Between wind, swell and tides, there's a lot to consider when surfing in the Margaret River Region, and we haven't even stepped onto the sand yet.
We asked writer and local surfer Tom de Souza for the best breaks between the capes.
100 kilometres of coastline and over 75 surf breaks can make finding safe, suitable surf challenging. Our exposed coastline and unpredictable conditions mean there are very few surf breaks across the region suitable for beginners. So, with that in mind, if you are a seasoned surfer or simply spectating, this guide will help you find the perfect spot.
Hero image: Ryan Murphy
Be sure to always observe the limits of your own capabilities. It’s best to watch the ocean for at least 15 minutes before entering the water and always chat to a local if in doubt. For the most enjoyable and safest experience, head out with a local surf school such as Margaret River Surf Academy, Margaret River Surf School, and Yallingup Surf School. Yahoo Surfboards and Surfboard Hire in Dunsborough have a range of boards and wetsuits available for hire too.
PKs, as it’s affectionately known, is a long, rolling left-handed point. It’s sheltered from the predominant south-west winter storm winds and a great option when everywhere else is blown out . On mid-sized swells the soft rolling walls are great for beginners or kids, just watch the rocks. Take Cape Naturaliste Road and follow directions to Meelup Beach – Point Piquet is just to the north.
Yallingup Beach is an excellent family option with a lagoon and stunning beach. A soft, rolling left and right-hander that can be lots of fun for all kinds of craft – but it can get serious on a big westerly swell with low tides. Great in the morning with the low tide and semi-sheltered from the afternoon sea breezes. Yallingup Surf School offer lessons and local surf knowledge inside the lagoon.
A sometimes slabby right-hand reef break that needs a fairly large swell and high tide to really get going. On smaller days, it can be great for groms and beginners. The beach is patrolled in the summer months , and the reef is only 50 meters from shore. Easy to find, take Smiths Beach Road and park in the car park at the end.
One of the few sheltered options in Margaret River. You’ll find it at the southern end of Cowaramup Bay, and it is protected from winds with any degree of south. Can be a good choice for groms, beginners and intermediate surfers.
An exposed stretch behind Gracetown that needs clean conditions and a small-to medium-sized swell. Arrive in the early mornings and pick from one of the peaks up and down the beach, depending on how far you’re prepared to walk.
A classic reef break. Take in the action from the carpark vantage point and you’ll understand why it is such an excellent competition venue and has been home to the Western Australia Margaret River Pro for years. One of the most consistent waves on the coastline with a left and right peak. The right is shorter and punchier; the left gets better as it gets bigger.
Where the Margaret River meets the Indian Ocean, you’ll find a beach break that is great for beginners. Margaret River Surf Academy services the beach with board and wetsuit hires as well as surf coaching. You can sometimes find decent right-handers here in winter when the river breaches out into the ocean and creates a defined sandbank.
A beach break with a few consistent peaks that are best on smaller swells and in clean conditions. Located at the end of Redgate Road, here you’ll find Margaret River Surf School offering lessons for beginners to advanced surfers. Some of the peaks are sand-dependent; others are semi-permanent and can get gnarly with strong rips. Otherwise, a wide, beautiful beach in the Margaret River Region.
