Surfing, Aireys Inlet, Great Ocean Road Journey, Victoria, Australia

Surfing

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.

Highlights

Aireys Inlet

Aireys Inlet Beach

Aireys Inlet is a holiday settlement spread for 3 km along the back of the bluffs, on the north side of the actual Aireys Inlet. Below the bluffs is a series of small, south-east to south facing beaches. The only readily accessible beach is Aireys Inlet Beach (322), which is located at the mouth of a gully. It has a small car park, and steps down to the beach from the end of Eagle Rock Parade. The beach is 500 m long, and is bordered by 20 m high headlands and rock platforms composed of red sandstone. Bluffs are eroding along the back of the beach, particularly the southern 300 m, which is a narrow strip of sand awash at high tide. The surf zone is 50 m wide, with a permanent rip against the northern rocks. Aireys Inlet South Beach (323) is a small, 50 m pocket of sand fronted by reefs. It is located below 30 m high bluffs and is essentially inaccessible. Swimming Aireys Inlet Beach has the best access in the area and is primarily used by the locals. However, it is a hazardous beach with a strong rip feeder current running along the beach and a rip running out past the headland. Take care if swimming here. Surfing There are beach breaks over the bars and southern reefs. Fishing The rock platform at the north end provides the best location to fish the permanent rip channel. General A popular beach with the locals, but one requiring caution. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 10 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.

Near Aireys Inlet

Cinema Point Beach

At Cinema Point, the winding, cliff hanging section of the Great Ocean Road begins. Cinema Point is a 30 m high, grassy knoll, backed by the road and surrounded by sandstone rock platforms. There are two small beaches here, one on either side. The eastern one is below the car park and viewing area immediately behind the knoll. It is 50 m long, faces east, is backed by road fill and the knoll, and is dominated by platforms and reefs. On the western side of the point is the main beach, that occupies the deep gully carved by Grassy Creek. It consists of a veneer of sand over rock platforms. Both beaches receive waves averaging about 1 m and have a surf zone entirely dominated by rocks and reefs. Swimming Be very careful if bathing here, as permanent rip currents drain out from both reefs, and rocks and reefs abound in the surf. Surfing The north side of Cinema Rocks is known as Hunters or Shark Alley. It has a moderate right hander during big swell. Fishing The extensive rock platforms at low tide provide good access to the rock gullies on either side of the point. General A favourite viewing site, with the beaches used by surfers and fishers, but unsuitable for safe bathing. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 15 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: 5 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.

Aireys Inlet

Fairhaven Beach

Six kilometre long Fairhaven Beach is the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road, from which it is readily accessible, as the road backs the entire beach. The beach runs due west from the mouth of Moggs Creek for 4 km, before slowly curving around to face east at the western Cinema Point. The southerly aspect exposes the beach to waves averaging 1.5 m, which combine with the fine to medium beach sand to produce a 200 m wide surf zone containing two bars. The inner bar is cut by rips every 300 m, resulting in up to 20 rips along the beach. The outer bar, which only breaks in higher waves, has more widely spaced rips, when it is active. The Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1957, is located toward the eastern end of the beach, and its members annually average 10 rescues. Swimming A potentially hazardous beach, with usually moderate waves and persistent and often strong rips. Westerly winds intensify longshore and rip currents. Stay in the patrolled area on the attached inner bar. Surfing The beach has numerous beach breaks and usually a good swell. However, it is exposed and works best with northerly winds. Some well-known spots along the beach include the mouth of Moggs Creek, where low summer lefts can be found; The Spot, a reef break just east of the surf lifesaving club; and further down at Eastern View and Spouts Creek. Fishing The good access and numerous rips and holes make this a popular, although usually uncrowded, spot for beach fishing. The mouths of Moggs and Spout Creeks are also popular, when they are flowing. General A long, natural beach more suited to experienced bathers and surfers, with the patrolled area in front of the surf club offering the safest bathing area. Toward the western end of the beach is a Memorial Arch commemorating the construction of the Great Ocean Road during the depression years of the 1930s. 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: 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.

Aireys Inlet

Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club

The 6 km long Fairhaven Beach is the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road. The Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1957, is located toward the eastern end of the beach - and its members average 10 rescues annually. The bar and restaurant are open during the summer months.

Aireys Inlet

Urquhart Bluff Beaches

The 5 km of coast between Urquhart Bluff and Table Rock at Fairhaven is dominated by 20 to 50 m high, eroding bluffs composed of poorly consolidated limestone, tuffs, clays and silts. As they erode, they leave inter- and sub-tidal rock platforms and reefs. Running along the base of the bluffs are twelve small, exposed beaches, mostly dominated by the headlands, rocks and reefs. The first five face south-east and extend from Urquhart Bluff south-west for 1 km. They can be reached at low tide around the rocks from Urquhart Bluff, or by climbing down some of the less steep bluffs. They are all exposed to waves averaging 1.3 m, but owing to the degree of protection or the presence of rocks and reefs, they have variable beaches and surf zones. Urquhart Bluff South Beach (315) is 200 m long and has a wide, shallow surf zone with a permanent rip against the southern headland and reef. Swimming These are five hazardous beaches, owing to their relatively remote location and access ranging from difficult to dangerous. This is coupled with the presence of rocks, reefs and permanent rips. Surfing Moderate swells and a high tide produce right hand breaks over some of the reefs, most of which can be viewed from the top of Urquhart Bluff. Fishing Each of these beaches has good permanent rip holes and reef gutters. The biggest problem is access. Be very careful at high tide and in bigger seas, as the rocks and some of the beaches are awash. General Five beaches dominated by the bluffs, rocks and reefs. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 10 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.

