We knew it! Australia is officially home to the best surfing spots in the entire world
You won't find Wallace or Gromit in Australia, but you will find plenty of groms and grommets. Our sun-kissed island is full of sandy-toed, salty-haired surf rats who can catch a pretty gnarly wave. And it's not just the locals – tourists from around the world come Down Under to ride our legendary swells or to learn to surf for the very first time, with our coastline serving up the best surfing breaks on the planet.
To mark International Surfing Day (June 21), the travel pros at Travelbag conducted a study to identify the world's top ten surfing hotspots. Their study looked at everything from surf ratings and water cleanliness to social media popularity and global search volume – all in the name of finding the ultimate wave.
Australia absolutely dominated the rankings, claiming more top ten spots than any other country – including four of the top five alone. The number one spot went to Queensland's Burleigh Heads, which led the pack with a five-star surf rating, a water cleanliness score of 71.48, and more than 135,000 global annual searches. As the northernmost breakpoint on the Gold Coast, the exposed waters of this World Surfing Reserve catch strong offshore winds, serving up some of the best right-hand barrels in the country. Experienced surfers will love the adrenaline rush, but the shallower waves also make it a hotspot for beginners.
The Gold Coast had a strong showing in the top five, with Snapper Rocks landing as the fourth-best surf spot in the world. Perched on the southern tip of Rainbow Bay, this rocky outcrop is famous for its long, hollow waves and multiple barrel sections that attract pros and thrill-seekers alike.
Another standout Aussie spot to make the list was Victoria's legendary Bells Beach, which came third overall. It had the highest water cleanliness score in the country of 72.22, and also earned a five-star surf rating. Tucked between the rugged cliffs off the Great Ocean Road, Bells is known for its huge waves, tough conditions and a kind of explosively powerful break that takes a lot of your strength to ride – but if you do, you'll have the time of your life.
Over on Australia's west coast, Margaret River ranked as the world's fifth-best surfing location. This iconic surf spot roughly matched Burleigh Heads' global searches of 135,000, also scoring five stars for its surf and being the most popular on Instagram with almost a million hashtags. However, its water cleanliness score came in lower than the other Aussie beaches at 62.5. Even if you're not a surfer, you can head here to watch the annual Margaret River Pro – one of only two Australian events on the prestigious World Surf League Championship Tour
Here are the world's 10 best surfing spots
Burleigh Heads, Australia
Malibu, USA
Bells Beach, Australia
Snapper Rocks, Australia
Margaret River, Australia
Pipeline, USA
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarin Bay, Mauritius
Black Rocks, Mauritius
🏄
🧗🏾♀️
🏀
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Who is Lions' captain Maro Itoje's wife Mimi?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE British and Irish Lions embark on a world tour every four years, which kicks off against Argentina in Dublin on June 20, 2025. Here we get to know captain Maro Itoje's wife Mimi — just one of the glam WAGs attached to the squad. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Maro Itoje is married to Mimi Itoje (née Fall) Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje 3 Like her husband, Mimi works as a model Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje Who is Maro Itoje's wife Mimi? Mimi Itoje is a model and artist who is married to England rugby captain Maro Itoje. In addition to rugby, Maro sometimes also works as a model. He's appeared on the cover of Tatler alongside Lady Amelia Windsor. It's understood the couple met during a shoot. read more on maro itoje WORTH A TRY Itoje captains Lions as squad revealed with shock call up for England star, 20 She has been represented by London-based agencies including W Management. On top of her modelling career, Mimi is an artist — she creates acrylic on canvas paintings incorporating cultural themes. Maro proposed to his now-wife during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024. Mimi shared the happy news on Instagram alongside snaps of her dazzling ring, which she captioned and the caption: "Mrs I to be." Maro subsequently described the moment to the Daily Mail, saying: "We went to this beautiful aqua-safari in Ada, which is on the coast, about two hours from Accra. "It was a beautiful resort, and I popped the question there." England captain Maro