Surfing in Australia
SurfScanners covers 5 surf spots in Australia, including spots in New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, and Victoria. Of those, 2 suit intermediates and 5 suit advanced surfers. Across them, the water averages ~18°C in August and ~23°C in February.
Surf spots in Australia
Bondi Beach
New South Wales
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Mar, Jun, Aug–Dec · Advanced surfers: Jan–May, Jul, Oct
- Water in October:
- ~19°C
Margaret River (Main Break)
Western Australia
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Apr–Oct
- Water in October:
- ~19°C
Snapper Rocks / Superbank
Queensland
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Jan–May, Aug, Oct
- Water in October:
- ~22°C
Bells Beach
Victoria
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Feb–May, Sep–Nov
- Water in October:
- ~14°C
Merewether
New South Wales
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Jun, Aug–Sep, Nov–Feb · Advanced surfers: Jan–May, Jul, Oct
- Water in October:
- ~19°C
Australia water temperature by month
Average across the spots above, with the coldest and warmest spot's in brackets.
January
~22°C (19–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
February
~23°C (19–26°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
March
~22°C (19–26°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
April
~22°C (18–25°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
May
~20°C (16–23°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
June
~19°C (15–22°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
July
~18°C (14–21°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
August
~18°C (13–21°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
September
~18°C (13–21°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
October
~19°C (14–22°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
November
~19°C (16–22°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
December
~21°C (17–24°C): a 2mm spring suit / shorty
Surfing in Australia: FAQ
When is the best time to surf in Australia?
For intermediates: Jun, Aug–Mar. For advanced surfers: Jan–May, Jul, Oct. Across the country, waves are biggest in July, averaging 5.8 ft (1.8 m), and smallest in November, at 4.6 ft (1.4 m).
What is the water temperature in Australia?
Averaged across our 5 spots, it ranges from ~18°C in August to ~23°C in February. The spots differ: Bells Beach drops to ~13°C in August, while Snapper Rocks / Superbank reaches ~26°C in February.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Australia?
It depends on the spot: in August, Bells Beach (~13°C) calls for a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended, while in February, Snapper Rocks / Superbank (~26°C) needs boardshorts or a rashguard, no wetsuit needed.
Is Australia good for beginner surfers?
Not really: the spots we cover in Australia are better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers.
Where are the best surf spots in Australia?
We cover 5 spots in Australia. Intermediate and up: Bondi Beach and Merewether. Advanced only: Margaret River (Main Break), Snapper Rocks / Superbank, and Bells Beach.