Top Surfing Destinations For Your Next Epic Holiday

Looking for an extreme adventure or wanting to learn a new skill during your next holiday? Now is the time to try surfing in awe-inspiring destinations!

As seasoned surfers say, surfing is more than exercise – it is a lifestyle. Surfing brings people together with a shared passion and creates a vibrant community. Whether you are a pro wave rider or a beginner, surfing gives this massive adrenaline rush that you don’t get from other physical activities.

Check out our hot picks in Australia and Indonesia for your next surf trip! These top surfing destinations offer some of the best waves in the world and attract surfers of all levels. So pack your surfboard, and let’s hit the waves!

Person surfing on the Gold Coast, Queensland
1. GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

The Gold Coast in Queensland has about 70 kilometres of beaches and epic point breaks. One of the region’s most famous coastal strips is Surfers Paradise. Living up to its name, the beach is one of the world’s top surfing spots, with a 2km stretch of golden sand and rolling surf patrolled by three lifeguard towers. The beach offers a variety of breaks to suit all skill levels, from the gentle rollers of the north end to the more challenging swells at the south end. It is also in the centre of the action, with world-class restaurants, night markets, and towering beachside accommodations.

Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Surfers Paradise

Man with surfboard walking on the sidewalk overlooking the ocean on Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2. SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND

The Sunshine Coast stretches over 100km of sparkling coastline and a wide range of breaks. From the gentle rollers of Noosa Heads to the powerful swells of Mooloolaba, there’s a wave for everyone.

The warm weather and consistent surf make the Sunshine Coast an ideal destination for a surf holiday all year round. It offers a more laid-back and quieter atmosphere than other popular surf destinations, making it perfect for those looking for a more relaxed holiday.

Marcoola Beach is a hidden gem for surfers if you prefer a less crowded surf spot. It offers a variety of breaks for surfers of all levels. The beach is also near lush national parks, which offer great opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.

Caloundra, to the south, is also one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known surf breaks offering a challenging wave for intermediate and expert surfers, and a laidback café and restaurant scheme to explore after exercising in the salt water.

Where to Stay:
Club Wyndham Golden Beach
Club Wyndham Marcoola Beach

Man with surfboard overlooking the beach in Torquay, Victoria
3. TORQUAY, VICTORIA

Known as the gateway to the world-renowned Bells Beach and home of the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, Torquay offers some of the best waves in the world. The consistent surf, clean breaks, and wide range of waves make it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels.

If you’re a surfer looking for a challenge, Torquay is the place for you. If you’re starting, the city has many surf schools and experienced instructors to help you ride your first wave. With famous breaks such as Bells Beach, Winkipop, and Jan Juc, you’ll be able to test your skills against some of the best surfers in the world.

Torquay also offers a vibrant beach culture and a variety of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. It is also surrounded by picturesque countryside, with opportunities for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Torquay

Sunrise over the beach at Phillip Island, Victoria
4. PHILLIP ISLAND, VICTORIA

Phillip Island is the perfect destination for a surf holiday with its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and consistent surf. Known for its famous breaks, such as Woolamai, Smiths and Cat Bay, Phillip Island offers a wide range of waves for both pro and budding surfers.

Phillip Island also provides a unique wildlife experience, with the chance to see penguins, seals, and other sea life. Visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty with a rugged coastline, scenic beaches, and the Phillip Island National Park, which offers walking tracks and a rich cultural history.

The island’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of catching waves.

Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Phillip Island

Beach at Shoal Bay, New South Wales
5. SHOAL BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES

Port Stephens offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. For adrenaline seekers, this scenic coastal town provides the opportunity to surf at some of the famous breaks in the region, such as Birubi Point, Fingal Bay, and Box Beach.

If you’ve never surfed before but really want to give it a go, Port Stephens also has many established surf schools in Fingal Bay and One Mile Beach, with experienced instructors to help you ride your first wave.

In addition to surfing, Port Stephens, particularly in Shoal Bay, also offers a range of enjoyable activities for visitors, such as fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and dolphin-watching cruises.

Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Shoal Bay

Aerial View of Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali
6. BALI, INDONESIA

Eat, pray, surf! Bali is a haven for those looking to unwind, rejuvenate and experience a unique blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. The island is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surfing.

Located on the southwest coast of Bali, Kuta Beach is a popular surf spot. The 2km beach gives surfers an abundance of space to spread out. The beach break has a variety of peaks and is suitable for all levels, and it has a vibrant atmosphere, with cute boutiques, restaurants, and bars that offer a great sunset view and a place to unwind after a day of surfing.

If you prefer a much less crowded spot, then Keramas Beach on the island’s east coast is a perfect destination. The beach, covered predominantly in black volcanic sand, is located in the traditional village of Gianyar. It is far quieter and more peaceful than major hubs such as Kuta and Canggu.

Keramas is also a favourite venue for top surfing competitions in the world, such as the World Surf League’s Corona Bali Protected Surfing Championship and Red Bull Airborne. The waves here are stronger and bigger, so the beach is not recommended for beginners.

Beyond the beaches, Bali is home to a rich cultural heritage. The island is dotted with ancient temples, traditional villages, and colourful festivals reflecting Bali’s vibrant past and present. Visitors can also indulge in delicious food, made from fresh local ingredients and influenced by the island’s mix of cultures.

Where to Stay: Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort

Now’s the time to plan your swell escape at our top surfing destinations. 

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