Naturalviews - Surfing

Located between Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach at the southern end of the Central Coast and nestled within the protection of Broken Bay you will find over two kilometres of golden sand to relax on and enjoy. Ocean Beach provides the beauty of an ocean beach with the safety of an inland waterway, offering a perfect location for families. Picnic tables with seating are available, along with barbecue's and a children's playground. The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break. Public facilities are available as well as lovely grassed and under cover picnic areas. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/central-coast/gosford-area/ettalong-beach/attractions/ocean-beach-umina

Collaroy has great swimming conditions and is excellent for beginner surfers. While advanced surfers are more likely to look at nearby wave-magnets such as Narrabeen and Long Reef, Collaroy does offer a considerable advantage in amenities for visitors. Collaroy Beach has a fully accessible beach reserve and playground complete with disabled toilets, accessible picnic areas, rockpool and paths. For those in a wheelchair, it has a freewheeler wheelchair that can go in the water, and a liberty swing. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-north/northern-beaches/attractions/collaroy-beach

Freshwater is part of the Manly-Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve that recognises the historical, cultural and environmental values of famous surfing beaches. It is where Duke Kahanamoku held his famous 1915 surfing demonstration that popularised surfing in Australia. Freshwater has some pretty reasonable waves in the one to two-metre mark. It can be busy on a summers day with people learning to surf, and families sticking in groups. For less experienced surfers, the break at the middle-northern end of the beach is an ideal spot for you. More experienced surfers may not get the wave they’re looking for but you can try the southern end which can get pumping with the right swell. https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/freshwater-beach

Long Reef is a perfect stretch of white sand. At the north end there is Long Reef Headland, a protected aquatic reserve, and a golf course. A walk to the top of the headland can often be rewarded by views of migrating whales. There are offshore reefs in the north (the Long Reef Bomboras) and beach breaks running the entire 1.6 kilometres south to Dee Why and, on weekdays there's every chance of getting a quality wave to yourself. The Long Reef Bomboras starts to break at one metre or so and in a big south swell can produce a beautiful wave up to five metres. Reliable sandbanks shape beach breaks that are great for beginners and intermediate surfers. North Long Reef is also a favourite for windsurfing and kitesurfing. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-north/northern-beaches/attractions/long-reef-beach

There's a reason that Palm Beach doubles up as the setting for Summer Bay, the fictional beach in TV show Home & Away, the golden sand and sparkling blue sea make it look too good to be true. But there's more than just sea and sand here, explore Barrenjoey Head, Sydney’s northernmost seaside point and lots more. What makes Palm Beach, a narrow peninsular, so spectacular is its unbeatable location. It won nature's lottery and is surrounded by water on three sides: Pittwater to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and Broken Bay to the north at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, which meanders inland to historic Windsor. If you're planning on spending the day at Palmy, as the locals call it, bring your board because you'll enjoy excellent surf at the northern end of the beach. The southern end is more lo-fi, offering less active beachgoers a protected area for swimming in the ocean pool and pretty picnic spots under the pine trees. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-north/palm-beach

Bronte is just over a kilometer’s walk south of Bondi. The beach itself faces east and picks up swell from any direction, but bulky headlands to the north and south and clusters of underwater rocks make conditions challenging, especially for swimmers. The south headland shapes Bronte’s premium wave, but it breaks across rocks so it’s for confident board-riders only.Those same rocks create a sheltered natural pool beloved of parents with young kids, while an ocean-fed lap pool tucked in beneath the south headland provides one of Sydney’s finest saltwater swim experiences (free entry). A wide grassy park behind the beach has barbecues and picnic tables and gives way to a wooded gully between rows of expensive houses on the opposing hillsides. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/bondi/attractions/bronte-beach

