Australia has long been a legendary surfing destination, since the Hawaiian King, Duke Kahanamoku, brought his board and caught a wave at Freshwater Beach. Now, not only is surfing a national pastime for Australians, but an integral part of the lifestyle of the nation.
Sydney is home to more than 100 beaches, which makes it a veritable surfer’s paradise. Regardless of your experience level, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to catch some waves while visiting Sydney. We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you out choose the best spot and hit the water.
What To Know Before Heading Out
Don’t bring your own board
Unless you’re a pro, if you’re visiting from the surrounding countryside or abroad, it’s a better idea to rent a board from one of the many surf shops dotted throughout the city. If you’re planning on spending a longer amount of time in the Sydney metropolitan area, consider buying a used board locally and selling it again before you leave.
Visit during the downtime
Sydney is home to more than 6 million people, and a fair amount of them are surfers, so going at the right time of day or week is key to enjoying waves without being overcrowded. Going early in the morning on the weekends, or during the week while the rest of the city is working, will give you the best choice of hitting the waves with some room to breathe. Going to less crowded beaches away from the centre of town will also help you enjoy some beautiful surf with the added benefits of fewer crowds.
Now that you’re adequately prepared, let’s dive into some of the best beaches you can find in Sydney.
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Best Surfing Beaches In Sydney
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world for its long, crescent-shaped bank of golden sands, its party atmosphere, and its central location in the heart of Sydney, so it’s appropriately busy most of the year.
This beautiful beach offers a variety of different amenities, such as beachfront apartments to rent, board rental kiosks and stores, as well as plenty of surf instructors if you’re just starting out.
If you’re more on the novice side, start on the North side of the beach, as the Ben Buckler Headland protects the area and subsequently gets smaller waves. If you’re ready for a bigger challenge, you can head to the middle of the beach where you’ll be able to catch bigger swells.
Manly Beach
Manly Beach is just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour, which makes it a very attractive location for the majority of Sydney. The southern end of Manly Beach is the ideal ‘learn to surf’ location, and many pros have cut their teeth on the blue waves. Many businesses have popped up that are catering to the visitors looking to surf, with equipment rentals available, as well as surf lessons, and excellent seafood and cafes all around.
The rest of the beach is split into three other quarters, North Steyne, South Steyne, and Queenscliffe. The other spots are more suited for surfers spread out from the intermediate all the way up to the expert. You might even see a pro or two surfing around!
Maroubra Beach
Maroubra in Aboriginal culture is believed to mean “like thunder”. AS its name implies, Maroubra Beach is more of a challenge, and we recommend it for only those that would deem themselves intermediate and above.
Only 10 kilometers southeast of Sydney Central Business District, this location enjoys much less crowded beaches than some other spots, while also boasting massive barrels. The North Side is definitely not for the faint of heart, only the most talented surfers are suggested to try and tackle the big swell. If you’re looking for some surf that’s more low-key, stick to the south side that’s more protected, and has smaller waves as a result.
In 2006, Maroubra Beach became Australia’s first National Surfing Reserve, so if you decide to stop by, be sure to look at the commemorative plaque, along with the surfer’s walk of fame.
Beware, there are no surf shops here, so you need to come prepared with your own board if you want to brave these waves.
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Stay At Bondi 38 For Your Surfing Adventure
At Bondi 38, our beachfront serviced apartments are an amazing option for any holiday vacation trip to enjoy the surfing available in the Emerald City.
The heart of Sydney and all the local attractions are just a few steps away from your cosy personal home away from home. Bondi 38 is an amazing location for any length of stay, and we offer luxury with an unparalleled location.
With our beachfront apartments, you can start your day with a dip in the ocean. Are you ready for your Surfing adventure?