Top Surfing Destinations in Victoria

Victoria’s almost 2,000-kilometer stretch of coastline is peppered with spectacular surf beaches. From Melbourne toward the east, you have Gippsland and Phillip Island. To the south are Mornington Peninsula (southeast) and Bellarine Peninsula (southwest). Toward the west, on the Great Ocean Road. In Gippsland, visit Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island. Catch the waves on the island’s highest point against a pink granite backdrop. The island has been recently recognized and named a National Surfing Reserve. The rough surf of Woolamai will test your mettle on the surfboard. Since, you’re on the island, much also drop by Smiths Beach. Smiths Beach is an ideal jump-off for beginner surfers.

Best Surf Beaches

Bells Beach, Torquay

Bells Beach, 100 km southwest of Melbourne, is the most famous surf destination and the venue of Australia’s oldest and most professional surf competition, the Rip Curl Pro. The beach is an exposed reef and point break with excellent right-hand breaks. Nearby surf breaks include Winkipop, Rincon, Southside, and Centreside.The famous Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition held here over the Easter weekend is a must-visit for avid surfing enthusiasts. It is truly an exciting experience to watch the world’s best surfers battle it out as you’re rooting for your favorite to come out as the winner. Besides being a popular surfing destination, Bells beach is also loved for its scenic landscape. You can witness many vantage points from the cliff that make for an unforgettable sightseeing experience and beautiful pictures.

Johanna Beach

Located about 35 kilometres west of Apollo Bay, Johanna Beach is considered a surfing paradise due to its large swells. It has left and proper breaks on the steeply sloping ocean floor, Castle Cove, and a wide variety of reefs. It offers perfect settings for the rapid jump in size. It is often used as a backup venue for Rip Curl if the adverse conditions at Pro Bell Beach are.

Other than surfing, you can enjoy fishing here, particularly for salmon. It is not a very safe place to go swimming. You can get to Johanna Beach by car by taking the loop road off Great Ocean Road.

Warrnambool Beach

Warrnambool boasts a range of beach breaks at Japs, The Flume, Levy’s Beach and Port Fairy. Lady Bay is the leading destination for swimming, surfing and sailing due to excellent conditions and its proximity to the city centre. Unlike most beaches, where conditions are more conducive for only professional surfing, this is a haven for surfers with less experience. The beach-break waves here flow in both directions, and the waves don’t get very big or powerful. Lifesavers patrol in summer.

Black Nose Point, Portland

Black Nose Point is a 20-meter-high basalt headland that is part of the 400-meter east-facing beach. The somewhat exposed point break has consistent surf and clean groundswells. The beach breaks here are usually low and can be surfed at low tide. But the long proper hand breaks that form over the reef make it very popular. It has a rocky landscape, making it a definite no-no for swimmers to explore but great for experienced surfers. Currently, this area is not under patrolling.

Gibson Steps

Gibson Steps located near the 12 Apostles limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park is another popular attraction of the Great Ocean Road. It is a picturesque location making the surfing experience all the more memorable. As you ride on the A-frame waves, the view of the beautiful cliffs around will leave you mesmerised. This is another beach best suited for professionals due to the conditions and absence of lifeguards patrolling the area.

Easter Reef

Easter Reef, located along the 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road, is another popular destination for experienced surfers. The waves here can get pretty rough and massive. You may find these easy to manage from the shore, but the actual test is when you’re in the middle of it. That’s precisely why amateur surfers are barred here but riding these waves gives an exhilarating high for the pros.

Apollo Bay, Cape Otway

Apollo Bay comes to your rescue if you are upset over the lack of beaches for less-experienced surfers. It is ideal for surfing irrespective of the experience level. It has a point break with reasonably consistent surf. If you are a beginner, choose the safer havens at Apollo Bay, where you can avoid stormy conditions and unruly waves. The beaches attract many crowds, most of which are patrolled in summer. I you are a beginner at surfing or a pro, you need to know the local breaks, rips, reefs, tides and currents well. Make sure you ask the lifesaver to guide you. Your Great Ocean Road Tour guide will point out the lifeguards on duty.

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