Killalea Beach, NSW: Why is surfing at the Farm so good?

Killalea Beach, NSW: Why is surfing at the Farm so good?

Just south of Shellharbour, Killalea Beach – aka the Farm – catches the predominant southern swells. Hence surfers love camping in the Killalea Reserve and catching the morning waves.

Killalea Beach, between Shellharbour and Kiama in New South Wales, is one of the most famous surfing beaches in Australia. Known by locals as the Farm, Killalea has been a national surfing reserve since 2009.

Why is Killalea Beach, NSW, so good for surfing?

Surfing at Killalea Beach is special because the Farm faces south to south-east. This is highly unusual for the normally east-facing New South Wales coast. It means the predominant south swell that runs along the coastline piles straight onto the beach.

Killalea Beach, New South Wales
Killalea Beach – aka the Farm – is one of the best surf beaches in New South Wales. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Surfing at the Farm, Killalea

That said, surfing conditions at the Farm beach, Killalea are at their best with a south-easterly swell. There are left and right breaks at the beach. The surf is fairly consistent, although it tends to be flatter during the summer months.

Another part of Killalea Beach’s appeal is that it is surrounded by the gorgeous bushland of the Killalea Reserve and Killalea State Park.

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It’s possible to take surfing lessons at the Farm, Killalea. Pines Surfing Academy runs day trips to the Killalea State Park from Wollongong. These Shellharbour surfing tours include a pair of two hour surf lessons, wetsuits, surf boards and a barbecue lunch. The lessons are handled by a qualified surfing coach.

Killalea Beach accommodation

If you want to go camping in the Killalea Reserve, then the best Killalea accommodation option is Reflections Killalea Reserve. This Shellharbour caravan park has several large, grassy camping sites, plus a solid array of activities and facilities.

You can easily stop for a night or two at Reflections Killalea Reserve on the drive from Sydney to Ulladulla, or Sydney to Mollymook.

More New South Wales travel

Go fishing, birdwatching or swimming at Yarramundi Reserve on the Grose River

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Stay at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal in Terrigal on the Central Coast.

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Stay at the Milton Park Country House Hotel in Bowral, the Southern Highlands.