Surfing Spots You Can’t Miss on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is without doubt the most beautiful and the most popular seawall drive in Australia. It is over 240 kilometers long and is located on the coastline of Victoria. The surfers’ paradise it is, with a myriad of surf locations having every type of waves imaginable, set against the background of exquisite terrains, rich greenery, and beautiful coastal villages. This is a detailed guide on the best surfing locations along the great ocean road as well as the rest of the things you need to pack for your excursion, whether to tackle the biggest swells or to merely visit the nice beaches and beautiful places along the roads.

The Great Ocean Road is not only about the ocean and the waves – it is an extra ordinary experience of the nature and the culture of the country. On this stretch of coastline you will find great sites like the Twelve Apostles, walk in an old eucalyptus temperate rain forest and learn about shipwreck history of the area. Starting from the surfing city of Torquay to the rugged cliffs of Port Campbell, there is an adventure waiting at every bend in the road.


Surfing the Iconic Bells Beach

Australia’s surfing history cannot be spoken of without reference to Bells Beach which is found about a city from Torquay. The beach has some of the best rights and swells found anywhere, and it is quite famous as it’s one of the surf spots where you can find_many surfers. Bells Beach is where the Rip Curl Pro, the oldest professional surfing event on Earth, operated every Easter for so many years takes place. These consist of nice, rolling, long waves that are perfect for intermediate and up levels wishing to take up some challenge.

While Bells Beach is a surfing destination, it also embodies the surf culture that has come to define the area. Apart from thorough enjoyment of the ocean, the Southern views make it also a good place for fans who want to watch the sports from the cliff top perspective. Even if you’re not surfing, the area around Bells Beach is worth your time with its exciting sites for grabs that include cliff walkways to san other famous surfing areas such as Winkipop.

Key Points:

  • Target audience: intermediate to advanced level surfers
  • Timing: Autumn and winter offer the best swells
  • Things to do nearby: Torquay Surf City Plaza, Surf World Museum, Erskine Falls, Anglesea River

Winkipop – A Local Favorite

A little ahead near Bells Beach is Winkipop which is a hot spot for the locals. With unforgiving waves and fast hollow windy breaks, Winkipop does earn its name. This surf spot tends to not be as crowded as Bells, and gives the more experienced surfers a chance to ride bigger and better waves more constantly. The surf break at Winkipop has a shallow reef and develops right and left-handers and a serious take off with nice smooth shoulder.

Of course, for those not involved in surfing, the surf action is very impressive and it is an enjoyable site to see surfers performing on their boards. The elevated area is every photographers’ dream and every picture depicts fierce waves hitting the coastline along with the exotic vegetation of the bush-communities.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for: Advanced surfers
  • Best time: All year, but with more frequency in autumn and winter swells
  • Nearby Attractions: Bells Beach, Torquay Suf City Plaza, Memorial Arch

Johanna Beach – Wild and Remote

A little driving further down the Great Ocean Road where the throngs and tourist traps do not reach is Johanna’s Beach. This section of the coastline is famous for its rugged and wild appearance and difficult waves. Johanna Beach has shifted to a more extreme surf match with its hard beach breaks mixed with erratic sea swells. It is also commonly referred to and used when holding competitions during Bells Beach lacks powder.

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Johanna Beach is framed by the undulating hills and farmlands, which makes it even more beautiful with the crashing waves of the Southern Ocean. This beaches best suits those who wish to venture into less populated areas and enjoy the unadulterated beauty of the Great Ocean Road. If you find you have enough time to spare, then do make a side trip to the forests of Cape Otway and hike around Aire River and Blanket Bay.

Key Features:

  • Which users are able to: Intermediate to advanced surfers
  • Best time: Winter, when the swells are at their most consistent
  • Nearby Attractions: Cape Otway Lightstation, Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park

Torquay – The Birthplace of Australian Surfing

The town of Torquay is often dubbed the Australian ‘town of surfing’, and it is not hard to understand why. Given the abundance of surf spots to suit a wide range of surfing abilities, it would be a safe launching pad for any surfing adventure along the Great Ocean Road. For beginners, Torquay Surf Beach has nice small waves while for experienced surfers, one can always head to Point Danger where stronger and more fierce waves can be ridden. The town is also a host to some of the well-known surfing brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver.

