Flat Rock Ballina is a well-known surf spot located on the New South Wales coast. It features a unique mix of a basalt reef and point break. The area is best surfed with a decent covering of sand, which is usually pushed in by the summer north-easterly winds. The surf scene here can be appealing, particularly for those looking for some righthanders, but it has its challenges and is more suited for intermediate surfers. The vibe is pretty laid back, making it a cool place to hang and catch some waves.

The optimal swell direction at Flat Rock is south-east, with the spot handling swell sizes up to about 3ft (around 1 meter). It’s best suited for favourable wind from the west, and you can expect the waves breaking predominantly right over a mix of rock ledge and sand. Some lefts can be found on the Angels Beach side, which are shorter and sharper, often preferred by bodyboarders. The waves can wall up nicely with straight east-southeast swells, but be aware that it can get a bit trickier around the corner at Lennox Head.

While you enjoy your surf, keep in mind that the sea life can be a bit alarming; this stretch is known to have a fair share of sharks. There’s also a good campsite just behind the point, which offers a nice spot for surfers wanting to camp out after a day on the waves.