Ride a wave at Bells Beach, located near Torquay on the southern coast of Victoria in the Great Ocean Road region. Head to Bells Beach over the Easter weekend and watch the world's best surfers carve up the waves at the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition. High cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to the natural amphitheatre of the beach and large swells from the Southern Ocean, which slow down and steepen over the reef-strewn shallows, creates the outstanding surf. If you're a sightseer, Bells Beach is a popular spot with great vantage points along the cliff. For surfers, Bells Beach is really for the experienced. The beach is an exposed reef and point break with excellent right-hand breaks, at their best during autumn and winter. https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/Great-Ocean-Road/Things-to-do/Nature-and-wildlife/Beaches-and-coastlines/VV-Bells-Beach

Grab your surfboard and explore this 4.5 kilometre stretch of picturesque coastline west of Barwon Heads. A popular surf spot, Thirteenth Beach provides varied conditions to suit both learner and advanced surfers. The lovely wide stretch of sand spreads between looming sand dunes and crashing waves, and is also ideal for a refreshing walk, jog, sandcastle-making or ballplay with the dog. Take a short walk around the headland, don a wetsuit for some diving, and take in the expansive views. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Geelong-and-the-Bellarine/Things-to-do/Nature-and-wildlife/Beaches-and-coastlines/VV-Thirteenth-Beach.aspx

Al Mamzar Beach Park is another one of Dubai’s hidden gems that's well frequented by residents. The park covers an enormous 106 hectares, adjacent to Mamzar beach near Hamriya Port and Deira. Five separate beaches make up the Mamzar beach area, all surrounding the park. The huge space is packed with family-friendly facilities and entertainment to keep kids of all ages satisfied. Take advantage of more than two-dozen public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, changing rooms, beaches and pools. They’re also monitored by lifeguards with kid-friendly swimming areas. Park yourself by the lagoon, or if you’d like to check out the park in its entirety, hop onboard the Park Train. This takes you around the whole area – another great way to entertain the kids. The park is also equipped with a musical amphitheatre which hosts performances from time to time. Whether you stay just for a few hours or the whole day, you’ll have a great time at Al Mamzar Beach Park. It’s only a short drive past Dubai Creek – perfect for a picnic or family day out. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/al-mamzar-beach-park

Baker Beach is a large popular beach not far from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. On sunny weekends both parking lots could be full and all the spaces along the entrance roads too. This popular spot is one of the many beaches in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Just north of the main parking lot is the Battery Chamberlin, a large historic military gun installation that was built in 1904. It is worth checking out especially if you have kids. Be aware as you explore the north end of Baker Beach because North Baker Beach is a clothing-optional area. All of Baker Beach is an unsafe swimming area because of cold water and frequent rip currents in the surf. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/baker-beach-san-francisco/

China Beach is a great little local beach in San Francisco. The China Beach Cove is protected by rock walls on both sides creating a protected area that once was a camp for Chinese fishermen, hence the name. China Beach faces north toward the Marin Headlands and has a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge too. It’s not a large beach so when the tide is up and the summer sun is out, it can be hard to find a spot that is dry and isn’t already taken. At low tide there are tide pools to discover. Like all the beaches in this area, China Beach is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Swimming isn’t safe at China Beach for many reasons including the lack of lifeguards. The area just south of the cove is called Lands End and has many hiking trails to explore. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/china-beach/

Another San Francisco beach located near an old fort. Fort Funston a rugged beach with crashing surf at the bottom of 200 foot cliffs, just south of Ocean Beach. Very popular with dogs, as well. When the winds are blowing, you'll see hang gliders soaring from the cliff tops. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/fort-funston-beach/

