River, as you make your way to Evans Head, where Chinaman’s Beach is a popular local spot.

Wrap up your New South Wales surf trip at Lennox Head, a seaside village 20 minutes south of Byron Bay. Lennox Point is considered one of the best waves in Australia, but it’s not a break for beginners. If you’re still learning the ropes, head to Seven Mile Beach, where smaller waves can often be found.

Ready to ride some giants? Secure an epic surfmobile and start planning your ultimate surf trip.