Advanced Surf Spots in Australia
12 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Australia: Sharks Cove, Snapper Rocks, Bells Beach, Margaret River Main Break, Kirra, Burleigh Heads, Lennox Head and Angourie Point and 4 more.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Reef breaks
- 7
- Point breaks
- 6
The advanced breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- Sharks Cove
Cronulla
- Wave
- Slab Reef Break · Right
- Level
- Expert Only
- Season
- March–September
- Tide
- Mid / Rising
- Watch out
- Extremely shallow rock reef, heavy barrels, powerful lip, difficult takeoff, strong currents, high-impact wipeouts, reef injuries, limited margin for error and intense competition for waves when conditions are good. Expert surfers and bodyboarders only. Familiarity with the reef and local conditions is strongly recommended.
- Snapper Rocks
Coolangatta
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks at the jump-off and a strong current running down the point, so time your entry. The lineup is very crowded, with a strong local crew; respect priority and do not drop in.
- Bells Beach
Bells Beach
- Wave
- Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Margaret River Main Break
- Wave
- Reef break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- Year-round, best April to October
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Kirra
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- Year-round, best in cyclone season (December to April)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and a strong current along the point, especially on bigger swells. Very fast and crowded when it is working. For experienced surfers.
- Burleigh Heads
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Lennox Head
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Angourie Point
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- North Point
- Wave
- Point Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Gnaraloo
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
- Cactus
- Wave
- Reef break · Left and right
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Powerful waves over shallow reef, cold water and a remote location with few services. Sharks are present on this coast; surf with others. Do not confuse the reefs: Cactus, Castles and Caves break differently.
- Shipstern Bluff "Shippies"
- Wave
- Reef break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to September (autumn to winter)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Extreme wave power; massive barrels; infamous steps and ledges forming in the wave face; shallow reef; rocks; strong currents and rips; cold Southern Ocean water; sharks; remote location; difficult access; rapidly changing weather; limited emergency response; and potentially life-threatening wipeouts. Specialized big-wave equipment, safety teams, jet skis and extensive heavy-water experience may be required depending on conditions.
Other levels in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Where can advanced surfers surf in Australia?
12 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Australia: Sharks Cove, Snapper Rocks, Bells Beach, Margaret River Main Break, Kirra, Burleigh Heads, Lennox Head and Angourie Point and 4 more.
When is the best time for advanced surfers to surf Australia?
The advanced-rated breaks we map in Australia are mostly at their best in March to September.
What kind of waves are the advanced surf spots in Australia?
Of the 12 advanced breaks we map in Australia, 7 are reef breaks and 6 are point breaks.