The Great Ocean Road and region has some of the world surfing
professionals' favourite surf spots. Most famous of all is
internationally renowned Bells Beach, home to the annual Rip Curl
Pro event as part of the Association of Surfing Professionals world
tour.
The coastline from Point Lonsdale to the 12 Apostles has surf
spots dotted along it. You get a clue when the surf is
pumping when certain car parks along the Great Ocean Road are full
of local tradesmen's vans and utes - having downed tools for the
day to capitalise on the good conditions.
As well as the pounding surf at beaches like Bells and Johanna,
there are some more sheltered coves and bays with gentler waves
terrific for beginners or for taking a surfing lesson with a local
company.
Many of the beaches are patrolled in Summer, and lifesavers can
give advice on local breaks, reefs, tides and currents.
Please visit the Beach Safe website for more information by
clicking here.
Torquay, at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road, was the
birthplace of surf culture. The leading surf brands of Rip
Curl and Quiksliver were established here more than 30 years ago
and are now global market leaders in clothing and equipment for
surf, snow and adventure sports. They still have a large
presence in town with the Surf City Plaza retail facility on the
highway full of surf stores and there are a number of factory
outlets nearby offering fashion, accessories and equipment
bargains.