Where To Go Surfing In New South Wales

With some of the world’s best surf spots, it’s easy to see why catching a wave is so deeply embedded in Australian culture. From The Pass in Bryon Bay to Lennox Head, our local Aussie insider lists the best places to catch a wave in New South Wales.

1. The Pass, Byron Bay

Natural Feature

Byron Bay has gained almost mythical status among surfers all over the world thanks to its year-round warm waters and array of picturesque beaches. World-class waves can be found at The Pass, a stretch of beach between the sandy shores at Clarkes Beach and Wategos. Then, become immersed in surf culture at the Bay’s slew of laid-back bars, restaurants and music venues. Recommended by local insider Angharad Jones

2. Sawtell Island

Natural Feature

Waves rolling in towards rocks, Sawtell Beach, Australia

Mid-way between Sydney and Brisbane, this scenic spot is known for its flat shores and point-style waves. Sawtell Island itself is a small rocky crag that lies about 100m (330ft) from the headland, where you’ll find some of the best waves in the area. If your surf experience is lacking, book in for a lesson with the experts at Sawtell Surf School, or you can simply buy some fish and chips from Sea Salt restaurant and take notes from the professionals. Recommended by local insider Angharad Jones

3. Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie

Natural Feature

Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

There’s certainly no shortage of surfing spots at Lighthouse Beach. Nine km (5.6mi) of steely waves that are constantly sprinkled with surfers throughout the day. Currents are strong and the waves tall, so it’s best to leave the surfing to the more advanced athletes rather than attempting as a beginner. Finish your day by climbing up to the famous lighthouse at Tacking Point to drink in the views of the bay over a glass of wine or two. Recommended by local insider Angharad Jones

5. Merewether

Natural Feature

Merewether Beach - Newcastle - Australia

The Hunter Valley region may be known for its wines, but its surf scene is also one of the world’s finest. Merewether (a suburb of Newcastle) is the home of Merewether Surfboard Club, Australia’s most successful boardriders club, with the world titles to prove it. The beach is fit for champions having beaten the likes of Bondi and Surfer’s Paradise to be named Australia’s best beach in 2018. On big wave days, you’ll find crowds of people pinning the edge of the shore to watch the world’s best surfers slicing through the spray. Recommended by local insider Susanna Smith

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.