Western Australia surfing

The Margaret River area on the Indian Ocean 300 kms south of Perth may now be famous for its wines, but it was famous for its thundering surf long before anyone thought of planting a vineyard here.

Over the 130 kms of pristine coastline between Cape Naturaliste to the north and Cape Leeuwin to the south, there are more than 75 top-class surf breaks and none of the over-crowding that characterises many other surfing Meccas around the world.

The secret of its epic breaks are the powerful swells generated in the Roaring Forties 1,000 kms to the south-west of Cape Leeuwin. The result is some of the most consistent, spectacular, high-quality surf anywhere on Earth with ocean temperature varying little throughout the year. Hardly surprising, therefore, it is considered one of the top surfing locations in Australia, not to mention the world.

This combination of huge, uncrowded, white sand beaches and consistent surf breaks throughout the year also make it the perfect place to learn to surf without the fear of getting in the way of the pros. Novices are kitted out with ultra-stable soft boards and tutored by surf coaches who take you through the theory on the beach and then stay with you in the water right up to that epic moment when you find yourself riding your first ever wave.

Margaret River is not the only great spot for surfing in WA. Also try Perth's many beaches, some of which offer lessons like Scarborough, Rottnest Island and the coastline between Perth and Ningaloo. Esperance on the south coast is one of WA's best kept secrets. The many islands and reefs make it a prime location for surfing enthusiasts.



Read more about activities in Western Australia