The Cumberland River flows through a steep-sided, 200 m wide valley containing a flat, riverside reserve. It reaches the coast in an open, south-east facing bay.

The Great Ocean Road hugs the base of the bluff north of the river, then winds in to cross the river, before continuing south along the base of the bluffs.

There is a 150 m long beach immediately north of the river mouth, with the road forming its rear boundary. The river mouth beach is 250 m long and is crossed by the creek and backed by a low, grassy area. There is a car park just north of the bridge and a caravan park on the west side of the road.

The two beaches face south-east and are exposed to waves averaging 1.5 m. The waves interact with the sand and rock platforms to produce an 80 m wide surf zone. This is dominated by one permanent rip to the north, as well as rips against each end of the river mouth beach.

Swimming
Be very careful if swimming here, as rip feeder currents run the length of both beaches, with strong rips at either end of both beaches.

Surfing
There are reasonable beach breaks on both beaches, that work in low to moderate swell.

Fishing
This is a popular location with the choice of creek, creek mouth, beach and rock fishing, plus a caravan park next door.

General
A picturesque valley and beach with good access, but a hazardous surf.

Carpark
Type: Formal parking area
Spaces: 30

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: 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.