Itoje hopeful for 'classy operator' Fin Smith starting against France in the Six Nations The couple married less than a month before the Lions tour kicks off on May 25, 2025. Maro celebrated the occasion by writing on social media: "Scripture says It is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. "I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!" Talented rugby family Talent runs in Maro's family — his cousin Beno Obano, who plays for Bath rugby, was born just three days apart from him. The cousins often show public support for each other, with Beno appearing on Maro's podcast titled Pearl Conversations. On the show, Maro interviews leaders and groundbreakers from various fields including music, sports, politics and art. 3 The couple tied the knot less than a month before the Lions tour kicks off Credit: Instagram/mimiitoje Maro reflected on their upbringing on Pearl Conversations, saying: "For you and I, rugby has never really been [there] when we were growing up — as you said, from when we were born to when we went to secondary school. "Before then, rugby was never really a thing for us. Coming from a Nigerian household where, if it's any sport at all, it's football. If it's not football, then it's books.""If it's not football, then it's books." Maro's Rugby career Born in Camden, London, Maro didn't pick up rugby until he was 11, discovering the sport at secondary school. Before committing to rugby, he also competed at shot put and basketball. He joined Saracens at the tender age of 17 in 2012. In 2016, Maro went on to earn his first senior England cap against Italy when he was just 21. Maro had already been part of a Lions tour, being the youngest member of the 2017 New Zealand squad at just 22. The Saracens lock was named England captain in January 2025 ahead of the Six Nations.
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Iconic Scottish road trip ranked among world's most Instagrammable destinations
It ranked an incredible fifth in the world with 694,511 Instagram mentions A breathtaking Scottish route has driven its way into the global spotlight, after being named one of the most picturesque road trips on Earth in a new study of Instagram data. The North Coast 500, a spectacular 516-mile loop through the Scottish Highlands, has been ranked fifth in the world and second in Europe by cinch, the UK's largest online used car retailer. Researchers analysed 40 iconic road trips across six continents, looking at how often each was shared on Instagram using popular hashtags. Scotland's NC500 racked up 694,511 hashtag mentions, largely under #nc500 (519,000) and #northcoast500 (175,000). Cinch said: "Completing the top five is Scotland's North Coast 500, clinching 694,511 Instagram hashtag mentions. Most tend to accompany their scenic Scottish snaps with #nc500 (519,000 uses) and #northcoast500 (175,000)." Beginning and ending in Inverness, the NC500 winds through remote beaches, majestic Munros, rugged cliffs and ancient castles. It typically takes five to seven days to complete and has earned a 4.7-star TripAdvisor rating, beloved by photographers, nature lovers and road trippers alike. But taking the top spot worldwide was a truly iconic route: Route 66. Route 66 takes first place with over 2.4 million Instagram hashtag mentions, proving that you just can't beat the classics. The legendary 2,448-mile highway connects Chicago to Los Angeles, cutting through America's heartland and offering an unforgettable blend of big cities, small towns, diners, deserts and ghost towns. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way ranked just behind at number two globally, claiming the top spot in Europe. The route boasts over 1.9 million Instagram mentions, thanks to stunning coastal images posted under hashtags like #wildatlanticway. Spanning an astonishing 1,600 miles from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, it holds the title of the world's longest defined coastal route, offering breathtaking cliffs, remote beaches and endless Atlantic views. The Wild Atlantic Way and the NC500 were the only European road trips to make the top 10, but four more bagged spots in the top 20. The Ring Road in Iceland had 295k Instagram posts, while Ireland's second entry was the Ring of Kerry with 262k. The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland (232k) and Germany's Romantic Road (42k) rounded out Europe's inclusion in the top 20. Cinch's motoring editor Sam Sheehan commented: 'There's something unmatched about exploring the world from behind the wheel – stopping when you like, chasing views, discovering unexpected places. "These drives capture the imagination of millions because they offer freedom, beauty and a bit of adventure. 