Secret breaks: kitesurfing and surfing the Great Barrier Reef
Guide
By Danielle Reckless
The Great Barrier Reef is known for what’s happening below the surface, but if you’re looking for action above it, there’s plenty to discover.
Grab your board and head north to Queensland’s balmy beach towns and idyllic islands to experience kitesurfing and surfing beside the world’s biggest natural wonder. The water’s warm, and the breaks will surprise you.
Best surf breaks on the Great Barrier Reef
Home to some of the world’s best surf spots, Queensland’s coastline beckons pros and surf explorers; and not just to the famed shores of the Gold Coast or Noosa. Here’s where to find the best surf along the Great Barrier Reef.
Agnes Water and 1770
Photo by @_markfitz
Nestled beside the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone’s twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 are known to boast some of the northernmost mainland surfing in Queensland. The calm breaks and laidback atmosphere make it a great spot to whet your surf appetite at beaches across the area. And when conditions are right, you can ride up to 500metres along the Springs point breaks, as it's known by the locals.
Local surfers whisper that Swain Reefs and Bunker Reefs offer breaks on occasion, so if you have plenty of experience (and a boat) it’s worth exploring these more remote locations.
The Whitsundays
You might have come here to kick back on the sunkissed white sand beaches or sail through the islands, but the Whitsundays has a lot more to offer. Famous Whitehaven Beach has a little secret: surfers can sometimes find small peelers along the sand bar, especially after a strong north-east wind cycle. And you can camp here for the night for next to nothing.
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Photo by @phlipvids
It’s the stuff of legend: surfing the outer reefs in Queensland’s tropical north. But if you have an adventurous spirt and the skill to back it up, catching the fast-breaking barrels over shallow reefs is an unforgettable experience.
Local knowledge is key here, as breaks are inconsistent and it takes effort to find the best waves. Expect to spend 2+ hours cruising to hit the jackpot, but if you do, the journey is every bit worth it. Chat to the local surf clubs, or head out with the people who know best, like tours run by World Surfaris.
Back on land, you might have some luck at Buchan Point, Ellis Beach. This quiet spot is about 30minutes drive north of Cairns, and every so often, when the conditions are right, you’ll find a great right hand break at the southern end of the beach. Be mindful that crocs are sometimes found in these waters.
Mackay
31 glistening beaches stretch along Mackay's coastline, so when you’re not fishing, paddle out at Lamberts Beach at Slade Point, or North Wall Beach which offers great breaks for beginner surfers.
Where to learn to surf on the Great Barrier Reef
Photo by @imagemaker_photo_1
Ready to start school? Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills, Agnes Water and 1770 is where you’ll find surf schools on the Great Barrier Reef. Gnarly Tours, Reef 2 Beach Surf School and Lazy Lizard Surf School all offer great programs. And there’s lots to keep you occupied in between classes too.
Best spots to kitesurf on the Great Barrier Reef
Looking to kitesurf while you’re here in Queensland? Here are the best spots along the Great Barrier Reef to catch a thrill.
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Photo by @freedomkitemag
Glide over glasslike blue waters, the colour of coral reef flashing below as you pass. This region has plenty to offer kitesurfers, nomatter where you base yourself. You can’t do better than Cairns during the season which runs from April – November each year.
Ask any local and they’ll tell you to head to Yorkey’s Knob, just north of Cairns, when the winds are blowing SSE to E. Freestylers love to ride the strong winds at the creek mouth. Check out Kiteboarding Cairns and KiteRite for lessons and courses.
Take in Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach from a whole new perspective thanks to WindSwell; offering kite intro sessions and lessons straight off the beach. To venture further afield, jump on one of their full or half day charters to locations like Low Isles, Snapper Island or the Sand Cays where you can swim, snorkel, paddle or kitesurf.
A little further south, Palm Cove offers fantastic kitesurfing when the afternoon winds hit. Pacific Watersports has you covered with lessons to suit all levels, and if you’re in independent surfer, jump on their ferry service to Double Island Reef. Just 10 minutes boat ride from Palm Cove, this spot is kiteboarding paradise.
Cooktown, Cape Flattery, Undine Cay and Cape Kimberley are other great spots for kitesurfing.
Great Barrier Reef islands
Photo by @underwooda86
Get on island time for a kitesurfing adventure with a difference in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Remote Haggerstone Island is one of the only Great Barrier Reef islands that formally offers kiteboarding, and the consistent trade winds from April to November offer action right off the beach and jetty – though the team will also take you to more remote locations on their private boat too. Better yet, you can relax at your luxury villa after a day on the water before exploring more of this little Cape York patch.
If you have your own gear and plenty of experience under your belt, Lizard Island can’t be beat from April to September. Mangrove Beach is a great launch site to enter the lagoon between reef islands and soak up the best of this national park paradise. Make the most of your time and base yourself at Lizard Island Resort for a few days.
Agnes Water & 1770
Whether you want an exhilarating rush down the coastline or to cruise the sparkling river-inlets, Kitesurf 1770 offers group lessons, private lessons and gear hire so that you can get out on the water easily during your visit.
Townsville
The gateway to Queensland’s north is also a major destination for kitesurfers, so make your way to Alva Beach, Cungulla, Pallarenda and Lucinda (near Ingham) to experience the best. Intheloop offers lessons for all abilities, and they’ll also take you to the best spots based on the day’s conditions.
Just a short ferry ride away, Magnetic Island lures in kitesurfers from around the state. Nelly Bay is within walking distance from where the boat drops you off, and is great for intermediate and advanced surfers. Stunning Horseshoe Bay catches the summer NNE, N and NNW winds.
The Whitsundays
Want to kitesurf at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches? Beginners to experts will find plenty to get excited about at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, which offers lagoon and beach surfing. The best winds arrive from March to June each year, regularly reaching up to 25knots.
Coral Cove on Hamilton Island is a protected area offering great surfing, as is Dingo Beach, just a short drive from Airlie Beach on the mainland.
Element Master in Airlie Beach offers kiting gear rental, as well as sail and camp to Whitehaven Beach. Or get a few mates together and charter a yacht to kitesurf around the best spots in the Whitsundays, with all meals and snorkelling gear included.
You may also like
