Asia PacificSurfing Destinations

Surfing Guide to Noosa, Australia

 

Noosa Surf Australia
Noosa Point. Photo by Luisa Denu

 

Summary

Noosa is a world-famous surf town located on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Known for its laid-back beach culture, stunning national parks, and perfect longboarding waves, Noosa is one of Australia’s most iconic surf destinations.

The Noosa Headland is home to a series of right-hand point breaks that come alive during the winter months, offering long, peeling waves that can run for hundreds of meters. Surf spots like First Point, Tea Tree Bay, and Granite Bay cater to surfers of all skill levels, making Noosa a fantastic destination whether you’re a beginner or an experienced longboarder.

Beyond surfing, Noosa offers breathtaking coastal walks, pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and a thriving café scene.

 

Noosa Surf Australia

 

When to go

The best time to surf Noosa, Australia, is from April to October when waves are more consistent and bigger in size. However, summertime remains a great season to surf smaller waves and enjoy some warm Australian weather.

January-FebruaryMarch-AprilMay-JuneJuly-AugustSeptember-OctoberNovember-December
Suitable for:All surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfers
Air temperature26°C
79°F
23°C
73°F
18°C
64°F
15°C
59°F
19°C
66°F
23°C
73°F
Water temperature27°C
81°F
26°C
79°F
23°C
73°F
21°C
70°F
22°C
72°F
25°C
77°F
CrowdVery crowdedFairly crowdedFairly crowdedFairly crowdedFairly crowdedFairly crowded
Swell Consistency70%80%75%75%60%60%
Swell height3 ft5 ft6 ft6 ft5 ft4 ft

 

 

Where to stay in Noosa

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Noosa!

 

 

Noosa surf Australia
Photo by Luisa Denu

 

 

Surf Spots in Noosa

Granite Bay

Further along the National Park headland, Granite Bay is a less crowded option that offers punchier waves. The ride isn’t as long as First Point or Tea Tree, but on the right day, it can be super fun.

  • Wave direction: Right
  • Bottom: Sand and rocks
  • Best tide: Any
  • Skill level: Any
  • Optimal swell direction: ENE
  • Optimal wind direction: S

 

 

First Point

One of the most famous longboarding waves in the world, First Point offers clean, peeling right-handers that can run for over 100 meters on a good swell. It’s great for beginners, but can also be incredibly fun for experienced surfers when it lines up.

  • Wave direction: Right
  • Bottom: Sand and rocks
  • Best tide: Any
  • Skill level: Any
  • Optimal swell direction: ENE
  • Optimal wind direction: S

 

 

Tea Tree Bay

Located within Noosa National Park, Tea Tree Bay is a beautiful, scenic surf spot that often picks up more swell than First Point. It offers long, fast rights that are perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers.

  • Wave direction: Right
  • Bottom: Sand and rocks
  • Best tide: Mid
  • Skill level: Any
  • Optimal swell direction: ENE
  • Optimal wind direction: SE

 

 

Things to know/Safety

  • Crowds: Noosa is famous for its crowds, especially during festivals and peak winter swells. Always practice proper surf etiquette.

  • Sharks: Shark sightings are rare but possible. Noosa’s beaches are regularly patrolled and generally considered safe.

  • National Park Access: Some of the best surf spots like Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay require a scenic walk through Noosa National Park.

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