New South Wales boasts some of Australia's most iconic surfing destinations, with breaks that attract everyone from beginners to professional surfers. Whether you're looking for perfect point breaks, beach breaks, or reef setups, NSW has something for every surfer. Here's our definitive ranking of the five best spots to catch waves in NSW.
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1. Crescent Head
Location: Mid North Coast
Ideal for: Long-boarders, intermediate to advanced surfers
Best time to visit: Autumn and winter for clean swells
Crescent Head takes our top spot as the crown jewel of the Mid North Coast surfing scene. This legendary right-hand point break offers one of the longest rides in Australia, with perfect peeling waves that can run for hundreds of meters on the right swell. The consistent quality of waves and the picture-perfect setting make it a must-visit for any serious surfer.
What sets Crescent Head apart is its perfect combination of reliability and quality. The point break works on most swell directions and can hold decent size, while still maintaining its perfect shape. Long-boarders particularly love this spot for the seemingly endless rides that allow for multiple manoeuvres and nose-riding sections.
The town itself maintains a laid-back vibe that has become increasingly rare in more commercialised surf spots, adding to the authentic surfing experience.
2. Byron Bay
Location: Far North Coast
Ideal for: All skill levels (depending on the specific break)
Best time to visit: Year-round with peak conditions in autumn
Byron Bay secures the second position with its incredible variety of breaks in close proximity. From The Pass to Wategos, Tallows to Broken Head, Byron offers world-class waves for every type of surfer and nearly all swell directions.
The Pass deserves special mention as one of Australia's most photogenic waves—a right-hand point break that wraps around the headland below the lighthouse, offering long, gentle walls perfect for long-boarders and short-boarders alike. Meanwhile, more experienced surfers can challenge themselves at Broken Head when the swell picks up.
Byron's subtropical climate allows for comfortable year-round surfing, though it has become increasingly crowded in recent years. The town's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its surf culture heritage, creates an environment where surfing isn't just a sport but a way of life.
3. Lennox Head
Location: Far North Coast
Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Best time to visit: Autumn and winter for the best conditions
Just south of Byron Bay, Lennox Head earns the third spot with its world-renowned right-hand point break. When conditions align, this break produces some of the most perfect right-handers in Australia, with fast, hollow sections that barrel beautifully.
What makes Lennox special is the quality of its waves—when it's on, few places in NSW can match its perfection. The break works best with a southeast swell and westerly winds, creating clean, powerful walls that draw surfers from across the country.
Lennox Head is not for the faint-hearted or beginners, as the rocky bottom, powerful waves, and competitive lineup require experience and confidence. However, for those with the skills to tackle it, Lennox offers some of the most rewarding surfing experiences in NSW.
4. Arrawarra
Location: Coffs Harbour region
Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate surfers
Best time to visit: Year-round with good protection from various winds
Arrawarra takes fourth place as the North Coast's hidden gem. This versatile surf spot features a headland point break and beach break options that work across various conditions, making it one of the most consistent spots in the region.
What makes Arrawarra stand out is its accessibility for surfers of different skill levels. The headland creates a protected corner that's perfect for beginners and longboarders, while further along the beach, more challenging peaks form for the intermediate crowd.
The relatively uncrowded lineup (compared to Byron Bay or Bondi) and the beautiful natural setting with the headland and surrounding coastal reserve add to its appeal. Arrawarra is also home to a surf school, cementing its reputation as an excellent learning ground for novice surfers.
5. Bondi Beach
Location: Sydney's Eastern Suburbs
Ideal for: All skill levels (depending on conditions and specific banks)
Best time to visit: Autumn and spring for cleaner conditions
Rounding out our top five is Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach. While it may not have the consistent quality of our higher-ranked spots, Bondi earns its place for being Sydney's most accessible and versatile surf destination, along with its cultural significance in Australian surfing.
When the sandbars align, Bondi produces excellent beach break peaks suitable for all levels. The southern end typically offers more protection and gentler waves for beginners, while the middle to northern sections can deliver punchy waves for more experienced surfers when conditions are right.
Bondi's proximity to Sydney's CBD makes it the ultimate urban surf experience—where else can you catch waves with the backdrop of Australia's largest city? The beach's infrastructure, surf schools, and vibrant atmosphere contribute to making it the best surf beach near Sydney, despite the often crowded lineup.
Why No South Coast Spots?
You might wonder why our list doesn't include any spots from NSW's South Coast, despite the region being home to excellent waves. The truth is the South Coast does boast world-class breaks like Werri Beach in Gerringong, Mystics near Shellharbour, and numerous quality spots around Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.
However, our top five focused on representing the diversity of NSW surfing while highlighting the most iconic and consistent spots. The South Coast's more fickle nature (requiring specific swell directions and wind conditions) and the slightly more challenging access from major population centers influenced our selection. Nevertheless, serious surfers should absolutely explore the South Coast's offerings, particularly during winter swells when the points and reefs really come alive.
Best Spots for Different Skill Levels
For Beginners:
- Arrawarra's protected corner offers gentler, more forgiving waves
- The southern end of Bondi Beach when conditions are small
- The inside section at The Pass in Byron Bay
For Intermediate Surfers:
- Byron Bay's variety of breaks allows for progression
- Crescent Head on smaller days
- The main beach at Bondi when banks are good
For Advanced Surfers:
- Lennox Head's powerful point break
- Crescent Head on larger swells
- The outer banks at Bondi during bigger east swells
Whether you're a weekend warrior, a surfing nomad, or a competitive surfer, these five destinations represent the very best of what NSW has to offer the surfing community. Each location brings its own unique character, wave mechanics, and surrounding culture, contributing to the rich mosaic that is New South Wales' surfing heritage.
Where too from here?
If you’re serious about improving your surfing, a surf camp is one of the best ways to fast-track your progress. Every spot on this list offers incredible surf camps tailored to different skill levels, goals, and budgets. Whether you're learning the basics or looking to refine your technique, the right camp provides expert coaching, local knowledge, and a supportive community. You'll surf more often, learn faster, and make lasting connections along the way. Plus, everything’s taken care of—so you can focus on the waves.
Curious about which surf camp is right for you? Click here to speak with a surfing expert and find the perfect fit for your surf journey in NSW. Want to learn more? Why not read our article on The Best Surf Camps on the East Coast of Australia?