Urquhart Bluff is a beautiful beach in Victoria. It is located east of Airey’s Inlet along the Great Ocean Road tour. The best time to visit is when the tide is low to explore the reef. You can walk among the rockpools and see marine life. Enjoy a serene stroll with the vast Southern Ocean beside you. This coastline is untouched and pristine.
Urquhart Bluff can be found on the Great Ocean Road
The coastline of Victoria stretches 243km and is known for its numerous pristine beaches, ideal for surfing and swimming.
At Fairhaven, along the route, you’ll come across the scenic Urquhart Bluff. This area features eroding bluffs, limestone cliffs, and rugged reefs along the coastline. The bluffs range in height from 20m-50m and are surrounded by 12 beautiful exposed beaches. These beaches exude a wild atmosphere with their rocky outcrops and impressive headlands.
The first five beaches can be accessed from Urquhart Bluff, a well-known formation in the region. You can reach them by climbing down the less-steep bluffs surrounding Urquhart or going through the rocks at low tide. Golden sands and turquoise waters characterise the beaches.
Reaching Urquhart Bluff and its beaches is possible by car, as there is a car park at the bluff, or by using the beach access tracks at the Point Road Knight end of the shoreline.
The beaches in this area are well-known for their exceptional surf conditions. The waves can reach up to 1.3m; however, due to the presence of rocks and reefs, only specific areas are designated for surfing.
Urquhart Bluff South Beach is a 200m stretch of sand located directly below the bluff. It has a wide surf zone and is popular among avid surfers due to its consistent rip against the reef and headland. However, there may be more suitable locations for beginner surfers. Alternatively, you can observe the swells and breaks from the top of Urquhart Bluff, even during high tide.
Fishing is a popular activity in this coastal region, but it needs to be considered for tides and rocky areas. Many bays and coves here have reef gutters, making them suitable for fishing. However, the waves can be substantial due to the southerly rip.
Swimming is not advised at these beaches due to their remote location and rocky terrain. However, the unique scenery is truly remarkable, particularly when viewed from the top of Urquhart Bluff.
Surfing at Urquhart Bluff
The surf breaks around 1-1.5 metres in front of the parking area at the southern part of the beach. This is the most popular spot for surfing, as the beach extends uninterrupted for kilometres to the northeast. There is plenty of space, although the best waves can be found at the southern point of Urqhart Bluff Beach.
After reaching the southern point, several additional beaches lead to Fairhaven Beach. These spots can be accessed through car parks on top of the cliffs in Aireys Inlet, by paddling there, or by taking a long trail traversing over and around the back of Urquhart Bluff.
The coastline from Urqhart Bluff South to Fairhaven is characterised by numerous reefs and rocks, creating decent waves during mid-tide. However, these areas are also hazardous, difficult to reach, and not monitored by lifeguards.
The average surfer at Urquhart Bluff Beach is typically experienced. While some surf schools are in the area, it may not be the best beach for beginners due to the size and power of the waves.
Beginners can return along the Great Ocean Road to either Anglesea or Torquay, where they can rent surfboards or take lessons. Both of these locations have beaches that are suitable for individuals with limited experience.
Surfers seeking more giant waves than those at Urquhart Bluff can attempt Bells Beach or Southside, a renowned surfing destination in the country and conveniently located to the east.
Fish from anywhere - beach, rocks, or boat
A diverse range of fish can be found near the shore at Urquhart Bluff Beach and in the surrounding rocks, wells, and reefs located beyond the point at the beach’s southern end.
When casting from the beach, it is expected to catch Salmon, Gummy Sharks, Whiting, and Flatheads. If you have a boat or fish from the rocks near the point, you may encounter a greater variety of fish hiding in the rocks and reefs. It is important to note that fishing from the rocks can be dangerous during high tide or rough weather.
A boat ramp is located approximately five kilometres east at Point Roadknight, although it requires a 4×4 vehicle and suitable conditions to use it safely. Fishing is also possible at Point Roadknight, where the waves are considerably calmer.
Directions to Urquhart Bluff parking
To find Urquhart Bluff, travel west on the Great Ocean Road from Anglesea, and you’ll find signs for Urquhart Bluff a few minutes after leaving town.
If you are travelling from Melbourne or Geelong, it is recommended to go directly to Anglesea instead of starting at the Great Ocean Road in Torquay. This will save you approximately 15 minutes; the drive is equally scenic. Similarly, Urquhart Bluff is located just as you exit Aireys Inlet if you are heading east along the Great Ocean Road.
There is a spacious parking lot and amenities conveniently located near the beach.
If you have enough time, you can walk to Urquhart Bluff on the Surf Coast Walk trail, which stretches from Torquay to Fairhaven Beach and passes through Urquhart Bluff.
Towns near Urquhart Bluff
Anglesea is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the seaside. Visitors can enjoy exploring the variety of eateries and activities in this welcoming area.
Urquhart Bluff is a potential stop if you take a scenic coastal walk from Torquay to Fairhaven.
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