Cooee Tours delivers unforgettable surfing tours across Australia's east coast — blending expert coaching, premium transport, and handpicked surf destinations. Australia has a proud surfing tradition stretching back to 1915, when Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku popularised the sport at Freshwater Beach near Sydney. Today, with over 10,000km of surfable coastline, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the Sunshine Coast rank among the world's finest destinations for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
📍 Surf Destinations
Australia's Best Surf Locations
From gentle learner waves to the legendary Superbank — Australia's east coast delivers world-class surfing year-round.
Australia's east coast — over 10,000km of surfable coastline from tropical Queensland to Victoria's powerful Southern Ocean breaks.
Gold Coast, Queensland
SuperbankBeginners OKBest: Jun–Aug
The surf capital of Australia — home to the legendary Superbank, a 2km man-made sandbank stretching from Snapper Rocks through Rainbow Bay to Kirra, creating one of the world's longest and most consistent rides. Experienced surfers love Burleigh Heads' right-hand point (a World Surfing Reserve) and D-Bah's high-quality beach breaks. Beginner-friendly beaches at Currumbin and Greenmount offer gentle, consistent swell — perfect for first-time surfers. Best season: June–August for quality waves; December–February for warmer water and smaller learner swells.
Gold Coast guide →
Byron Bay, New South Wales
The PassLongboard ParadiseBest: Mar–May
At Australia's most easterly point, Byron Bay is a wave magnet for swells from SE to NE. The Pass is the star break — a long, clean right-hander where you can snag 150m rides on a good day, ideal for longboarders and beginners levelling up. Wategos Beach, just around the headland, is more protected with gentle rollers — perfect for pure beginners and surf schools. Tallows Beach suits intermediates wanting more punch. Bohemian vibes, organic cafes, and stunning coastal walks make Byron equally special off the water. Best season: March–May.
Byron Bay guide →
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
First Point NoosaRelaxed VibeBest: Dec–Apr
First Point at Noosa is a textbook example of what a point break should be — waves wrapping perfectly onto sand and rock contours, offering long rides from gentle peelers to barrel sections on larger swells. A true longboard paradise and one of Australia's finest learner spots. Caloundra's Moffat Beach offers another clean right-hander, while Coolum suits intermediate surfers. Less crowded than the Gold Coast with a wonderfully relaxed coastal lifestyle. Best season: December–April for trade swells.
Sunshine Coast guide →
Sydney & Northern Beaches, NSW
Bondi · ManlyUrban Surf
Sydney offers urban surfing like nowhere else on earth. Freshwater Beach near Manly is where Duke Kahanamoku first popularised surfing in Australia in 1915 — making it a landmark for every surf-history lover. Bondi and Manly are accessible by ferry from the CBD. The uncrowded Northern Beaches (Narrabeen, Dee Why, Curl Curl) are local favourites. Year-round waves with warm summers and punchy winter swells. Perfect as an add-on to a Sydney city break.
Book Sydney tour →
🌊 Seasonal Guide
Best Time of Year to Surf in Australia
Seasonal Breakdown — East Coast Australia
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm water (22–26°C), smaller swells — perfect for beginners. Longer daylight hours. Book early as school holidays fill quickly. Noosa and Sunshine Coast peak in early summer.
Autumn (Mar–May): Widely considered the best overall season. Clean offshore winds, consistent swell, and comfortable water temperatures for all levels. Byron Bay and Sydney peak in autumn.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Gold Coast best season — bigger swells, offshore winds, and clean conditions. Water is cooler (18–21°C) but wetsuits are provided. The Superbank fires, Burleigh Heads is at its best. Fewer crowds.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Building swell with warming water. Whale season makes for spectacular coastal scenery from the break. Great shoulder-season value with improving conditions across all locations.
Early morning sessions deliver the cleanest offshore conditions and the most spectacular golden light — our guides know exactly when and where to paddle out.
📋 Book an Experience
Our Most Popular Surfing Tours
Expert coaching, all gear provided, and hotel pickup on every experience. Perfect for beginners, families, and thrill-seekers.
⭐ Best Seller
Gold Coast Learn to Surf Tour
Professional lessons on gentle rolling waves at Currumbin or Greenmount. Perfect pop-up technique, wave reading, and ocean safety — all before you hit the water. All equipment provided. Ideal for first-timers and families.
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🏄 Iconic
Byron Bay Surf Adventure
Surf The Pass and Wategos Beach in Byron Bay — Australia's most iconic coastal town. Expert instructors find the best conditions daily, including a coastal drive to secluded breaks. Relaxed bohemian vibes and unforgettable 150m rides.
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🌿 Relaxed
Sunshine Coast Surf & Beach Tour
Surfing lessons at First Point Noosa — Australia's most celebrated learner break — combined with a coastal walk through Noosa National Park and the relaxed Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Combine with Eumundi Markets on selected days.
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✅ All Inclusive
What's Included in Every Tour
Everything you need for a hassle-free day on the waves — just bring your swimwear and sense of adventure.
🎓
Expert Coaching
Certified surf instructors with local knowledge and first-aid qualification
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All Gear
Surfboards, wetsuits & rash guards — no hire fees, no worries
🚐
Hotel Pickup
Return transport from your accommodation to the beach
🛡️
Beach Safety
Full safety briefing & in-water supervision between the flags
📸
Photos
Action shots of your waves on select tours — check details
💡 Practical Tips
Beginner Surf Tips & What To Bring
🏄 No Experience NeededEvery tour starts with a beach lesson covering pop-up technique, paddling, wave reading, and ocean safety. Most first-timers are standing on the board within their first session. Our instructors have taught thousands of beginners.
👕 What To BringSwimwear worn under clothes, towel, reef-safe sunscreen SPF50+, water bottle, and a change of clothes. All surf equipment is provided — surfboards, wetsuits or rashies, and fins. Just bring your enthusiasm.
👨👩👧 Family FriendlySuitable for ages 8+. Instructors are experienced with young learners and keep group sizes small for personalised attention. Calm patrolled beaches selected for families. Parents can surf alongside children in the same lesson.
🛡️ Safety FirstAll tours operate between the flags on patrolled beaches. Instructors hold current surf lifesaving qualification and first-aid certification. Weather and swell conditions are monitored daily — we'll reschedule at no cost if conditions are unsafe.
🌏 More Adventures
More Coastal & Adventure Experiences

