Surfing

The beaches along this stretch of the coast are among the best surfing beaches in New South Wales, attracting surfers from right across Australia.  The Region also hosts a number of major surf competitions each year.

FAVOURITE SURFING SPOTS ............

Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry: Has several waves in the same area, "Off the Wall" which is known for its great spilling right handers, "The Bar" which has been surfed by some famous and professional surfers alike and "Peak Bank" is fantastic when it's on, it gives surfers tubes that they will never forget.

Main Beach, Forster: Is not as well known as a surfing beach but occasionally the breakwall can provide nice left hand peaks. However Hayden’s Rock behind the ‘bullring’ can provide world class waves but it needs a huge swell for this to occur….on its day, surfers come from everywhere for some of the longest rides on the North Coast.

One Mile Beach, Forster (Northern End)

Burgess Beach, Forster: Is known for its body surfing, a great spot when conditions are right.

Seven Mile Beach, (Janey’s, Elim & Bulls Paddock): Janey’s Beach produces great left and right peaks all the way along the beach. The waves usually hit the bank and jacks up into a great makeable tube. The back beach at Janey's is known as Sharkies Beach which sometimes offers superb long wall right handers and generally isn't too crowded. Elim is about halfway along Seven Mile Beach and has great waves most of the time. Bulls Paddock is at the southern end and is a right hand point break which on a good day will bring a lot of tourists as it can provide excellent surf. It is a powerful and sometimes tricky but it provides excellent surf.

Boomerang Beach, Pacific Palms: Is a well known surfing beach which can provide excellent waves. It features assorted peaky lefts and rights.

Blueys Beach, Pacific Palms: Another famous surfing beach, is a good spot when the north-easterly winds blow as it can produce good waves as they run down the beach, creating predominantly left breaking waves.

Cellito, Sandbar: Rocky outcrops at the north and south ends of the beach produces great left & right hand breaks.

No1 Beach, Seal Rocks

Treachery Head, Seal Rocks: Is a real treat. It protrudes further out into the ocean than any other point on the whole of the Great Lakes coastal area. When everywhere else is tiny or flat, Treachery can often have really great waves. The water is always clear and clean and it can hold rather large surf depending on the sandbanks.

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, (Southern End): Is well known and has many carnivals during the summer season. Has assorted left and right handers depending on the banks. Bennetts Beach is alos becoming popular for kitesurfing. At low tide there are often extensive sandflats with just cm of water, perfect for take-off before challenging the surf.

Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest,: The northern side of Port Stephens around Jimmys Beach is considered to be one of the worlds top 10 windsurfing spots.

SURF SCHOOLS & TUITION ............
Forster Tuncurry Surf School: X-Sight, Wharf Street, Forster. Qualified & experienced instructors. All equipment provided. Great Lakes Surf School: Boomerang Drive, Pacific Palms. Surfboards and wetsuit hire and range of surf packages. Pacific Palms Windsurfing: Lakeside Boatshed, Lakesway. Equipment hire and tuition for beginners to advanced, individuals & groups. Use of harness & wetsuit free.

FOR A FULL BEACH LISTING IN EACH AREA OF THE GREAT LAKES,  THE AVAILABLE BEACH AMENITIES & NEAREST BEACHSIDE ACCOMMODATION CLICK HERE.