Australia's top 5 secret surf spots

Coast returns to our screens this week (Wednesday, BBC2, 9.10pm GMT) to showcase sea-side Australia. To celebrate, we present the best little-known surf spots Down Under

8 mins

1. Marrawah, Tasmania

Wrap up for this remote north-west Tasmanian cold-water classic surf break. A sweeping surf coast and quirky one-pub cray-fishing township on the edge of nowhere are worth the long trip to notch up a liquid memory on the nomadic surfer's bucket list.

 Catherine Hill Bay NSW

2. Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales

The 'land that time' forgot, about two hours north of Sydney. This still intact Welsh-style coal mining village is a historic gem. It has waves, one story-filled old pub and on occasions, fires. Along with some relatively empty east coast barrels.

 Agnes Waters, QLD

3. Agnes Waters, Queensland

Named in 101 Best Australian Beaches as one of the Top 10 beaches Down Under, this once sleepy surfing hamlet is where James Cook dropped anchor in 1770. For good reason. It's the island nation's northernmost surf spot before the reef comes in. Grab a tent, some friends and enjoy this eco-adventure location... see it before the rest of the world does.

 Kitty Miller Bay, Victoria

4. Kitty Miller Bay, Victoria

An out of the box scenic bay, one of many on superb Phillip Island, two hours from downtown Melbourne. If it's not cranking at Kitty, there'll be a wave somewhere – it's always offshore on any island after all. Cold climate but a warm crowd.

 Smiths Beach WA

5. Smiths Beach, Western Australia

Nestled off road in the famed wine region of Margaret River in south-west WA, this postcard long white sandy stretch is a must see and must surf. Wash down the wave session with a visit to the many fine vineyards scattered along this coast.

Brad FarmerBrad Farmer has spent a lifetime exploring the best beaches – and doing everything he can to protect them. After growing up on Queensland’s Gold Coast, he co-wrote the first Surfing Guide to Australia in 1985. He is the co-author of 101 Best Australian Beaches.

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