Surfing in Noosa is famous for its long peeling right hand point breaks, but that’s only the beginning.
A thriving, chic surf town surrounded by breathtaking waterways and stunning national park, Noosa really is a natural footer’s dream.
And it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for people seeking the laid back surf lifestyle too.
But, with lineups becoming more crowded, it’s really handy to have some local insights and know-how to score one of the most desirable right hand point breaks in Australia.
Without further ado let’s get started.
IS THERE GOOD SURF IN NOOSA?
During the cyclone season from Jan – March Noosa can be blessed with some world class setups.
Consecutive right hand point breaks which offer long rides and exquisite scenery of the Noosa National park has certainly cemented Noosa has one of the must visit surf destinations of Australia.
With five right hand point breaks and ample beach breaks that stretch from Sunshine Beach – Coolum beach, there’s a lot on offer.
And for the beginner surfers amongst us, there’s plenty of beginner options too.
WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO SURF NOOSA
The best months to surf Noosa is February or March.
These months tend to provide more consistent swells generated by low pressure systems from the pacific, offering up the best opportunity to surf Noosa’s most famous right hand point breaks.
Quick word of warning…
March is when the Noosa Festival of Surfing rolls into town – alongside a boatload of the worlds best Longboarders, and spectators alike.
So, crowds during this event window can be an issue, especially at First Point.
WHICH SWELL IS BEST FOR NOOSA
East-northeast swell
The best conditions reported for surf at Noosa – First Point occur when a East-Northeast swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the South.
WHERE TO SURF IN NOOSA
To make things easy for you to digest, I’ve split the surf breaks into different sections: Point Breaks, and Beach Breaks
Each of the spots has itss own unique flavour, coming to life when conditions are right.
Hopefully, armed with the knowledge below you’ll be there when they do:
NOOSA POINTS
FIRST POINT
SKILL LEVEL – INTERMEDIATE
First point is the mecca for longboarders and have long laid claim to Noosa first point break.
With a really easy take off zone, the wave spills all the way through to the beach.
Unlike the other point breaks Noosa first point tends to hold up with little to no sections to encounter (unless its maxing out).
You can either paddle out from the beach or walk up to the point and jump off.
Either way this is Noosa’s most accessible point break.
You can always polish off a nice cold beverage at the Noosa surf club which overlooks the entire point break and watch till the sun fades over Noosa north shore
LITTLE COVE
SKILL LEVEL – ADVANCED BEGINNER – INTERMEDIATE
The second point break is Little Cove and the name says it all.
A picturesque beach with dreamy long rides and playful sections Little Cove is the point break to tackle so you’re ready for the shit show of Boiling Pot and and beyond.
Little Cove main peak sits just above the wooden framed lookout .
On a good day the sand banks will provide an uninterrupted ride of 200m + from this take off spot.
This take off zone is usually populated with talented Longboarders and intermediate- advanced surfers traveling though from their previous ride of Boiling Pot.
The next zone is inline or near the wooden look out where there is a easy jump off spot.
This take off zone is where you’ll see up and coming groms and intermediate surfers.
Little tip:
Be on the lookout for surfers that can’t make it through this section as this could be the only chance you get to grab a reeling right hander.
The inside take off zone is where you’ll see up and coming beginners keen to master their new found skills on a point break.
NATIONALS
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED
On its day, Nationals can rival any right hand point break in the world. The main take off zone which is usually reserved for advanced surfers only is a steep sucky boil, known as Boiling Pot.
As you move further down the line there are multiple take off zones for the more intermediate surfer.
On a good day and with the right skill set you can catch a good __ m tide from Boiling Pot through to Johnsons (the last of the take off zone).
The best time to score Nationals is on a low tide.
Entry in and out can be a challenge.
There is a flat rock to jump off closer to the main take off zone, but watch out for the surge that can come on a larger swell and sweep you off.
TEA TREE
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED
The jewel in the crown of all the point breaks, Tea Tree bay has got to be on the most beautiful bays in the world.
In the heart of Noosa National surrounded by egyplptic trees, Tea Tree Bay is a little less intimidating than Nationals.
The main take off zone is usually reserved for advance surfers, it can at times be slightly intimidating with the rocks so close.
Further down the line there is another take off zone where you’ll see more intermediate surfers circulating the line up.
As the wave spills down the line there is one more inside take off zone.
