1. Crescent Head, NSW

Crescent Head offers a variety of angles to shoot its iconic headland. In winter, the morning sun sits perfectly over the shoulder of surfers riding right-handers, casting incredible light. The long waves create opportunities for stunning action sequences, making this spot a dream for surf photographers.

2. Kalbarri, WA

Jake’s Point in Kalbarri is an insane rock slab that throws serious hollow waves. The headland’s unique shape allows you to get incredibly close to the action, offering an intimate view of the surf. Morning sessions in WA mean the sun is at your back, providing clean, crisp, well-lit photos. Drone shots here are next-level, with Red Bluff creating an epic backdrop. During our visit, a pod of dolphins played in the waves for over an hour—just another reason this spot is unforgettable.

3. Coffs Coast, NSW

The Coffs Coast is a surf photographer’s dream, offering endless wave options in winter with favorable winds. Three fantastic headlands provide protected lefts in summer, making it a year-round shooting destination. With the Great Dividing Range in the background and multiple unique headland formations, the natural landscape drama is unreal. From Sawtell in the south to Arrawarra in the north, there are over 16 beaches, each with its own character.

4. Torquay, VIC

One of Australia’s most iconic surf towns, Torquay has it all—reefs, sandbars, and point breaks. The biggest challenge here is dealing with the moody, overcast mornings in March. But being on the southern coastline, the sun rises over your left shoulder, creating a lighting setup that’s distinct from both the east and west coasts.

5. Gracetown, WA

This small surf village along the Margaret River coastline delivers in a big way. Gracetown features three distinct waves: a left slab off the point, a right slab from another point, and a smooth A-frame reef break perfect for longboarders. All three waves are visible from one another, making it easy to capture diverse shots in a compact area.

6. Gnaraloo, WA

The Gnaraloo coastline is raw and powerful, with a variety of waves. Red Bluff is similar to Jake’s Point, a hollow rock slab with a dramatic headland backdrop. Further north is Tombstones, a wave so intense and ferocious that words can’t do it justice—you have to see it to believe it. As you continue up the coast, the desert-meets-ocean aesthetic makes this one of the most surreal surf photography experiences in Australia.

7. Exmouth, WA

Exmouth is a fantastic shooting location with three primary surf spots—Dunes, Hunters, and Wobiri—each offering something unique. The orange mountains in the distance, crystal-clear water, and various shooting angles make this place stand out. With the sun rising on the surfers’ faces, the lighting is consistently beautiful, creating breathtaking imagery.

8. Bicheno, TAS

Bicheno was an unexpected surprise. It might not be on every surfer’s bucket list, but for photographers, it has plenty to offer. You can shoot from the beach or from the rock point where waves break. The backdrop of towering mountains and the nearby island provide striking landscape contrasts, adding depth to your shots.

9. Eyre Peninsula, SA

The Eyre Peninsula is vast, remote, and packed with some of Australia’s most unique surf breaks. We spent three weeks here and barely scratched the surface. While the region is infamous for shark activity, the pristine, untouched waves make it an incredible place to capture raw, powerful surf imagery. I can’t wait to go back and document the fearless surfers who take on these waters.

10. Merimbula, NSW

This South Coast surf town is a hidden gem for photographers. Like Emerald Beach on the North Coast, Merimbula offers waves for all conditions within a small area. Both sides of the headland provide contrasting landscapes, wave types, and surfing styles, allowing for diverse storytelling opportunities.

There you have it—Sea Chapel’s top 10 beaches to photograph. Each of these locations has something special, whether it’s the wave quality, the landscape, or the unique lighting conditions. Whether you’re a photographer or just a fan of incredible surf imagery, these spots are well worth the visit.

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