In case you have little or no experience in surfboarding, there are several places, or surf schools where they offer classes and rent out some gears. If you want to experience the surfing culture there is an incredible Surf World Museum that exhibits surf history from Australia and across the world. At the end of the fair weather, if you have been riding the waves, do take a walk around the busy streets inhabited by a number of desserts shops and numerous cafes and eat out places that serve fresh seafood grab with the Southern Ocean view.

Key Features:

  • Target audience: Advanced, novice and beginner surfers.
  • Seasons: Beginners are best suited to spring & summer while autumn & winter seasons usually suit the seasoned surfers.
  • Places close to it: Bells Beach, Winkipop, Anglesea River, Erskine Falls, etc.

Lorne – Surfing with a View

Lorne is not only the surfer’s paradise but also a quaint beach town with stunning sights and easy pace life. Mellow long waves suitable for longboarders as well as newbies out learning to surf at Lennie Lennie’s point break. There is also a lot to do on land in Lorne as there is a vibrant culture, delicious seafood and natural attractions like the Erskine and Sheoak Falls.

For those wishing to escape the surf, there are numerous walking routes and sightseeing roads within the town. Teddy’s Lookout is highly recommended, as it offers stunning views of the spacous gorge and filled with trees, with beautiful and lush green hills in the background. Due to its beach beaches, relaxing atmosphere and interesting interesting culture, Lorne is an indispensable part of every Great Ocean Road trip.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for: Beginners and longboard riders
  • Best time: Spring and summer
  • Nearby Attractions: Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, Teddy’s Lookout, Great Otway National Park

Fairhaven Beach – For the Adventurous Surfer

The Fairhaven Beach is wide and has a long mild sand stretch but due to the prevailing strong prevailing winds, the waves become monstrous and the surf turns intense. Situated very close to the small town of Aireys Inlet, this beach is great for serious surfers who wish to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some surfing. Fairhaven is one of the longest also, Primary attractions of Fairhaven beach, there is within ample space around the beach enabling you to stretch and find your ideal break.

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Further Eastern View has a lovely area with number of attractive lookouts on the coast and there are numerous picturesque photographs with the traditional Memorial Arch Structure. This place, besides the picture of water and air, is also adorned by lovely rugged cliffs and nice coast lines.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for: Intermediaries to advanced surfers
  • Best time: Winter for bigger swells
  • Nearby Attractions: Aireys Inlet, Memorial Arch, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Anglesea – Perfect for Families and Beginners

Anglesea is a friendly and relaxed beach town where every family member can also die of boring from the many variations of the waves – the more gentle the more extreme the waves are available for surf. Anglesea Main surf Beach offers kids and novices gentle beach breaks while intermediate surfers can brave Point Roadknight’s strong waves. Various surf schools are also available in the municipality, which is another reason why Anglesea, is a great place to start or advance surfing.

Anglesea in itself is not just about surfing; further to this is the Anglesea river and the spectacular cliffs at the coast worth a visit. If you still have energy left after all the surfing, you can enjoy some local wildlife and beautiful scenery along the walking paths. Alternatively, you can cool off by visiting the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery after a long day in the sun and surf.

Key Features:

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  • Best time: Summer for beginners, throughout the year for other surfers.
  • Nearby Attractions: Blue Lord River, Point Roadknight, Memorial Arch, Surf World.

Apollo Bay – A Picturesque Surfing Destination

It has beautiful beaches, green hills and low waves; hence it is well built for surfing for any kind of surfer. In the middle of the town is the main surf beach that has soft, and almost flat, waves that can be very ideal for the beginners and intermediate levels. The town itself is a quite economical beach resort with variety of hotels, bistros and shops as a launch point on Sir Ocean Road.

