Artificial reef to turn Albany beach into surfing hotspot

By: Lisa Cook 

Construction of an artificial surf reef at Middleton Beach is almost complete, which will create a consistent, surfable wave for keen surfers, close to the city centre. 

The Southern Ocean Surf Reef is expected to be a major drawcard for locals and visitors, with surfable waves expected all year round, particularly in winter.  

It will provide a safe location for beginners and junior surfers to catch a wave, compared to other Albany breaks like Mutton Bird and Nanarup, which are less accessible for young surfers. 

The reef also gives Albany an opportunity to be recognised as a top surfing spot in the Great Southern region and attract surfing events, like Margaret River. 

Located around 145 metres offshore, the reef will be made of large granite boulders placed on the seabed floor. It will be 165 metres long, with a total footprint of around 16,000 square metres.  

Waves of 0.5 to 0.6 metres high during low tide are predicted to break on the artificial surf reef, a minimum of 41 per cent of the year. 

The reef will create a left-hand wave, with surfing rides of up to 100 metres during average conditions expected. 

Construction of the reef began in January 2025 and is due for completion in mid-June 2025.

The $11.5 million project has been funded by the State and Federal Government, City of Albany and Albany Boardriders Club. 

The reef is located around 150 metres north of the Surfers beach carpark at Middleton Beach.