If you love surfing, then there is a good chance that at least one of your children is also into the sport. This means you’ll be considering a family surfing vacation. Of course, it’s best if all family members enjoy the surf.
But, if this isn’t the case the following great family-friendly surfing vacations have something for everyone.
It’s worth noting that there are roughly 2.5 million surfers in Australia and that’s not surprising. With thousands of miles of coastline, there is every type of surf you can imagine. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert; you’ll find a wave to suit you.
Our top surfing vacations tip
When looking at family-friendly locations, you should always consider beaches that have surf lifesavers on them. They will watch the water and react quickly if anyone gets into difficulty. The Surf Life Saving Foundation in Australia has rescued over 660,000 people since 1907, the year they were created.
That’s why you should use one of the beaches monitored by them and help with community fundraising projects. The service literally saves lives.
5 great family-friendly surfing vacations
- Bondi Beach
- Byron Bay
- Bells Beach
- Noosa Heads
- Manly Beach
Bondi Beach
Sydney’s Bondi Beach is probably one of the most famous beaches in Australia and with good reason. It has golden sand, sparkling water, and looks like it belongs on a postcard. The beach also has plenty of gentle waves, perfect for new and small surfers.
If you’ve got experience and want something a little more demanding, then you can try South Bondi Beach. That’s where you’ll find southerly swells and awesome right-handers.
Not only great for surfing, but these beaches are also among the best free things to do in Syndey.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is almost as famous as Bondi Beach. It’s known as a haven for hippies, hipsters, and surfers. It’s also very family-friendly and safe. You can sign up for surfing lessons or simply enjoy the waves there is something for most levels.
The area also offers kayaking with dolphins, snorkelling, and even horse riding across the beach.
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is situated roughly 90 minutes outside Melbourne and is a hot destination for professional surfers. You can watch them from the rocks and learn. The family can enjoy the surf in the vicinity, particularly Torquay, Lorne, and Anglesea.
At these spots, the surf is calmer, and there are more family-orientated facilities.
Noosa Heads
This is another well-known spot that caters perfectly for families. The beaches are huge and stretch for miles, allowing the sea to create a variety of waves that suit all levels and ages of surfers.
If your family is new to surfing stick to the main Noosa Beach, the waves are perfect for beginners. Of course, it’s also possible to take lessons here. Move along the coast slightly, and you’ll find bigger waves to challenge more experienced family members.
Manly Beach
Manly is a suburb of Sydney which means the family can enjoy exploring Sydney and seeing its world-famous sites. The beach itself is surrounded by Norfolk Pines and has consistent surf conditions that are perfect for beginners and amateur surfers. If you stroll to the northern end of the beach, you’ll find larger waves and more thrills for those that have the experience.
All you have to do is choose a destination and book your family-friendly surf vacation today. It will give you something to look forward to and great memories.
More from Australia you might like
Which Australia family-friendly surf beach will you visit first?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Erica
These beaches look amazing! Thanks for the great tips on surf spots, it is very helpful to know more for planning.
Nancy
Gosh I’d love to visit Australia and New Zealand!
Laura Side Street
Ooh thanks for sharing this! I love surfing and want to get my kids into it more and hoping to visit Australia at some point
Laura x
Lekha Chellani
Ah! Australia is so high on my travel list and learning to surf is my dream. Loved the pictures and the recommendations. Australia is indeed a haven for the surfers. Great post!
rachel
These beaches look incredible. Saving for later!
Danielle
Australia is on the top of my must travel to place. Definitely keeping all these in mind for when that day comes!
Elyse
Such an awesome list, Australia is one of the best places in the world for surfing, especially for beginners. I’d also add the Gold Coast as well 🙂
Travel Addicted Unicorn
I would love to visit one day but I doubt I will be able to even attempt to surf as I cannot even swim so might just enjoy the beach. Lovely images, look so pretty!!
Lenore
I’ve heard of Bondi Beach before and I’d love to visit. I haven’t tried surfing yet, but I’d like to. Australia has been on my bucket list for some time now. I’ll save your post for later!
Krista
I’ve never actually tried surfing before but I would love to give it a go at some point. These all look like perfect beaches to try it on!
Lasma
Bondi and Byron Bay have always been on my wish list, but I’m glad to discover some new places in your article. Saving this for my future trips, because you have the best tips!
Leah
I am going to Australia in July so this post has been extremely helpful, thank you! Byron Bay has always been a dream of mine.
Linda (LD Holland)
I must admit that I am not looking for surfing vacations. But I do love to watch the show. We sure enjoyed a day watching the action at Bondi and Manly Beach. On our next visit, we will have to check out the others. Snorkelling at Byron Bay may be perfect for us. Can’t wait to get Australia back on the travel planning board.
Celebrate Woman Today
Australia is a gem for surfers. So many possibilities with unique beaches and other surfers around.
Ashley
I have been wanting to visit Australia since I was so young, and I just started surfing this year! Great info in this post! Looks like Byron Bay would be the place for me!
Crystal Carder
Australia looks like a great place to visit! I would love to see some of these beaches.
kmf
All five of these destinations look like great family-friendly surfing vacations. I love watching surfers!
Megan
These all look incredible! We all really want to learn to surf. I’d love to visit Byron Bay and grab those family surfing lessons!
Erin
All of it sounds fantastic, but my first choice would be horseback riding at Byron Bay. I think watching surfers would be a very close second! Sounds like such a great time!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I would go to watch the surfers.
Byron Beach – same name as my main character. Who knew?
Ramil Hinolan
Bondi Beach is familiar to me. There’s a TV show, I think its a dog TV series, where it features the Bondi Beach. Its such amazing how surfer dance with the waves and still manage to float again.
CC Kass
I’ve heard a lot about Bondi beach but not so much about the other ones. This is awesome, I hope to get to see them all in person.