22 May 2024 by admin

Cover photo: Ningaloo Reef coastline. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia

Surfing is a big part of Australian culture. While Queensland and New South Wales are widely regarded as the best surfing states in the country, there are plenty of wave-riding opportunities on the West Coast, too. Western Australia is home to a vast expanse of picturesque and pristine coastline and boasts some of the most thrilling surfing opportunities waiting for you in Australia. 

Thanks to its many world-class surfing spots, the region attracts avid surfers from all over the world. While Margaret River is known as the premier surfing spot in WA – the area is a big wave hot spot and hosts one of the world’s most prestigious annual surfing events, the Margaret River Pro – here in the World Heritage-listed Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) Reef we have several beautiful surfing beaches where you can catch the perfect wave.

Our ocean paradise in the North West Cape is a hidden gem and one of the best-kept surfing secrets in Western Australia, attracting surfing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. If you’re new to the water sport, our spectacular beaches provide some of the best surfing locations in the entire state.

Many people who visit our backyard are drawn to Exmouth to swim with whale sharks. As amazing as that once-in-a-lifetime experience is, the beautiful clear blue open waters and pumping waves of Ningaloo provide the perfect environment to enjoy exhilarating water sports like surfing. If you want to catch some world-class waves, keep reading to learn more about surfing in Exmouth and our favourite under-the-radar surfing spots.

Discover the best surfing spots in Exmouth

Thanks to its uncrowded surf breaks, Exmouth is a stunning location for surfers of all levels looking to catch a few waves. Dunes Beach (also known as Surfer’s Beach) is Exmouth’s main surfing beach and a must-visit. It’s one of the best spots if you want to learn how to surf. This beach is only 17 km from Exmouth and is accessible from the Mildura Wreck Road to the west of the low-frequency towers. It’s only a short 15-minute drive to get there. Dunes Beach is popular with surfers of all abilities, and the reef break is accessible and safe. 

Wobiri Beach is another favourite that we recommend. It’s a beautiful sandy, family-friendly beach south of Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, approximately 25 km from the town. Similar to Dunes, it’s a great spot, especially for inexperienced surfers looking to get in more practise. What we love most about Wobiri Beach is its small waves and minimal rocks, making it ideal for beginners keen to learn how to surf. To get there, drive for 5 minutes past the lighthouse, and you should come to the access point for Wobiri Beach. Keep in mind that parking here is limited, so it’s best to arrive early if you are in Exmouth during the peak season. 

Hunters Beach is probably the most popular beach for advanced surfers, but beginners are also welcome. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Exmouth. Experienced surfers enjoy paddling out to the Bommie from Lighthouse Bay. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as riding in the curl of a wave and being able to see fish swimming in the crystal-clear water beneath you. 

The best time of year to go surfing in Exmouth

You can surf all year round in Australia. But if you’re planning to visit Exmouth and surfing is on your must-do list, the best time to take a trip is from July to October. In autumn and winter, the swells are usually best and more reliable at this time of year. Not only that, but the temperature is just right, and the water is crystal clear. 

Where to hire a surfboard and other necessary equipment

You can rent gear from Exmouth Adventure Co on Pelias Street or Exmouth Surf Centre on Murat Road. They have a range of boards for different surfing abilities, including soft surfboards for beginners and kids and hard surfboards for more advanced surfers. You should also be able to rent a wetsuit if you don’t have one. 

Take a few surfing lessons if you are new to the water sport

Exmouth Surf Centre offer surfing lessons for beginners and those with a little more experience. They provide group lessons as well as private one-on-one lessons. For anyone new to surfing, lessons are essential because your instructor will teach you how to surf safely. You’ll also get briefed on surf etiquette (the rules you need to obey when surfing with others) as well as how to paddle out to catch a wave and stand up on the board to ride that all-important first wave. 

More tips and advice for surfing in Exmouth

Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve caught more than your fair share of waves, safety always comes first. The ocean is powerful and unpredictable, so know your limits. Remember to check the weather before you go out and have the proper equipment (yes, you will need a wetsuit!) and, if possible, try not to surf alone. 

Also, if you plan to take surfing lessons, ensure that your coach is qualified by Surfing Australia and has received first aid and Surf Rescue training. And remember to bring along plenty of drinking water, a towel, and sunscreen. 

When you arrive in Exmouth, head to the Ningaloo Visitor Centre. Located across from the Ningaloo Caravan and Holiday Resort, the centre is open seven days a week and serves as a valuable resource for anyone wishing to explore the area. 

Here’s a few fun surfing facts

• Surfing was introduced into Australia in 1915 by legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Today, it is a beloved pastime and a way of life for many locals.
• Australia is a world-famous surfing destination, home to some of the most well-known professional surfers like Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore.
• You can surf in Australia all year round. But experienced surfers look forward to summer and the possibility of some epic conditions during cyclone season.  
• Australia has the second largest population of surfers in the world. And when it comes to the number of surfers per capita, the Gold Coast has more than anywhere else in the world.
• Boardshorts were invented in Torquay, Victoria. The Quicksilver brand was born in 1969, followed by Billabong on the Gold Coast a few years later in 1973.
• Australia’s oldest surfing competition takes place annually in Torquay. It’s called the Rip Curl Pro Bell Beach and has been a fixture of the Australian surf scene since 1962. It’s also one of the world’s most prestigious surfing events.

Visit Exmouth and experience some of Australia’s best surfing spots

We hope you will agree that Western Australia is worthy of a place on any surfer’s bucket list. After all, the best wave of your life is still out there – and you just might find it here in Exmouth. So come for a visit and enjoy some unmissable surf spots. While here, take the time to experience as much of this incredible region of Australia as you can. Read our recommendations for bucket list Exmouth experiences and more exciting things to see and do in Exmouth and Ningaloo.