Western Australia
Surf Spots & Information

The cliffs of the Great Australia Bight finally give way at Eucla. There is
a beach/reef setup just after the border and after crossing the Nullarbor.
Esperance on the southern coast of Western Australia has some great waves. West from Esperance the coast gets greener, but access to the surf is still limited to isolated small towns, each with its own breaks. Albany is located near the southwest corner of Western Australia and is open to everything the Southern Ocean can throw at it; some of the largest waves to ever hit the Australian continent probably do so in this area. From Albany, the coast turns to the north and the famous Margaret River area; a small day here is 5 feet. From Margaret River toward Perth, the swell is somewhat blocked by offshore reefs and Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Island itself is a popular spot with the Perth locals and is often 2-3 feet larger then Perth's beaches. Perth is largely small mushy beach breaks. North from Perth, the coast again becomes rather wild and unsettled. Waves are to befound anywhere you can get to the coast. Geraldton and Kalbarri are two areas that have excellent waves and weather.

The coast from Kalbarri to North West Cape has waves that were made famous in surf movies. The same swells that hit Bali also strike this coast. It is a wild, harsh coast; four-wheel drive is a must. Local knowledge is also a must.

From North West Cape northwards, surf potential disappears as the coast swings northeast, away from swell-generating systems and toward offshore barrier reefs.

Find a Western Australia surf school.

Western Australia Surf Spots

Margaret River Rivermouth
Surf Location	At the mouth of the Margaret river – main break is located on the south side of the river. There are many quality breaks within a short distance of the river.
Best Swell Direction	Anything out of the west
Best Tide	Rising tide
Best Wind Direction	South-Southwest
Best Surf Season	Year-round
Wave Quality	This is an awesome wave for goofy and regular footers. This wave is good at all sizes and can hold the big stuff. Take your time here and watch how the locals do it. Don’t surf the lefts too far in or you may get caught on some nasty reef. There is also the potential to catch the ride of your life here!!
The Surfers	Show respect and you’ll get respect here. The locals are excellent surfers.
Boards	Shortboard to gun
Paddle Out	Watch the locals
Skill Level	Experienced
Bottom	Sand and reef
Watch Out For...	Sharks, rips, clean-up sets
Water Condition	Clean and clear

Margaret River, Western Australia - Surf Video

 

The Box
Surf Location	To the right of the Margaret river mouth main break
Best Swell Direction	West
Best Tide	Rising tide
Best Wind Direction	East
Best Surf Season	Year-round
Wave Quality	They don’t call it “the box” for nothing. This right-breaking mutant tube is recommended for only the best surfers. It throws with a lot of power over hard flat rocks.
The Surfers	Pros and underground rippers
Boards	Shortboard
Paddle Out	Watch how the locals do it before paddling out
Skill Level	Expert
Bottom	Flat rock
Watch Out For...	Sharks, thick lips, and hard bottom
Water Condition	Clean and clear

The Box, Western Australia - Surf Video

 

Red Bluff
Surf Location	Quoubba Station in Northwest region
Best Swell Direction	West, Southwest
Best Tide	Mid and High
Best Wind Direction	East, Southeast
Best Surf Season	Winter
Wave Quality	This is a classic left-hand reef break. When it breaks, expect intense barrels over sharp reef. Booties and a helmet are recommended.
The Surfers	Can get crowded even though you are in a remote area. There aren’t really locals, just those who visit often. Go to school on them and you will be better prepared to surf here.
Boards	Shortboard built for speed and power
Paddle Out	Can be strenuous due to the length of your ride
Skill Level	Intermediate to Expert
Bottom	Sharp reef
Watch Out For...	Sharks, rip, urchins
Water Condition	Clean and clear

Smiths Beach
Surf Location	Yallingup
Best Swell Direction	Northwest, Southwest
Best Tide	Mid to High
Best Wind Direction	East
Best Surf Season	Year-round
Wave Quality	Great wave breaking left and right over reef with a nice sandy inside section. This is a good spot to cut your teeth, without cutting other stuff, if you have never surfed over reef.
The Surfers	Good surfers and cool vibe
Boards	Shortboard
Paddle Out	Easy to moderate
Skill Level	Intermediate
Bottom	Reef and sand
Watch Out For...	Sharks, reef cuts, urchins
Water Condition	Clean