What Can I Do, Fishing, Jan Juc, Great Ocean Road and Region, Victoria, Australia

What can't you do? That would be a shorter list. There are attractions, activities, events and features throughout the region to suit all ages and interest groups. From theme parks for children to adventure sports for adrenaline junkies. From gourmet food and wine experiences to bushwalking through campsites. From a simple dip in the ocean to a luxurious spa retreat. There really is something for everyone.

Things to See & Do

Fishing

Torquay

Torquay Tackle & Sports

Located in Torquay on the Surfcoast, at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay Tackle & Sports is your local provider of fishing tackle, bait, rods, reels, diving and boating equipment. With many places to go surf fishing, river fishing and boat fishing around the region the Surfcoast offers some diverse fishing. Come in and see the fantastic range of gear, and chat to one of the friendly staff about fishing in the region. Major brands are stocked such as: - Okuma - Rapala - Abu Garcia - Shogun Tackle - Mercury Marine - Land & Sea Sports - Gotcha Bait & Burley

Torquay

Torquay Fishing

When one of the local patches of sand becomes known as Fishermans Beach you know you’re in an area worth throwing a line in. Surf fishing from the beach is the most popular, with some good spots around the creek mouths and near Birdrock at Jan Juc. Regular catches in the area include snapper, trevally, whiting, mullet, salmon, bream and flathead. Taking a boat out to the deeper water just offshore can be rewarded with sharks and barracouta.

Lorne

Lorne Fishing

The best fishing spots in Lorne include Reedy Creek, Loutit Bay, Lorne Pier and Lorne Beach. There are also some opportunities for freshwater fishing in the hinterland areas. Fishing licenses are available at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre.

Beaches

Jan Juc

Addiscot Beach - Bells Beach

Addiscot Beach is a 1.8 km long, curving, south-east facing beach, bordered and rimmed by red, slumping cliffs composed of unconsolidated sands and clays. The cliffs reach 80 m high toward the eastern Jarosite Headland. A road from the Great Ocean Road runs out to the southern Point Addis, where there is a car park and a track down the 20 m high bluffs to the southern end of the beach. The beach is an official Optional Dress (nude) Beach. The beach receives waves averaging 1 to 1.5 m, that increase in height toward Jarosite Headland. The waves and fine sand produce a low beach with a continuous bar, which is increasingly cut by rips to the north. Swimming The southern corner is the safest, as it has lower waves and is usually free of rips. Be very careful up the beach, as both the rips and cliffs are hazardous. Surfing There are beach breaks right along the beach, that increase toward Jarosite Headland. Fishing Best off the rocks at Point Addis. However, watch the waves that wash over the rocks at high tide. General An interesting beach and view, with the southern corner being the most protected with the safest surf and cliffs. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 20 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarentee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life. Beach

Jan Juc

Southside - Bells Beach

Southside Beach is located on the southern side of Bells Headland. Unlike its neighbour, Southside is composed of finer sand and has a wide beach and surf zone, with rocks only outcropping toward the northern end of the beach. The beach is 1 km long, lying between Bells and Jarosite Headlands. It is backed by an amphitheatre of slumped sands and clays, that forms an eroding, 10 m high bluff and cobble storm beach along the back of the sand. It faces the south-east and receives waves averaging 1.5 m. Combined with the fine sand, these produce a wide surf zone, usually containing a permanent rip against each headland and one to two rips toward the centre. The road to Bells Beach runs past the northern end of the beach and there is a cliff-top car park on Bells Headland, with a walking track down to the beach. The beach is also an official Optional Dress (nude) Beach. Swimming This is a potentially hazardous beach, with permanent rips and some rocks in the surf. Stay inshore on the bar and well clear of the rocks and headlands. Surfing The best known breaks are at the headlands, with a left called Southside off Bells Headland, and Jarraside out from the southern end of the beach. Fishing There are deep rip gutters off the headlands, as well as beach holes and gutters. General An energetic and potentially hazardous beach, fine for sunbathing but be careful if swimming. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 20 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 7 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Jan Juc

Jan Juc Beach

Jan Juc Beach is located immediately south of Torquay and is a little more exposed, receiving waves averaging 1.4 m. It extends for 1.2 km between Rocky Point and Bird Rock and faces almost due south, resulting in larger waves. The waves combine with the fine to medium sand to produce a single bar cut by three to four rips, with permanent rips against the rocks at each end. The northern half of the beach is backed by low bluffs, partly covered by dunes. The surf lifesaving club, parking and access, together with Jan Juc Creek, are in the centre, while the narrow, southern half of the beach is backed by 20 m high cliffs. The Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1963 and annually rescues an average of 30 people. Swimming A potentially hazardous beach, owing to the high waves and persistent rips. More suitable for experienced bathers and surfers. Stay between the flags and away from the rips and rocks. Surfing Usually variable beach breaks, however Bird Rock can provide excellent rights with a moderate swell and high tide. Fishing Best toward the northern end where rip holes are more persistent. General Jan Juc is Torquay's second and more exposed surfing beach. Still popular in summer for those escaping the Torquay crowds, however the variable beach and surf conditions warrant extra care. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 7 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Torquay