While other suburbs snatch their names from exotic Aboriginal meanings or English seaside villages, Main Beach is far more literal. Situated at the northern end of the Gold Coast, Main Beach was so named as it was the main surf beach to the town of Southport. But while its name may be obvious, its hidden gems are far more exciting for this is one of the coast’s areas which celebrates something old and something new in style. A highlight of a visit here is to the beach itself, where the old bathing pavilion, Pavilion 34 to be precise, has been reincarnated as a casual beach café complete with chiko rolls, potato scallops, pineapple fritters and fish and chips. The old male and female change pavilions are still here and there’s loads of retro photos to remind you of the Main Beach of old. This bathing pavilion sits next to the Southport Surf Club, the first to make its mark on the Gold Coast in 1936 and right next to a sprawling shady park which is perfect for oceanfront picnics. Away from the beach - popular with surfers due to its open shore break - toddle down to Tedder Avenue. Sassy socialites and salty surfies rub shoulders here in this strip of modern cafes, exclusive restaurants, bars and boutiques. For more shopping and style, take a wander towards the Southport Spit – or simply The Spit - to locals. https://www.destinationgoldcoast.com/places-to-see/main-beach

Snapper Rocks is a small rocky outcrop on the northern side of Point Danger at the southern end of Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast. Snapper is a point break forming the first part of the man-made Superbank which extends from Snapper Rocks Point, through Rainbow Bay, Greenmount Point, Coolangatta Beach, and Kirra, for a distance of around two kilometres. The Superbank is now renowned as one of the most consistent breaks in Queensland and plays host to the annual World Surf Leagues’ Quiksilver and Roxy Pros. Multiple barrel sections can now occur at any point along this length. The quality of the surf has markedly improved since the 1990s, and is now of legendary quality, creating one of the longest, hollowest and best waves in the world. The Rainbow Bay Surf Club is the best place to view the break while enjoying a relaxed meal. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/snapper-rocks

Pick up fresh local and organic produce at the Matakana Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. Browse the art and craft galleries and find everything from paintings by local artists to the renowned Morris & James Pottery.Visit some of the beautiful white-sand beaches along Matakana’s stunning coastline. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/destinations/auckland-north/matakana-coast

This park and beach is an excellent vantage point for viewing shore birds, migrating whales, as well as seals and otters playing offshore. Further along the beach, public access tidepools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, shore crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub and grasslands, with bright native wildflowers in the spring. Moore Creek flows through the park, forming freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh before it reaches the sea. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541

The small surf community of Pleasure Point is located in an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County, nestled between Moran Lagoon and 41st Avenue, adjacent to the Monterey Bay. Nearly a dozen famous surf breaks make this an ideal destination for skilled surfers. It’s a classic beachside town and the genesis of surf culture in Santa Cruz – home to wetsuit pioneer Jack O’Neill – where locals mix effortlessly with visitors eager to capture that authentic surf vibe. http://www.santacruz.org/pleasure-point-authentic-surf-vibe

Cylinder Beach is a picturesque cove between Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands. It is popular with families because it is easily accessible with a carpark situated only metres from the beach. The waves at Cylinder are often smaller and therefore it is perfect for sunbathing and swimming during good weather conditions. However, during strong southerly winds, there is a side sweep which may carry you parallel to the beach. Cylinder Beach is also a favourite with surfers when the conditions are right. Lifeguards and lifesavers patrol this beach. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/redlands/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/natural-attractions/cylinder-beach--north-stradbroke-island?sc_lang=en-au

In the late 19th Century, four men sailed west from the French-speaking South Pacific islands. They landed on this beach, which was named after them. The four men, Jack Newfong, John Lifu, George Fenoch and Richard Martin, were taken to the Myora/Moongalba Mission, where they ended up settling. Descendants of these four men still live on North Stradbroke Island. Frenchman’s Beach faces due east, receiving little protection from the prevailing south-east waves. The beach is 500m long and is backed by steep, densely vegetated bluffs, access to the beach is either around Dune Rocks from Deadmans Beach, or down a signed steep walking track from the main road. The beach receives waves averaging between 1 and 1.5m, which maintain an inner bar usually cut by two rips, including a permanent rip against Dune Rocks. https://stradbrokeisland.com/tour-item/frenchmans-beach/