When in Apollo Bay, don’t forget to drive to Maits Rest Rainforest Walk and capture the temperate rainforest or move to Cape Otway for the lightstation. If you would like to surf and observe wildlife, then you should visit the Kennett River which has many wild koalas that can be spotted in their natural habitat while on the Great Ocean Road.

Key Features:

  • Ideal for: Novice and intermediate riders
  • Best season: Early spring to autumn
  • Nearby Attractions: Cape Otway Lightstation, Kennett River, Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, Cumberland River

Port Campbell – Surfing Along the Shipwreck Coast

Port Campbell cliffs are steep and the waves are large making this area an extreme place for adventure surfers. There are notable limestone stacks and a dramatic coastline where this area is well known, and the surfs are difficult but pleasant at the end. In Gibson Steps, one can go for a less crowded surf where the scenic Twelve Apostles and the Southern Ocean make a perfect backdrop.

If surf-induced exhaustion settles in, the small township of Port Campbell offers many options for things to do, including visiting the nearby Port Campbell National Park with many famous sights to see such as Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Bay of Martyrs. It is a perfect combination of leaping over waves and sightseeing gained among the most eye pleasing views through the drive.

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Key Features:

  • Suitable for: All levels of surfers
  • Best time: September to April
  • Nearby Attractions: Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, Bay of Islands coastal park, London Arch, Twelve Apostles

Cape Otway – Surfing at the Edge of the World

The beaches near Cape Otway have some of the most inaccessible and isolated surfing beaches along Oregons Coast. The terrain is characterized by steep cliffs topped with temperate rainforest creating the perfect place to surf without the crowds. The waves here can be rugged but the beautiful environment and stunning vistas make the pain worthwhile.

When tired of riding the waves, take a trip to historical sites such as Cape Otway Lightstation, one of Australia’s oldest identified lighthouses, situated on a cliff and offering breath taking views of the coast. A short distance from Cape Otway is Maits Rest Nature Walk and Triplet Falls – both are a good opportunity to experience the humid, ancient eucalyptus forests and exotic birds.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for: Intermediate/advanced surfers
  • Best time: Any time of the year depending on the conditions
  • Nearby Attractions of the destination: Cape Otway Lightstation, Triplet Falls, Maits Rest, Blanket Bay

Conclusion

Great Ocean Road in Australia is not just a fun drive – it is a paradise for surfers. From the world-renowned Bells Beach to the unspoilt beauty of Johanna Beach, there is something for everyone. I believe this coastal stretch is a delight for all the surf lovers. If it is the excitement of a powerful break that you seek or picturesque views and pristine beaches you want to relax on – this strip of shores is for a visit.

It is no wonder the Great Ocean Road and its landscape have earned a reputation as one of the iconic road trips in Australia given the long stretch that packs a variety of great surfing spots, lovely seaside towns, and natural marvels. Grab your board, map the route to travel and experience the best the coastline has to offer.

FAQs

When is the best time of year to surf on the Great Ocean Road?

It is during autumn and winter season that surfing in Great ocean road is more favorable as the waves are generally consistent and the crowds smaller. On the other side of the argument, spring and summer may be more suited to novices as conditions tend to be calmer.

Can a beginner surf at Bells Beach with its bigger waves?

Bells Beach is, however, a more advanced surfing destination due to the huge surfing waves and risky currents. It is best for beginners to try out the area of Torquay or Anglesea where the conditions are a little more forgiving.

What famous spots can you see on the Great Ocean Road?

In addition to these breathtaking surfing areas, also do not forget to explore then amazing sights like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Cape Otway Lightstation. While the Memorial Arch at Eastern View makes a decent stop for photographs.

Are there places to stay nearby the top surfing locations?

Yes, there are ample lodging facilities along the Great Ocean Road with options like holiday parks, caravan parks, boutique hotels and quaint beach cottages. Lots of options are also available in towns like Torquay, Lorne and Apollo bay.

What should I bring for surfing on the Great Ocean Road?

A nice wetsuit is definitely known to be the best option since the water can be quite chilly during the summer months. You will need your surfboard/suits, some sunscreen as well as a camera to take advantage of the sceneries. It’s also good to check surf conditions and times for beaches before going out.

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