Monday, June 15, 2009

Surfing Destinations in Australia

By Damian Papworth

Surfers of all nationalities all know that there are few countries in the world with surfing conditions quite as good as Australia's, making the country a mecca for surfers worldwide. There are simply magnificent surf spots to be found all along the endless Australian coastline, with the beaches Down Under representing the very best that the world's oceans have for us to enjoy. Beyond certain stretches of coast that are not suited to surfing because of natural formations (bays, harbors and so on) it is hard to find a single spot of beach that doesn't entice surfers with excellent surf breaks...meaning that a trip to pretty much any part of coastal Australia will be worth a surfer's while.

One area that surfers generally avoid in Australia is the northern part of the continent, where a mix of natural conditions generally shoo people off: between the small stature of the waves and the fact that these tropical waters are rife with the world's most dangerous jellyfish, it's best to go catch a wave elsewhere!

In a country of this size, the other tracts of coastline are more than ample grounds (or waters) in which to seek out a good ride. Australia has many thousands of miles of beautiful beaches with some exceptional beach as well as reef breaks all along the way. Whether you're in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia's western coast or in the chilly waters off the southern end of the continent or the heavily frequented waters of the eastern shores, surfers will feel like their dreams have come true in any of these places.

Western Australia is a surfer's mecca, with summer temps well over 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) and the water getting up there, too! The clear waters of the Indian Ocean are too inviting to pass up, and the tubes loom large at well over 6 feet in many cases. Among the best destinations for surfers to check out in Western Australia, it's recommended to go to Albany, Esperance, and especially the area where the Margaret River flows into the Indian Ocean.

South Australia's coastal waters experience some remarkable swells due to the currents coming up from Antarctica, which furnishes a surfer's ideal scenario. The coast here is relatively inaccessible in many parts, so a 4WD vehicle will be in order, or at the very least a savvy local guide. For the hottest surf spots, go to Yorke Peninsula or Eyre Peninsula where conditions draw boarders from the surrounding areas, including the state capital of Adelaide.

Moving farther east, Victoria has a long and gorgeous coastline that has many of the same natural characteristics as South Australia, especially the chilly waters, making wet suits a wise idea in both cases. Despite the chilliness of the sea, surf conditions are once again optimal in this area, and again it is crucial to be able to count on the knowledge of a local to help guide you to the best destinations. Stay alert for such surf destinations as Phillip Island, Bells Beach and Torquay, clear favorites among local surfers. To get the most out of Victoria's coastline, simply travel along the Great Ocean Road which covers over 100 miles of shore.

Getting back into warmer waters, New South Wales has an expansive coastline with such popular surf areas as those in and around Sydney as well as spots farther afield, such as Angourie, Lennox, and Byron Bay.

Even more to the north, in Queensland surfers can enjoy such beautiful places as the Gold Coast, where surfing culture has taken root unlike anywhere else on the planet practically. Beach names like Surfers Paradise bear testament to the local obsession with the sport. Then, in northern Queensland, surfers can check out the natural phenomenon that is the Great Barrier Reed, one of the most spectacular natural formations in the world.

To finish, surfers with truly brave hearts and iron wills can go down to Tasmania for some rugged surfing destinations. Once again, the water is nice and cold, and surfers are better off searching for beaches along the eastern portion of the island where accesses are easier to be found.

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