Torquay Fishermans Beach

Fishermans Beach, as the name suggests, is a low energy beach traditionally used to launch fishing boats. This is still true today with a boat ramp on the beach, as well as sailing, yacht, and motor boat clubs all located behind the western end of the beach. The beach lies in Zeally Bay and runs south-west for 1 km from the mouth of the small Deep Creek, then south to the 10 m high limestone bluffs at Yellow Bluff. The entire beach is backed by a foreshore reserve and The Esplanade. It has parking areas and other facilities. Swimming A relatively safe beach with a wide, shallow bar and usually no rips. Stay clear of the boating activity near the ramp and boat clubs. Surfing Usually a low shorebreak. Big winter swells do however break over the shallow reefs and bars to produce reasonable waves, when everything else is closed out. Fishing Best off Yellow Bluff at high tide where you can reach the reef. At low tide, shallow water and exposed reefs dominate. General This is Torquay's most protected beach and is very popular in summer with those who are looking for quieter surf conditions. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 4 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Torquay

Torquay Front Beach

Torquay's Front Beach fronts the town centre. It is a well-appointed beach with a well-maintained foreshore reserve between The Esplanade and the beach. There are numerous facilities in the reserve, including a tourist information centre. A seawall and a row of tall Norfolk Island pines back the beach, and several wooden groynes cross the beach. The beach faces due east and runs for 1 km from Yellow Bluff to Point Danger. The point and its reefs protect the beach, which receives waves averaging less than 1 m. These maintain a shallow, continuous, attached bar. Swimming This is Torquay's most popular family beach, with usually low waves, a shallow bar and no rips, plus the added safety of a summer lifeguard patrol. Surfing Usually a low beach break used by learners. During big swell, waves can make it around Point Danger to break as right handers off Front Beach. Fishing The best location is on Point Danger. However, watch the waves and tides, as it is awash at high tide. General Torquay's showpiece beach with good access, facilities, a lifeguard and usually low, safe surf. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 4 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Torquay

Torquay Surf (Back) Beach

Torquay is the 'Surfing Capital of Australia'. Torquay Beach was the site of the first malibu board demonstration in Australia, back in 1956. Today Torquay is more important for being the closest town to the famous Bells Beach, and the stepping-off point for a number of surfing locations along the Great Ocean Road. The Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1945, has also hosted state, national and international surf lifesaving carnivals. More recently, a number of major surfing companies and an excellent Surf World exhibition have been located at Torquay's Surf Coast Plaza. Torquay Beach is 800 m long and faces south-east, with some protection provided toward the southern end by Rocky Point. Extensive intertidal rock reefs lie off Point Danger at the northern end, and Spring Creek drains across the beach just west of the surf club. Waves average 1.2 m and usually cut three rips across the single bar, with additional permanent rips against the rocks at each end. The southern rip, known as the ‘Escalator’ is particularly strong during easterly conditions. The beach itself is moderately steep and is backed by extensive parking areas, particularly along the eastern half. Swimming A very popular summer beach bolstered by its name, good accessibility and surf lifesaving club. The beach is moderately safe on the bars in the patrolled areas, however avoid the rocks and strong rips, particularly toward Point Danger as, on average, 27 people are rescued here each year. Surfing The site of the first short board riding in Australia and still a very popular, if crowded, location year round. The beach offers a wide beach break, which is moderately protected during westerlies, though best in a north-westerly, with a left hander off Point Danger. Fishing Both beach and rock fishing are available, with the best rip holes toward the northern end. Take care on the rocks, as they are awash at high tide. General One of Victoria's best known and most popular summer surfing beaches. The adjacent town offers all facilities, while the patrolled beach is popular with bathers and surfers. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 300 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarentee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Adventure

Anglesea

Anglesea Riverbank

A series of flowing channels connected by bike paths and bridges make Anglesea River a popular destination for activities such as fishing from one of the many platforms, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing or hiring a paddle boat. The wide river is ideal for numerous activities to suit all ages. The many bbq’s and tables along the riverbank also make it an ideal picnic area. The river and its surroundings is also an important habitat for native wildlife including owls, possums, echidnas, kangaroo and wallabies, as well as native fish, eels and many species of waterbird.

Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

Welcome to goTravlr, your passport to great deals in Geelong, the Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road.

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

A unique musical experience! Toe tapping entertainment, a cool drink and a good laugh. Rock your stay in Queenscliff with Blues Train tickets and award winning accommodation at BIG4 Beacon Resort.

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Relax at stunning Barwon Heads Friday and Saturday night in a cosy 4.5 star one bedroom spa suite.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

$240 per couple per night

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

$379 per night (Double or Twin share)

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special

15% discount per night

Fishing

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Fishing

Things to See & Do

Fishing

Torquay Tackle & Sports

Torquay Fishing

Lorne Fishing

Beaches

Addiscot Beach - Bells Beach

Southside - Bells Beach

Jan Juc Beach

Torquay Fishermans Beach

Torquay Front Beach

Torquay Surf (Back) Beach

Adventure

Anglesea Riverbank

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What Can I Do?

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Packages & Offers

See, Do, Stay & Save

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Barwon Heads Golf Club Winter Escape

Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special