This can often be neglected as a fun little place to pick up scraps.
Tea tree has both a beach access and for the more experienced surfer you can jump off the rocks further up the point.
Like all the points so far Tea Tree works best on a low tide.
GRANITE BAY
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
As you walk further round from Tea Tree the last point break is known as Granite Bay. A little more exposed and less viewing areas as the other points, but notherless still a high quality ride.
Granite has more of a full bowl section as it spills into deep water.
On it’s day the entire break can line up.
If you are one of the lucky ones to experience Granite like this, then give your self a big high five at this doesn’t happen too often.
Nope, unfortunately Granite can be a hit and miss break.
Usually less crowded as it’s a good 30 min walk one way from the national park entrance.
And once there, you can often be greeted with a break which is quite short and fickle.
The two take off zones don’t tend to hug the rocks like the other point breaks, making each zone a little easier to ride out.
Works best on a low tide. Be aware that on the high tide it can fill in too much.
Although I’d say this point break is more fat than any of the others, don’t write it off either.
There’s been plenty of surfs out here where I’ve scored epic waves with a small crowds.
NOOSA BEACH BREAKS
A-BAY
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED
Further round from Granite Bay is Noosa hidden gem. Alexandra Bay or A bay for short.
This very secluded and less trodden surf break is one of Noosa best kept secrets.
Deep in the heart of the National Park and access from both Noosa national park and Sunshine Beach A bay has a quality beach break.
The best sand banks are towards the Southern End of the beach.
This is where you’ll see other surfer (if any). But due to the trek to get there this dilutes the crowds and you’ll usually experience A bay either solo or with few surfers out.
On the other hand what you may encounter is a few naked men and women as this is Noosa only tits out, dicks out beach.
SUNSHINE BEACH
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED
From the North end all the way down to Coolum beach, this long stretch of white sandy beach stretched a good 20kms.
Here part of the beach is segmented with each suburb – Sunrise Beach, Castaways and so forth.
There are plenty of spots to choose from but Sunshine beach takes the cap for the best quality beach break on offer.
Notherend end of the beach tucks up closely to the National park can be sheltered and protected from the __ winds.
Further down you have Hippies and a great beach break on its day.
And then further down again you’ve got the Surf Club.
Depending on the year and the season Sunshine Beach can experience a nasty gutter, which affects the quality of the beach breaks from time to time.
A popular beach break with the locals of Noosa so get to know them in the water and dust of the morning with a coffee at the local cafes that litter the last of community spirit Sunshine Beach offers.
Works through all tides.
THE GROYNE
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER – INTERMEDIATE
The Groyne and is where you’ll see the surf school conduct their learn to surf lessons.
This area of Noosa provides beginner friendly beach breaks with easy access and sand bottom.
Here you can experience some nice peeling waves.
Be careful however to surf on a low tide as you may experience a more dumping wave onto a shallow sand bank.
This area tends to favor a more mid to high tide as it rolls over the sandbank.
The more experience you get you may want to tackle the fast right hander that breaks off the Groyne itself.
On a good day this area can swell in large numbers and parking can be challenging.
P.s watch out for the grumpy old men that can populate the line up!
RIVERMOUTH
SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
The final piece of the puzzle in surf spot’s Noosa is the Noosa River Mouth.
A little bit of a drive and challenge for parking but on its day this little river mouth can fire up.
A busy highway for the boats coming in and out of the river mouth can peel both left and right handers.
A popular spot when the points are working for the surfers who don’t want to hassle with the thick crowds, this place can really turn on.
Usually works best on the mid to low tide.
CONCLUSION
Noosa is one of Australia’s East coast surfing meccas.
A short drive and you’re amongst some world class right handers. There are plenty of waves on offer for all abilities, and a variety of waves to choose from.
It’s rare to turn up to Noosa and score nothing.
With a whopping 40km2 square national park surrounding the majority of surf breaks you’ll be blown away with the backdrops of lushness scenery and quality set ups here.
Pack your back, be ready the heat and go and see why everybody loves Noosa (and that’s just not the surfers saying that).
Hope to see you out in the lineups of Noosa soon 🤙
Loz
LAUREN RINGER
Ex WQS warrior, and all-round frother – Loz is the technical coaching queen at the House of Surf.
She is also a mindset and life coach and has a habit of living in her van way too much.