'Whether you hire a car to go from Chicago to California or take your pride and joy around the NC500, a little research can help you set up the road trip of a lifetime.' The top ten most Instagrammed road trips in the world: Route 66, USA, North America – 2.4 million hashtags Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland, Europe – 1.9 million Great Ocean Road, Australia, Oceania – 1.6 million Blue Ridge Parkway, USA, North America – 722K North Coast 500, Scotland, Europe – 695K Garden Route, South Africa, Africa – 634K Carretera Austral, Chile, South America – 581K Silk Road, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & China, Asia – 512K Pacific Coast Highway, USA, North America – 453K Hana Highway, USA, North America – 431K
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Andy Carroll's ex Billi Mucklow takes savage swipe at star with sizzling bikini pic
It comes after Andy flaunted his new romance on a never-ending trip to Ibiza BIKINI BABE Andy Carroll's ex Billi Mucklow takes savage swipe at star with sizzling bikini pic Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BILLI Mucklow has given her ex-husband Andy Carroll a look at what he's missing by posing in bikini in Mallorca. The former Towie star, 37, has shared several sizzling photos online and told her followers: "Back To My Happy Place." Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Billi Mucklow has wowed in a bikini while in Majorca Credit: Instagram 5 The former Towie star has shown her ex Andy Carroll what he's missing Credit: Instagram 5 Andy has been flaunting his new romance with Lou Teasdale Credit: Instagram In the snaps, Billi is clutching a glass of white wine in her hand and beaming at the camera while paddling in a private swimming pool. Billi's caption appears to be taking a swipe at the former Newcastle and West Ham ace, who she split with last summer. During the couple's turbulent two-year marriage, Billi had jetted out to Mallorca with her girl friends to let her hair down. She was joined on the trip by her former Towie co-stars Georgia Kousoulou and Shelby Tribble - and it came days after The Sun revealed Andy had been "dirty dancing" with a DJ at a house party. At the time, Georgia shared some pics of the girls' holiday and told her followers: "Our first 24 hours back in our happy place." Billi also appears to be shrugging off Andy's shock decision to take his new girlfriend, Lou Teasdale, to Mallorca on their first holiday together. Last October, Andy whisked Lou to the Spanish island to celebrate her 41st birthday. His split with Billi, which came after they had been together for 11 years, had only been revealed a very short while beforehand. While in Mallorca, the couple packed on the PDA as they rolled around on a sun lounger while kissing. But it is clear Billi is refusing to let Andy's antics with Lou taint her feelings towards her "happy place". Former England striker Andy Carroll openly kissed and cuddled new girlfriend Lou Teasdale at the sun-kissed Balneario Beach Club in Mallorca Commenting on her new photos, Towie star Chloe Meadows told Billi: "Wow! You look incredible!!" Danielle Armstrong added: "Yes you look insane fire🔥." Another of Billi's followers even wrote: "Best thing ya done girl getting shot of him!!! 🔥🔥😍." Earlier this month, The Sun told how rising tensions between Billi and Andy are set to explode after he flaunted his romance with Lou on a never-ending Ibiza break. While Andy was away, Billi was holding the fort at home - looking after their three children and his two children from a previous relationship. A source told us: "Everyone thinks Andy is acting like an utter p***k and is making himself look like a total fool posting so many sexy shots with Lou - who he moved on with alarmingly quickly after separating from the mother of his kids. 'While he is off galavanting around the party island, posting all these snaps that scream 'we are having hot sex!', Billi is at home looking after not only their children, but his two kids from a previous relationship with ex-fiancee Faye Johnstone. 'It's a silent gut-punch to Billie, who is an angel and adores the kids - looking after them and protecting them from this circus is her number one priority. "To her it's second nature to be there for them and to be their caregiver." Andy is now based in France after signing for Championnat National 2 club Bordeaux. Billi is living with the children in Essex. The former couple married in 2022. During his stag do, Andy was pictured passed out on a bed with two women. This month, Andy and Billi's home went under offer for a seven-figure sum after being listed for £8.5million. 5 Andy and Billi's split was announced last October
