Surfing in Brisbane? Whether you’re a pro surfer or just an amateur enthusiast, you probably know that there are few better countries for surfing than Australia. And today we’ll specifically be exploring the capital of Queensland, Brisbane. So, make sure to keep reading as we’ll cover everything you need to know if you’re planning to surf in this vibrant city.
Why You Should Pick Brisbane
Before we get into the more surfing-forward portion of the article, we’d like to address the reasons why you should pick Brisbane out of every other city in the country. This is based on more than just amazing locations you can visit, as, after all, unless you already live there, you should make sure your trip can provide you with more than just one benefit.
Not everyone gets the chance or wants to travel or go surfing with friends. Thus, it’s important to note that exploring things to do by yourself in Brisbane is incredibly easy. Shopaholics will certainly enjoy the variety of establishments they can check out, from independent stores to local markets to major malls. Some of the best areas to check out in this case would be Oxford Street, QueensPlaza, and The Myer Centre.
If you’re looking for something more mentally enriching, a nice respite from more physical activities like surfing, then we’d suggest opting for museum hopping. The diverse culture and history available to you in just this one city will truly astound you. Here, we’d recommend visiting the Museum of Brisbane, QUT Art Museum, and Birrunga Gallery.
And there’s no better way to replenish your energy after a day spent surfing than by exploring the culinary scene in the city. Regardless if you want to enjoy some indulgent street food or sit down for a refined meal, Brisbane has plenty to offer. Some worthy mentions include Nodo, Morning After, Alchemy Restaurant, and Bar Brisbane, along with OTTO Ristorante.
Finally, to round this list off, we have to mention all of the beautiful beaches that call Brisbane home. From Suttons Beach to Woorim Ocean Beach to Raby Bay Foreshore Park, each seems to be more beautiful than the next. This brings us to the next part of our article, where we’ll explore the best surfing areas.
The Best Surf Spots in Brisbane
We’ll start this off by mentioning that although the city itself has countless stunning beaches, such as the ones we mentioned above, they rarely get proper waves. But the reason we picked this city is due to the fact that there are plenty of options just a short drive away, as it’s set right in between two prime surfing locations.
Starting with the Gold Coast, which has rightfully earned its reputation as one of Queensland’s surfing havens. Here you’ll be able to catch some of the best waves in the country, but just beware of the fact that it can get quite packed and busy.
Just a ferry or water taxi away, we have North Stradbroke Island, with the best spots being Main Beach, Cylinder Beach, and Point Lookout. This area is suitable for all levels of surfers due to its moderate swells that can increase depending on the winds, with some beaches offering slightly more challenging waves than others.
And just south of that, you can check out South Stradbroke Island, which offers a more consistent level of surfing regardless of the tide. Just like with the above options, you’ll notice that it can get quite crowded, so make sure to keep this in mind.
Last, but certainly not least, we have Bribie Island, just north of Brisbane. We’d suggest making this a day trip, as it does take a little bit longer to get there, compared to the other options, but it’s definitely worth it. Thanks to the location of the island, which is protected by S winds thanks to Moreton Island, it makes for one of the most beginner-friendly surfing spots in Queensland.
Tips for Beginners
Surfing can be just as thrilling as it is challenging, but there are some tips that can make it mildly easier. For those who aren’t very confident in their skills, we’d suggest getting a surfing coach to help you as you start. Of course, you can always go at it solo, just start by getting comfortable with balancing and maneuvering your board without the added strain of waves.
Speaking of boards, the one you pick will impact how difficult or easy it is for you. As a newbie, we’d opt for the longboard surfboard, as its longer and wider surface will provide you with more stability. However, be prepared to fall, as it’s part of the experience.
Make sure to always check out the surfing conditions in advance before visiting a set beach, and go for those that currently have gentler waves whilst you gain the necessary experience. And since most of the areas we mentioned also offer live surf cam, it will make it easier to judge for yourself if you’re ready to catch those waves or not.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap on everything we believe you should be aware of when it comes to your surfing journey in Brisbane. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll be able to get plenty out of all the aforementioned. So, the only thing left for you to do is simply grab that board and dive into surfing.
