The East coast of Australia is a beautiful expanse of wave rich towns and cities which travelers flock to in droves each year.
All along the coast there are numerous surf breaks that will catch the eye of any surfer hungry for a clean peak or a challenging session.
These coastal locales host a great number of interesting hurdles to climb, such as where to park and post-surf food spots.
From the tropical beach town of Noosa Heads to the busy city of Sydney there are waves and answers for all, if you know where to look.
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Australia's East Coast
Airports
Depending on the length of your road trip there are two major airports recommended to fly into to start your journey.
The first being the Brisbane International Airport, which is located right in the middle of Australia’s east coast.
This lands you in the center of one of Australia’s most exciting cities, giving travelers the ability to expedite their road trip by choosing either the northern or southern coast to travel along.
The second option would be to fly into the Sydney International Airport, landing you on the southern end of the coast.
This allows travelers the opportunity to road trip the entirety of the east coast, driving from the southern end all the way up north.
Whether it’s a quick two week vacation or a month long road trip there are a plethora of viable options for people in search of an East Coast of Australia adventure.
Vehicle Recommendations
When planning your trip it is highly recommended that you rent a car from a local rental agency.
There are many great rental spots very close to each airport that travelers and surfers alike will find more than accommodating of their equipment.
If you are bringing surfboards throughout your roadtrip it is highly recommended that you rent an suv sized vehicle or larger.
This will set you up for an exciting adventure to come, allowing you to save money on transportation that can be directed towards food and other activities.
Noosa Heads
Photo courtesy Curtis Reale
Noosa Heads is a surf and travel destination that all should consider when exploring the East Coast of Australia.
The tropical landscape is full of lush wildlife and immensely beautiful views.
There are a couple of world class breaks that this beautiful beach town offers such as First Point, Tea Tree Bay, and Granite Bay. First Point is perfect for surfers looking for a mushy wave with a lengthy ride down the coast.
The recommended board for this spot would be a longboard or mid-length to get the most out of this point.
The next spot is known as Tea Tree Bay giving surfers a bit more of a challenge than the prior. This challenge will increase as the swell picks up, so be careful to check before hopping straight in.
The recommended board for this spot would be a short board, to make it through the quicker sections that are produced at this break.
For more advanced surfers Granite Bay is the perfect place to find peaky waves with heavier barrel sections.
It is quite rocky, so make sure to check the tide before entering the water.
Waves well overhead can be found here during the peak periods, so come prepared with a step-up board to get the most out of this break.
The best time to surf these breaks would be during the winter months, March to August, so keep this in mind when planning your surf trip.
There is great food all over this cozy beach town, as well as parking all along the coast. Overall, Noosa Heads is a must when traveling to the East Coast of Australia.
Gold Coast
Photo courtesy Curtis Reale
The Gold Coast is a bustling surf destination known for its long sandy beaches and consistent waves. It’s one of Australia’s most famous surf regions, featuring a range of breaks suitable for all skill levels.
There are three breaks that reign supreme along this coastline and they are known as Snapper Rocks, Burleigh Heads, and Kirra.
These breaks are not for the faint of heart, as they are recommended only for intermediate and advanced surfers.
There are many things that surfers must take into consideration when paddling out at these points.
Firstly the long-shore current is very powerful, requiring a strong ability to paddle.
Snapper Rocks is famous for its perfect barrels and its long right hand point.
Burleigh Heads contains a number of reef breaks that create heavy and hollow tubes, especially on bigger swells.
Kirra is renowned for its long right hand barrels and sees a great number of surfers traveling there to test the merritt each year. All three of these surf breaks have nice food spots and an abundant amount of parking close by.
It is highly recommended to travel here during the winter months for advanced surfers and during the summer for beginners.
On top of this, it is best to get into the water as early as possible, due to the large crowds that make their way to the gold coast each day.
Byron Bay
Photo courtesy Curtis Reale
Byron Bay is a vibrant surf town located in New South Wales. It’s known for its scenic beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and great waves.
This surf town is home to many surf breaks that are accommodating to all-levels of surfers. The three major surf spots in this area are The Pass, Wategos Beach, and Tallow beach.
The Pass is the main break, which includes a beautiful stretch of sand that tends to remain crowded throughout the year.
This is a location for all levels of surfing, although if you want less of a crowd it may be smart to look elsewhere.
The next break is Wategos Beach which is a perfect break for someone in search of a casual surf session.
This break stays relatively small, catering to beginner and intermediate surfers.
The last surf break is Tallow beach and is a great relief for surfers looking for a relaxed session with little to no crowd.
Once done surfing it is highly recommended to explore this small beach town, as there are many great shops and restaurants in the area.
The Beach Hotel is great for live music, food, and an inviting atmosphere.
Also the Byron Bay lighthouse is a must do walk as the views from the top are magnificent. This relaxing beach town is a great stop for anyone traveling down the coast.
Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a small surf town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
Known for its mellow waves and beautiful scenery, Crescent Head is a great spot for a more relaxed surf experience.
This beach town is home to a couple smooth rolling and easy to surf breaks that are very inviting to less experienced surfers.
The two main breaks this stop includes are Crescent Head Point and South Crescent Beach.
Crescent Head Point is a slow breaking right that is perfect for longboarding and an overall relaxing session. South Crescent Beach follows suit in being a forgiving surf locale that is perfect for a laid-back experience.
This surf town is a less crowded location allowing for a much more relaxed experience.
The town and local community are also very nice adding to the comforting atmosphere.
Parking and food should not be worried about as they are abundant within this travel destination.
Sydney
Photo courtesy Curtis Reale
Sydney is a major city on Australia’s east coast, offering a diverse range of surf spots. From iconic beaches to hidden coves, Sydney’s surf scene is vibrant and varied.
The three major surf breaks within this bustling city are Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Coogee.
Bondi is one of Australia’s most famous beaches, offering consistent waves for all surfers if you can manage the giant crowd.
It is recommended to get in the water as early as possible, due to the immense amount of surfers crowding one main peak.
It is recommended to bring a short board or mid-length to maximize the experience in this surf spot.
Manly Beach is another popular spot, being a ferry ride away from Bondi, and excelling in mediocre right-handers. There are different peaks all along the beach thinning the crowd and making it a bit more manageable.
Coogee is an ideal spot for beginners with generally smaller sized waves.
Each spot has minimal parking, creating difficult situations on more crowded days.
It is highly recommended to surf these breaks early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Sydney is a beautiful city, giving people many opportunities for exploration and an exciting night out. Some major attractions are the Sydney Opera House, The Royal Botanical Gardens, and The Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The Bottom Line: East Coast Road Trip in Australia
The East Coast of Australia is a beautiful stretch of land, giving travelers the opportunity for an exciting road trip they will never forget.
From the tropical surf town of Noosa Heads to the bustling city of Sydney, there are places for all kinds of people.
Whether you are a well seasoned surfer or a beginner traveler each of these amazing coastal locations will give you an incredible view of Australia.
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