Batavia Coast
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Positives
- Powerful swells
- World-class spots
- Break variety
- Uncrowded
Negatives
- Howling summer winds
- Long paddles to reefs
- 4WD and all supplies required
- Desert dangers
Batavia Coast surf travel guide
500km north of Perth The Gibson Desert and The Great Sandy Desert conspire with a rugged, dangerous coastline to remind surfers of their human frailties. Geraldton and Kalbarri form twin outposts of civilisation where a hardy crew of locals ride epic offshore reefs, which can be quite sensitive to the constant swell and strong winds. Knowing where and when is half the battle. Knowing your limitations is the other.
Surf spots in Batavia Coast
Research the 10 surf breaks in Batavia Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Batavia Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Batavia Coast
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Batavia Coast.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 2,589,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
From Perth (PER) to Geraldton takes just over an hour to fly with Qantas, Virgin, AirNZ or Alliance Airlines (fr AU$230 o/w). Drive the 420km in just under 5hr or sit on a Transwa bus for 6hrs (AU$55-75 o/w).
Getting Around
Main scenic road and secondary “sealed” roads are good, but many spots require heavy-duty 4WD and full supplies. To surf remote peaks over the sand dunes and rocks, be ultra-prepared. Driving speed is slow and beware of animals.
Accommodation
Kalbarri is a popular resort and gets filled quickly during vacations. It offers anything from resorts (Kalbarri Reef Villas) to self-catering (Seafront Villas), pubs (Motor Hotel) and dorms (Kalbarri Backpackers YHA). A meal would be $20. The crayfish are fantastic and cheap.
Activities
In Kalbarri, Murchison River inland gorges and the Rainbow Jungle are good visits. To swim with dolphins, go to Monkey Mia, 4h north. In Geraldton, don’t miss the Museum (shipwreck stuff). Because of a mutiny aboard the Batavia in 1629, 2 sailors were dumped ashore, briefly becoming the first white men in Australia.
Hazards & hassles
Despite abundant sea life (Tiger, Bronze Whaler and Mako sharks), reef cuts and powerful waves are the real aquatic threats. Be fully prepared for desert survival… the wrong decision could jeopardise your life! Insects and snakes are plentiful. Population is low but many are hard-core surfers, so remain humble and wait your turn. If the locals aren’t surfing the main spots, then there is probably a good reason.
Handy Hints
You need a gun for winter. There are 3 shops in Geraldton and 1 in Kalbarri. Don't paddle out at the banner spots (Jakes) unless you are very confident that you have the required skills to make the heavy drops and race the barrel without getting in anyone's way.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.