Chasing Trimlines: My Favorite Spots for the Best Longboard Waves in Western Australia

As someone who’s spent the better part of a decade riding coastlines from Bali to Byron Bay, there’s something undeniably magical about Western Australia — especially when it comes to logging. While WA is often hailed for its heavy reef breaks and big-wave showdowns, it also hides a treasure chest of mellow, rolling walls that are perfect for logging those buttery lines.

If you’re searching for the best longboard waves Western in Australia, let me take you beyond the hype and into the lineup, based on my own fins-first, saltwater-soaked experience. These aren’t just Google-worthy picks — these are waves I’ve ridden, studied, and completely fallen for.

Best Longboard Waves in Western Australia

Why Western Australia Isn’t Just for Thrill-Seekers and Shortboards

I’ll admit — the first time I surfed in WA, I was intimidated. The stories about Margaret River slabs and gnarly reef setups are real. But once I learned to read the coastline better, I discovered what locals already knew: there’s an entire side to this region made for flow, grace, and glide. Longboard waves in Western in Australia might not always make the surf mags, but they’re plentiful and rewarding if you know where to look.

From gentle beach breaks to long, cruising reef walls, the region offers the perfect canvas for traditional surfing. You just need to time it right, be respectful in the water, and keep your expectations realistic — conditions here shift fast.

Why Western Australia Isn’t Just for Thrill-Seekers and Shortboards

Cottesloe Beach (Perth) – Urban Logging with Classic Style

Let’s start in Perth. It’s not dramatic, but Cottesloe Beach is a great introductory spot. When the swell is small and the winds are light, it dishes up clean, slow-breaking waves — just enough to cross-step, hang five, and enjoy the view. I’ve had some unforgettable early morning sessions here with golden sunrise lighting up the Indian Ocean.

Reality check: It gets crowded with swimmers and SUP riders, and swell consistency can be hit or miss — but on the right day, it’s the longboarder's playground.

Cottesloe Beach (Perth) – Urban Logging with Classic Style

Yallingup Lagoon – The Most Reliable Mellow Reef in the South West

Head south to Yallingup, and you’ll find a spot that’s perfect for beginners and traditional longboard lovers alike: Yallingup Lagoon. Protected by outer reef formations, the inside section breaks gently and predictably, even when the outside reef is going off.

I’ve logged hours here on my 9'6” single-fin, riding peeling lefts over clear reef with no crowd in sight. It’s hands-down one of the best longboard waves Western in Australia for cruisy, non-threatening sessions.

Tip: Go at mid-to-high tide to avoid hitting the reef on takeoff. Also, bring your mask — the reef is alive and beautiful.

Yallingup Lagoon – The Most Reliable Mellow Reef in the South West 

Smiths Beach – A Spacious Option with Consistent Sandbanks

Smiths Beach near Yallingup is a local favorite. While it’s not exclusively a longboard spot, it can work beautifully on a small, clean swell. I paddled out one waist-high morning and scored perfect peelers running along soft sandbanks. There was room to practice footwork, enjoy the view, and reset mentally.

This spot is often used for lessons — and for good reason. It’s safe, wide open, and one of the most beginner-friendly longboard waves in Western in Australia, as long as you avoid bigger days when the shortboard crew takes over.

Pea Break at Middleton Beach (Albany) – For Those Who Venture Farther South

If you’re road-tripping toward Albany, make sure you surf Middleton Beach. At the southern end near the rocky point, locals call it “Pea Break,” and on small swells, it delivers long, mellow lefts that are tailor-made for logging.

Albany isn’t often talked about in surf circles, but that’s part of the charm. On a recent visit, I surfed a glassy shoulder-high left that ran for what felt like 100 meters. No crowds, no stress, just pure line-drawing. Add it to your best longboard waves Western in Australia bucket list — trust me.

Pea Break at Middleton Beach (Albany) – For Those Who Venture Farther South

Back Beach (Bunbury) – Easy Access, Easy Surfing

Back Beach is probably the easiest wave to access if you're staying near Bunbury. This wide beach break has plenty of peaks and often has soft, slow waves on smaller days. It’s not world-class, but it’s a reliable option when you're looking for longboard waves Western in Australia that are low-effort and low-risk.

Bonus: there’s a car park right next to the sand, and cafes nearby for a post-surf bite.

Cultural Notes: What Longboarding Feels Like in Western Australia

There’s a distinct surf culture in WA, and it’s shaped by the wildness of the land. Longboarding here is less about competition or fashion and more about flowing with nature. In places like Yallingup or Albany, it’s not uncommon to share a wave with dolphins or have kangaroos watching you from the dunes.

There’s also a deep respect for the ocean and for First Nations history, especially around protected areas. Locals are friendly, but always observe lineup etiquette, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation in the car park. You’ll learn more from one WA local than a week on surf forums.

What Longboarding Feels Like in Western Australia

Best Time of Year for Longboarding in Western Australia

Timing matters. The best longboard waves Western in Australia show their full potential during:

• Autumn (March–May): Arguably the best — clean conditions, moderate swell, light winds.
• Summer (December–February): Great for small, glassy waves. Wind can be an issue by midday, so aim for early sessions.
• Winter: More swell, but usually too heavy for classic logging.
• Spring: Can be fun but unpredictable with wind and storm activity.

Use surf cams, check multiple forecasts, and be flexible. WA rewards those who watch and wait.

Final Thoughts: Where Elegance and Isolation Meet on a Surfboard

If you’re chasing high-performance surfing, Western Australia can give you that. But if you’re seeking soulful lines, solitude, and longboard-friendly surf, there’s so much more than meets the eye. From protected lagoons to peeling beach breaks, the best longboard waves Western in Australia are scattered up and down this rugged coast — and they’re waiting to be discovered.

Bring your log, your patience, and your sense of exploration. And if you're traveling from overseas, don’t forget to sort your visa. Australian Immigration Services can help you with a quick and simple ETA or eVisitor visa so you can spend more time waxing your board and less time worrying about entry paperwork.