Surfing
Brisbane proper isn't blessed with ideal surfing conditions, but what we are blessed with is an ideal climate and proximity to some of the great surf beaches in the world.
Before you start your journey up or down the coast, check out our links to daily surf forecasts, surf cams and information on some of the surfing hotspots in the region.
Sunshine Coast
Moffat Beach
90 kilometres north of Brisbane. Take the Caloundra Road exit off the Bruce Highway and follow the signs.
Popular with long-board riders, the headland at Moffat Beach is at its best with a strong south-easterly swell and a light westerly offshore wind. Such conditions will offer up a long, right-hand break that is among the best on the eastern seaboard.
Noosa National Park
140 kilometres north of Brisbane. Take the Sunshine Motorway exit off the Bruce Highway.
Noosa National Park is one of the most scenic (and most visited) parts of the known universe, with surfing conditions to suit beginners (First Point) to moderates (Tea Tree Bay and Granite Bay) and beyond (Johnsons).
In an ideal world you are hoping for a north-easterly swell and south-easterly offshore winds. Be prepared for a crowd when such conditions prevail.
The area between Granite Bay and Alexandria Bay is the beach of choice for local and international naturists. Consider yourself warned or informed.
And remember that you are visiting a National Park. Leave a tiny footprint, and leave the dog at home.
Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads
Just 90 kilometres south of Brisbane, and widely regarded as one of the most consistent point breaks in the region.
Burleigh Heads is a great option throughout the year but really hits its straps in winter. A south-easterly swell and an offshore southerly will have the locals licking their lips.
Currumbin Point (aka The Alley)
94 kilometres south of Brisbane. Parking is very convenient along Pacific Parade or inside the mouth of Currumbin Creek near the Volunteer Marine Rescue.
An exposed, consistent point break that fires off an easterly swell. Arguably the best winter waves in south-east Queensland.
Duranbah (aka D-bah)
120 kilometres south of Brisbane and on the border of New South Wales, Duranbah is home to 2007 World Surfing champion Mick Fanning. On a hot summer weekend it seems to be home to everyone who has ever owned a surfboard in their life.
Duranbah offers a strong wave in almost any conditions, but really picks up off a southerly swell.
Surf reports
Swellnet provides daily surf reports for the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions.
Surf cams
Coastalwatch has dozens of surf cams throughout south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Check out our video of a lively (and busy) set at Noosa National Park.
