Surfers generally tend to avoid the northernmost part of Australia, simply because the waters here are full of the kinds of jellyfish that could turn a surfer's vacation into a very different, less enjoyable experience, as well as the fact that these shallow tropical waters don't offer the same sorts of waves to be found elsewhere.
In a country of this size, the other tracts of coastline are more than ample grounds (or waters) in which to seek out a good ride. Australia has many thousands of miles of beautiful beaches with some exceptional beach as well as reef breaks all along the way. Whether you're in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia's western coast or in the chilly waters off the southern end of the continent or the heavily frequented waters of the eastern shores, surfers will feel like their dreams have come true in any of these places.
Western Australia surely boasts some of the most exceptional surf spots, and the fact that the water gets nice and warm and the air even warmer makes it all that much more inviting. The Indian Ocean is at its best here, and perfect 6 feet tubes are a dime a dozen here. Surfers are advised to get to know such coastal destinations as Esperance, Albany or Margaret River (where the river opens into the sea, of course), all of which are famous for their ability to attract boarders from all over the planet.
South Australia offers surfers chillier waters, but hardly any other sacrifice! The surf conditions here are ideal despite the frigidness of the ocean, and the cold currents flowing northwards from Antarctica provide truly spectacular swells that are the stuff of surfing legends. The terrain is pretty rugged which makes accessing many beaches a bit of a challenge, but if you happen to be lucky enough to have a local guide and/or a 4WD vehicle you can surmount any obstacle just about. In this part of the country, surfers should definitely get to know spots like Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula, designated by local surfers and those that flock from the capital of Adelaide as being nothing short of the best.
Moving farther east, Victoria has a long and gorgeous coastline that has many of the same natural characteristics as South Australia, especially the chilly waters, making wet suits a wise idea in both cases. Despite the chilliness of the sea, surf conditions are once again optimal in this area, and again it is crucial to be able to count on the knowledge of a local to help guide you to the best destinations. Stay alert for such surf destinations as Phillip Island, Bells Beach and Torquay, clear favorites among local surfers. To get the most out of Victoria's coastline, simply travel along the Great Ocean Road which covers over 100 miles of shore.
Getting back into warmer waters, New South Wales has an expansive coastline with such popular surf areas as those in and around Sydney as well as spots farther afield, such as Angourie, Lennox, and Byron Bay.
Even more to the north, in Queensland surfers can enjoy such beautiful places as the Gold Coast, where surfing culture has taken root unlike anywhere else on the planet practically. Beach names like Surfers Paradise bear testament to the local obsession with the sport. Then, in northern Queensland, surfers can check out the natural phenomenon that is the Great Barrier Reed, one of the most spectacular natural formations in the world.
At last, there are the surf spots of Tasmania to be reckoned with, yet only for the brave of heart that is! Again in pretty chilly waters, many areas are inaccessible but if you do manage to get around, try going to the eastern end of the island for the best surf breaks.
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