Johanna Beach

Johanna Beach is in the heart of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, a nature lovers’ paradise and adventure seekers’ haven. This part of the Great Otway National Park has a stunning beach that is famous for its views, waves and tranquility. Johanna Beach is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lets you experience the real Victoria Coast.

History

Johanna Beach has a long history tied to the local indigenous and European settlement. The Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara people have been in this area for thousands of years. They shaped the area’s cultural landscape through their traditional knowledge of the land and sea. In the 19th century, European settlers came for the natural resources and scenic views. Over the years, Johanna Beach has become a tourist destination, balancing its history with modern needs.

Surrounding Area

The area around Johanna Beach is just as beautiful as the beach itself. The Great Otway National Park provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures with its rainforests and thousands of acres of forest. There are several tracks to choose from depending on your preference, from easy walks to challenging hikes with views and glimpses of nature at its best in this region. The park has headlands and wattle grassland, making it a great spot for photography.

Other attractions in the area include Cape Otway Lightstation, which is historic, where you can see into maritime history with views of the Southern Ocean. There are also some great beach drives along the Victoria coast between Cape Otway and Port Fairy if you want to head further south from here. Lavers Hill is a pretty town that can be used as a base depending on what you need while travelling, as it has all the local facilities and eating spots.

Surfing

Johanna Beach is a surfer’s paradise because it has great surfing conditions with beach breaks and fast jumps. Wave conditions here offer options for beginners and experienced surfers as the waves are less crowded than popular beaches like Bells Beach. Average wave size and gentle waves make it good for surfing and Johanna Beach has some waves sizes for the advanced surfers.

The beach hosts a number of surf competitions including the local Classic so many surfers come from other areas. For those new to the sport there are surfing lessons and equipment hire at Johanna Beach so everyone can get in the water.

Events & Competitions

Throughout the year there are various events and competitions held on this beach including local surf comps and community gatherings. The Johanna Beach Classic is one of them where it attracts competitors from all over Western Victoria and beyond. The beach is also used as a location for filming various types of media for surfing thereby making it one of the most popular spots for surfers worldwide.

Fishing & Tours

Also, Johanna Beach is a popular fishing spot with camping grounds for fishing trips or coastal explorations along the coastline. Aire River and Station Beach are nearby and offer good fishing and other outdoor activities. For those who want to fish in peace or explore the southern coast and make their adventure enjoyable, options are available both within and outside of Johanna Beach itself.
Experience Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne! Explore Johanna Beach for fishing, camping, and stunning coastal views while enjoying the great outdoors.

Swimming

For its clear waters and gentle waves Johanna Beach is a great spot to swim. Although the beach is not patrolled it can be a refreshing escape into the Southern Ocean. This beautiful beach is perfect for a family day at the beach as it’s beautiful and has friendly accommodation options.

Camping

Johanna Beach Campground has 25 unpowered camping sites where you can camp right near the beach. For a comfortable camping experience the campground has non-flush toilets and drinking water. There are also accessible toilet cubicles and facilities for people with disabilities. The campground offers outdoor activities on the beach or in the surrounding area.

Nearby towns such as Lavers Hill and Apollo Bay have various accommodation options. These places have different options for friendly accommodation, including Discovery Holiday Parks or Beach Villas United, depending on your budget or preference. For a more luxurious experience, Apollo Bay Ridge has stunning views and great amenities.

Other places near Johanna Beach

Besides Johanna Beach, there are several other places nearby. Nearby beaches include Station Beach and Castle Cove & Wreck, which are beautiful beaches with different things to see. If you’re interested in historical sites, then Distillery Creek Upper Day Visitor Area is a good spot to learn about the history of the area by looking at the historical information boards here. Also, Hopkins River – Aire River West campground has more outdoor activities or relaxation.