Located along Queensland’s southeast shoreline, the Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth-largest city and the country’s most-visited coast. And, with no shortage of long beach breaks and right-hand point breaks, the Gold Coast is also a surfer’s paradise — particularly from January through to July. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced surfer, the Gold Coast offers a host of wonderful surfing points to make your trip one to remember.
Superbank in Coolangatta
Superbank is an epic man-made surf break in Coolangatta, offering one of the longest wave rides in the world. A popular surfing spot, Superbank produces amazing waves, solid walls, and long barrel rides. In fact, the waves here span all the way from Snapper to Greenmount Beach, making this fantastic break an unmissable opportunity for surfing fanatics. Beginners, on the other hand, may instead feel more comfortable taking a lesson that introduces them to the area since this spot is always so busy. Also, keep in mind, surfing at Superbank involves a two-kilometer walk from the carpark along the beach and back again once you’re done for the day.
Currumbin Alley
Although it’s not as well known as Superbank, Currumbin Alley is home to one of the Gold Coast’s most enjoyable surf breaks. It offers excellent long rights and plenty of rippable walls, as well as a fair few fun barrels. Since it’s a sand point, the wave quality at Currumbin Alley depends on the changing formation of the sandbar. Most days, you’ll find fun and manageable walls before the swell grows larger with barrels on the cards. Although popular with advanced and intermediate surfers, Currumbin Alley (particularly inside the river) is also an ideal spot for beginners just learning to surf. Ideally, newbie surfers should look for crumbly waves, which are generally less powerful and easier to navigate. In fact, taking the time to learn how to read different waves is a key part of learning to surf and can even help you improve your skills.
North Stradbroke Island
Located on Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island (also known as Straddie) is an exceptional surfing spot. Main Beach offers good beach breaks for experienced surfers with waves maintaining a “200-meter wide double bar system, with the inner bar usually attached to the beach and cut by deep rip channels every 200 to 300 meters”. The outer bar offers good breaks, as well as easy accessibility via the northern rip channel. Surfing fanatics can also watch the Straddie Assault surfing competition held on North Stradbroke Island every October — it’s Australia’s longest-running team surfing competition now in its 35th+ year. Those lucky enough to be invited can witness 16 of the best surfing clubs in Australia showcase their world-class skills.
The Gold Coast is home to a host of unmissable surf breaks. Superbank, Currumbin Alley, and North Stradbroke Island are just a few of the best locations in the area to check out on your next visit here.
