Summer is fast approaching, daylight savings is around the corner, and if you’re keen to make this the summer you turned surfer, we’re here to help. As wonderful as the beaches are here in Sydney, if you’re willing to travel a little out of town, you’ll be rewarded with long, secluded stretches of sand and empty(ish) waves that make learning the ropes a lot less stressful.
These are the top 10 beginner surf beaches in NSW
Umina Beach, 1 hour 22 minutes from Sydney
Shallow, sandy and stretching out for days, Umina is the Central Coast’s go-to for baby’s-first-surf-lesson. The beach break is soft and forgiving, with little rollers that won’t knock the wind out of you when you wipe out. With a well-stocked surf school scene and a family-friendly esplanade, it’s the perfect place to cut your teeth. For lunch post-surf, we’d suggest heading to the Boathouse Hotel Patonga – the huge, sun-soaked beer garden is the perfect place to debrief over a well-earned parmi.
Avoca Beach, 1 hour 30 minutes from Sydney
A classic Central Coast spot, Avoca has plenty of space to spread out, with a sheltered southern end that’s especially forgiving for first-timers. The local surf school is one of the state’s best, and the village itself has all the makings of a surf-holiday postcard — fish and chips, barefoot kids, and a rock pool for a salty dip post-session
The Farm, 2 hours from Sydney
Just south of Wollongong behind beautiful sloping headland, Killalea’s ‘The Farm’ is a National Surfing Reserve with waves for all levels, but beginners will find plenty of soft little peaks rolling in along the sand. It feels beautifully wild compared to busier beaches up the coast, and on the right day you can get the lineup almost to yourself. The Farm was crowned Australia's second best beach by Tourism Australia's official beach ambassador in 2024, so as big fans of this south coast gem, we’re in good company.
Sussex Inlet, 3 hours from Sydney
Fringed by bushland and tucked into the gentler side of Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet is a gem for tentative wave-chasers. The breaks are small, glassy and well-spaced, making the whole business of standing up feel far less intimidating. The setting’s pure Australiana: pelicans drifting by, kids bombing into the channel, and an old-school bakery close enough for a post-surf pie.
RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s our guide to Shoalhaven
Town Beach, Port Macquarie, 4.5 hours from Sydney
Right in the heart of Port Macquarie, Town Beach is an easy pick for learners who want waves on the doorstep of cafés and smoothie bars. The waves here are mellow and consistent, the sandbanks kind to novices, and when you’ve had enough of tumbling around you can sprawl out on the grassy foreshore and watch the more seasoned locals at work.
Broulee Beach, 4.5 hours from Sydney
On the gorgeous, unspoiled South Coast, Broulee is practically purpose-built for beginners. The crescent of golden sand is protected by Broulee Island, which keeps conditions tidy and manageable even when the swell elsewhere is booming. With a local surf school that’s been teaching generations of kids to pop-up, you’ll be in good hands here.
Crescent Head, 5 hours from Sydney
One of the most famous longboard waves in the country, Crescent’s kilometre-long right-hand point break is as cruisy as it gets. The waves peel slowly and predictably, giving beginners space to practice balance and footwork without the panic of a dumping close-out. The kiosk on the shore serves on-point toasties for a post-surf feed, and there’s a sexy new hotel in town if you need somewhere high-end to lay your head.
Diggers Beach, 6 hours from Sydney
Tucked just north of Coffs Harbour, Diggers is known for its relaxed, uncrowded lineup and easy-going beach breaks. The swell tends to dish up clean, smaller sets – perfect for learners. If you tire out quickly, the headland walks and picnic spots just beyond the sand make it an equally dreamy day out of the water.
Turners Beach, 7 hours from Sydney
Wedged between the river mouth and the famous Yamba lighthouse, Turners is a soft, sandy playground with some of the friendliest waves on the North Coast. The take-offs are gentle, the vibe is relaxed, and when you’re done you can wander up to one of Yamba’s retro cafés for a flat white and a slice of banana bread. Looking for somewhere to stay after a day in the waves? The Surf is as aptly-named as a hotel will get.
RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s our guide to Yamba
South Golden Beach, 8 hours from Sydney
A few kilometres north of Byron but worlds away from the crowds, South Golden is all gentle waves and chilled-out energy. The sandbanks serve up slow-breaking peelers that are perfect for practicing the basics, and the sleepy coastal community means you’re more likely to share the water with dolphins than an aggressive local. Head to The Salty Mangrove (in nearby New Brighton) for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner after your day in the water.
Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming and surfing, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before surfing, swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re with are confident in the water before entering any body of water. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled beaches altogether.
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