With pristine white sands stretching along its shore, Saadiyat Beach has maintained a reputation as one of the most desirable beach locations in the UAE. From beach yoga classes to eco-friendly water sports activities such as windsurfing and sailing, guests can make the most out of their beach experience with the help of the attentive staff and the many leisure outlets. In order to achieve this delicate balance between world-class modern resorts and serene natural beauty, the local authorities in Saadiyat Beach are dedicated to preserving the natural environment with a dune protection zone with restrictions on development while access to the beach made possible via a wooden boardwalk. As a result, the area is rich with native wildlife including the Hawksbill Turtles that use the beach as their nesting ground. Hatching sites are protected by strict environmental measures and are patrolled by trained personnel who continually monitor the reproduction of the turtles. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/saadiyat.beach.aspx

Boca Del Puma is a pioneer theme park in Cancun. the idea was not to create a mass commercialised park but to offer a real cultural and historical site where visitors could play in jungle. https://bocadelpuma.com/en/about-us/

Protected natural beach of high landscape value. This beach is located within the regional park Parque Regional de Calblanque, one of the best preserved unspoilt natural landscapes on the coast. Its enormous natural wealth is based on its arid mountains, its long, ocher and golden-colored beaches as well as its lonely coves, the formation of its fossil dunes, its white salt lakes and its mountain massifs, which contrast with the blue sea. https://www.murciaturistica.es/en/beach/playa-de-calblanque-590/

Formerly named the Duck Bay (like the island located just opposite) because of its swampy side, the Anse Vata neighbourhood now has the same name as the adjoining bay and the 2-kilometer long sandy beach bordering it. Located between the Lemon Bay (Baie des Citrons) and Val Plaisance, it is bounded by the “Rocher à la Voile” on the one hand and the Pointe Magnin on the other side. This South neighbourhood of Noumea, part of the living heart of the city, really looks like a real see side resort. There is a holiday atmosphere and this area is popular with tourists who find here all activities and infrastructure they need: shops, restaurants, water sports, most major resorts and two casinos ... all in one holiday setting at the edge of a wooded beach. Sea activities such as windsurfing are highly successful thanks to the exposure of the bay to the prevailing wind. Many sporting events also start from this place. https://www.explore-newcaledonia.com/noumea/anse-vata-bay/tabid/3992/offreid/f1df6245-6263-407b-8297-bfc40f2b9aca

One of the popular beach of the island Hvar. http://www.discover-island-hvar.com/hvar-beaches/

One of the main beaches on Hamilton Island, beautiful Catseye Beach is a perfect spot for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying a whole range of fun watersports. Hamilton Island Beach Sports is located right on the beach, and has catamarans, paddleboards, windsurfers, kayaks and snorkelling equipment available for hire. The long and curved Catseye Beach is a beautiful place to while away the hours - soaking up some sun, enjoying a good book, or swimming in the turquoise water. At low tide, take a leisurely stroll out on the sand flats and see the island from a different perspective. http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/beach-sports/catseye-beach

Nearest beach downtown, Porto da Barra has clean waters and natural pools, making it one of the most sought on Saturdays and Sundays by Bahians, tourists, street vendors .... Come during the week, when it's quieter. Other attractions are the beautiful sunset and the night lighting, ensuring movement even after the sun goes down. It is suitable for water sports such as windsurfing. https://www.feriasbrasil.com.br/ba/salvador/portodabarra.cfm

Say goodbye to the sun and enjoy the evening on this beach that bustles due to bars, nightclubs and plenty of culture! Iracema Beach was named after the famous indigenous character of the novel written by José de Alencar, who was born in Ceará, one of the biggest highlights of Brazilian literature. Near one of the traditional residential areas of Fortaleza, the beach breathes modern architecture mixed with colonial airs, amidst restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that are crowded at night. If you are walking by the promenade, be sure to enjoy the sunset, seen from Ponte dos Ingleses (or Ponte Metálica, the Metalic Bridge). The bridge is a breakwater that offers one of the best views of the coast. https://www.visitbrasil.com/attractions/iracema-beach.html