Gold Coast Guide
Beaches, hinterland, theme parks, and the Superbank — the full Gold Coast experience.

Byron Bay Guide
The Pass, whale watching, Cape Byron Lighthouse, and Byron's legendary lifestyle.

Sunshine Coast
First Point Noosa, Eumundi Markets, Glass House Mountains, and the Noosa Everglades.

Golf Tours
Championship golf courses across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and beyond.
❓ FAQs
Surfing Tours FAQs
Do I need surfing experience to join?+
No experience is required. All tours are beginner-friendly with certified instructors who guide every step — from the pop-up technique on the beach to catching your own wave in the ocean. Most first-timers are standing within their first session. Intermediate and experienced surfers can also join for guided sessions at more advanced breaks like Burleigh Heads or Byron Bay's Tallow Beach.
What's included in the tour price?+
All Cooee Tours surfing experiences include: surfboard hire (foamie beginner boards or fibreglass for intermediates), wetsuit or rashguard, return hotel transport, expert surf coaching, beach safety instruction, and action photos on select tours. Check individual tour pages for full details.
Are tours suitable for kids?+
Yes — we offer family-friendly options for children aged 8 and over, depending on surf conditions. Instructors are experienced with young learners and keep group sizes small for personalised attention. We choose calm, patrolled beaches specifically for family sessions. Parents are welcome to surf alongside children in the same lesson.
What is the best time of year to surf in Australia?+
Autumn (March–May) is widely considered the best overall season — clean offshore winds, consistent swell, and comfortable water temperatures. The Gold Coast peaks in June–August with bigger swells and offshore conditions; December–February is ideal for beginners with warm water and smaller swells. Byron Bay and Sydney also peak in autumn. Australia's east coast is surfable year-round.
Which location is best for beginners?+
The Gold Coast is ideal for first-timers thanks to gentle, consistent waves at Currumbin and Greenmount beaches. Byron Bay's Wategos Beach is beautifully protected and beginner-friendly. First Point Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is a famous longboard paradise and an excellent learner break. All three locations are covered by our tour options with expert instructors.
Can I book a private surf lesson?+
Absolutely. We offer private one-on-one and small-group surf coaching tailored to your level. Private lessons are ideal for faster progress, specific skill development, or groups wanting their own session.
Contact us or call
(07) 4194 3333 to arrange a custom session at your preferred beach and time.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Our instructors monitor surf forecasts daily. If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule your tour at no extra cost or offer a full refund. We never put guests in unsafe conditions — Australian surf safety is non-negotiable. In marginal conditions, we select the most sheltered beach for your session.
What should I bring?+
Bring swimwear (worn under clothes), a towel, reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+, a water bottle, and a change of clothes. All surf equipment — surfboard, wetsuit or rashie, fins — is provided by Cooee Tours. Leave valuables at your hotel; we don't have secure storage at the beach.
Ready To Catch Your First Wave?
Book a beginner-friendly surf tour with expert certified coaching, all gear included, and hotel pickup from the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, or Sunshine Coast.
🏄 Book a Surf Tour →