How to Surf Like a Pro in Perth - Your Guide to Enjoying a Surfing Holiday in Picturesque Perth

Ranked among the best destinations for a surfing safari Down Under, Perth offers avid wave riders idyllic conditions to engage in their favourite pastime. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newbie trying to learn the basics, Perth's top surf stops are likely to provide just the right kind of challenge to improve your skills. From visiting the area during the best time of year to knowing where to find the best surf gear, here's everything you need to know about surfing in Perth.

1. Time the Trip

Although Perth is a stunning beach holiday hotspot for most of the year, those who intend to visit Perth purely for its surfing possibilities must time their trip. As a rule of thumb, the best time to surf in Perth is during the autumn and winter seasons. The winter season, which falls during the months between June and August, is when wind and wave conditions are ideal as the swells tend to pick up. Even surfers heading out to the water in the metro area are bound to find something to write home about while Margaret River and the beaches on the coast of Rottnest Island provide excellent waves. The autumn season, in contrast, lasts from March to May and the southwest swells have extra power during this time of year. The reef breaks and the swells around Margaret River are top-notch towards the end of the season when the water is also still warm.

2. Secure a Convenient Base

Surfing Adventures in Perth | Image via unsplash

As one of the most popular activities in Perth, Australia, surfers make up the majority of visitors that head out to the area in the autumn and winter. This is why a convenient base at Pan Pacific Perth or a similar hotel comes in handy as the accommodation hubs closest to the best surf spots tend to get fully booked in the months leading up to the surfing season. In addition to the on-site creature comforts, visitors should also discern the distance from the hotel to the best surfing spots in Perth as a long commute back and forth will mean less time in the water.

3. Surf Gear and Surf Shops in Perth

While it may not be a full-blown beach hotspot, Perth is home to its fair share of surf gear rentals and surf shops. Harbour Surf is one of the most popular shops in the area as a one-stop emporium for all your surfing needs. You will find everything from surf fashion and accessories to wet suits and other essentials while the Hollow Surf Shop is where the best-branded gear is found. Located near Hillary's Boardwalk, the Hollow Surf Shop is also known for its top-quality bodyboards.

4. Surfing Conditions

When it comes to what to expect in the water, surfers should be prepared for conditions that differ greatly from Sydney. Perth's surfing conditions may not be quite as spectacular as Sydney's but there are some legendary surfing locations that are comparable to Bali's or those of the Mentawais.

5. Best Surfing Spots

Ders and The Spot are two of northern Perth's best surfing hubs, especially due to their convenient location close to the Perth Central Business District. Burns is a reef break that is harder to reach but offers better consistency while The Wall is a fantastic venue when heavy swells are cooking off-shore. Scarborough is perfect for those who are new to surfing as the swells are small while Trigg Beach and Trigg Point are better left to the experts.

6. Surfer Hangouts and Eateries

Perth has no shortage of bars, restaurants and eateries catering to surfers. The Canteen Trigg is one such locale where you can grab everything from sweet cakes and toast breakfasts to mochas and fish and chips. The Lookout Bar Bowling Bites, on the other hand, is where surfers can gather after dark for pub food and a pint.