Leighton Beach is a popular beach just north of Fremantle offering lovely snorkelling, swimming or just an easily accessible spot for enjoying a trip to the beach. With low wave conditions it is suitable for young children. Laze on the soft white sandy beach and observe the skilled wind and kite surfers tackling the winds off the shore. Cool off in the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean and try your hand at body surfing. On a calm day ensure you have a snorkel to observe the marine life under the water. For the more active, take advantage of the flat water to join some of the locals who swim daily along the coast. Complete a perfect day at the beach with the stunning Western Australian sunset against the backdrop of Rottnest Island. https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Attraction/Leighton_Beach/56b2678faeeeaaf773cfa541#/

Just 20 minutes from Perth City, Scarborough Beach offers one of Perth's most popular beaches. Located within the City of Stirling, with excellent public transport links, there is no excuse not to visit. Once you're done surfing, sunbathing and swimming spend a relaxing hour or two at one of the many cafés or bars overlooking the ocean. Or you can stay overnight, at one of the many accommodation options. Scarborough Beach is currently going through a massive face-lift with a $30 million revitalisation of the area to create a vibrant hub of activity. During summer enjoy live entertainment at the only amphitheatre on the beach in WA. https://www.experienceperth.com/destination/scarborough-beach

Trigg Beach is one of Perth's most popular surfing beaches, with a consistent break for boarders. The long soft, white sandy beach and grassed reserve to the north is very popular amongst locals and provides lots of space for visitors. Trigg Island is also a hotspot for birdwatching and fishing, with dolphins occasionally spotted here in summer. https://www.mybeach.com.au/beach/trigg-island/

On the western side of the Point are the world-famous Cactus and Castles beaches, and their surrounding surfing breaks. The Penong Road runs along the back of Cactus Beach, with a large camping area set amongst the dune scrub, between the road and beach, and good vehicle and foot access to the back of the beach. There is a small camp store, which provides the only commercial activity in the area. The beaches are 250 and 400 m long respectively. They face west and are backed by a low foredune, bordered by calcarenite bluffs and fronted by exposed beach rock and shallow calcarenite reefs. In the lee of the reefs is a narrow high tide sand beach, and while waves can be large on the outer reefs, they are usually less than 0.5 m when they finally reach the beach. However, both beaches are drained by strong permanent rips, particularly off Castles. In addition to the Cactus left and Castles right surf breaks off the beaches, to the south of Cactus out on Point Sinclair is Witzigs, Backdoors and Cunns, while off the north Castles bluff is Caves, Crushers and Supertubes. All the breaks are over calcarenite reefs and receive slight protection and cleaner waves owing to refraction around the point and over outer deeper reefs. https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/sa/unincorporated-sa/penong/cactus

Waitpinga, an Aboriginal name meaning home of the wind, is about 10 km southwest of Victor Harbor. It is well known for its fishing, mostly salmon and mullet, and also popular for its surfing. Waitpinga is an exposed beach that has the best consistent surfing this close to Adelaide. Recommended only for experienced swimmers and surfers with what may be considered dangerous conditions. There are rough waves, with powerful rips. https://fleurieupeninsula.com.au/waitpinga-beach

Glenelg is Adelaide’s most popular beach. It is famous for its sandy wide beach, long grassed and shaded picnic areas right on the seaside, rich heritage, charming hotels and bustling shops, sidewalk cafes and plenty of entertainment at venues or on the strip with many talented buskers. Jetty Road is one kilometre of shopping that leads right into the jetty and the beach itself. You can take yourself off for some retail therapy with plenty of fashion and gift boutiques, shoe stores, swimwear and surf shops, art galleries and jewellery stores. Whether it is winter or summer, you can enjoy the myriad of activities available at Glenelg beach for all ages. The Glenelg foreshore has a natural playspace for kids to balance and swing. Moseley Square has water fountains to cool off on hot days. https://southaustralia.com/products/adelaide/attraction/glenelg-beach