Jan Juc

Point Addis Marine National Park

The Point Addis Marine National Park features spectacular scenery with wide sandy beaches, crumbling limestone and sandstone cliffs, rocky platforms and copious small rocky reefs. The coastline is exposed to intense wave action from the southern ocean, a major contributor to the shaping of this rugged coastline. Visitors exploring the marine environment within this park may enjoy exploring the limestone reefs with abundant rockpools filled with marine life. The subtidal waters are recognised as supporting a wide range of fish and algae species as well as seals, dolphins, brilliantly coloured sponge gardens and extensive rhodolith beds. Offshore, and often difficult to access due to tides and swell, Ingoldsby Reef is a particularly popular destination for divers to explore and search for such creatures. Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Indigenous tradition indicates that this park is part of the Country of the Wathaurong people and that Indigenous people have a long association with this region. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Anglesea

Go Ride a Wave - Learn to Surf

Have you ever wanted to take the plunge into the ocean on a summer's day and try surfing? Most peoples response is that it looks way too hard, but Go Ride a Wave makes it easy and accessible to everyone. Lessons are run mostly at waist deep water, using specially designed soft foam boards and over 80 per cent of participants get to stand up even if it is only for a short time, in their first lesson. Go Ride a Wave has been teaching surfing for 25 years and their expert, qualified instructors not only teach you the basics, they make it an experience hard to forget. Full-length wetsuits, boards and instruction for two hours are all provided. Classes are run in Anglesea, Torquay, Ocean Grove and Lorne. Go Ride a Wave also offers two hour fun sessions on sit on top kayaks in the surf. Learn in sheltered locations like Point Roadknight and Cosy Corner with small waves where it is easy and fun for people getting started. Bounce over the waves on the way out and surf them in on either single or double sit on top kayaks. No prior experience is needed and the best quality kayaks, equipment and instructors are used.

Torquay

Bells Beach

With an international reputation as one of Australia’s best surf beaches, Bells Beach is amazing spot – either in the water or out. There isn’t much ‘beach’ at Bells, it’s mostly a glorious cliff-face, and views from the cliff-top car park are spectacular – a great spot to watch local surfers out in the water. There are several quality surfing spots in the precinct from Southside to Steps Reef. Every Easter Bells Beach hosts the international professional surfing community for the Rip Curl Pro event. To get to Bells Beach, travel along the Great Ocean Road past Jan Juc – turn left into Bells Boulevard and follow the signs. 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. SURFING Bells is a world class right when above 1.5 m. When smaller, the waves break close in to the headland and produce a right called Rincon. Further around the head are two more reef breaks which work below 2 m, called Centre Side (a right) and Southside (a left). FISHING The water is deep right off the beach, while at low tide you can fish from the reefs at each end. GENERAL One of the meccas of surfing and well worth a visit, if only to view the beach and surf from the bluffs. CARPARK Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 We provide 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. We remind you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches.

Torquay

Surf Torquay

Torquay lives and breathes surfing, and the region has a global reputation as an amazing surf destination. Bells Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, where the best surfers in the world compete each Easter. Nearby Winkipop is also popular with experienced surfers. Torquay and Jan Juc offer good conditions for those wanting to learn to surf, and several schools operate classes at local beaches. Surf conditions can vary greatly, check with the Visitor Information Centre or local Surf Life Saving Club.

Anglesea

Anglesea Surf Centre

The Anglesea Surf Centre is situated in the heart of the Surfcoast, 10 minutes from the surf capital of Torquay and twenty minutes from the popular coastal get away Lorne. Located right on the Great Ocean Road, Anglesea Surf Centre is famous for their friendly and helpful service, huge range of new and second hand surf boards, wet suits and accessories. Very much a Traditional surf shop, as opposed to the 'boutique' style surf fashion stores. Anglesea surf centre's core business is surfboards, wetsuits and the essentials which you need to get in the water. Founder and owner Bruce Little has been living and surfing in the area since the early sixties. Bruce continually strives to maintain the attitude that work provides the opportunity to live the lifestyle, which is the reason the staff surf and live on the coast.

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.

Lorne

Lorne Beach and Foreshore

The wide ribbon of sand and gentle waves make Lorne Beach on Loutit Bay a perfect spot for swimmers, surfers and frolickers alike. The sand is only a short stroll from Mountjoy Parade, there are shower and toilet facilities and the beach is patrolled in Summer. In the foreshore reserve area there is a children’s playground, swimming pool, skate park, trampoline hire and lots of open space for games and picnics.

Near Jan Juc

Point Addis Beach

At the base of 20 m high Point Addis is a narrow, 80 m long, sand beach, which is awash at high tide and fronted by rocks and reef flats at low tide. It can only be reached with difficulty around the rocks. It is not recommended for bathing. Swimming Not recommended, dominated by rocks, reef and a permanent rip. Surfing There is a right over the reef which works in a low to moderate swell at high tide. Fishing There are reef holes and gullies off the rocks, however it is a hazardous location to fish. General A small hazardous beach. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 50 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: 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.

Anglesea

Anglesea Beach

Anglesea Beach lies next to the mouth of the Anglesea River and fronts the town of Anglesea. The beach is 400 m long and curves in a south to south-east facing arc between the usually closed river mouth and the eroding rocks and cliffs in front of the bluff-top Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club. Access and parking are available at the river mouth, off the Great Ocean Road, and at the surf club. The beach receives waves averaging 1 m. The larger ocean waves are reduced as they refract around Point Roadknight. They produce a wide, shallow, single bar, which is usually attached to the beach south of the surf lifesaving club. It is increasingly cut by rips toward the river mouth. The Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1952 and annually averages 12 rescues. Swimming A moderately safe beach under typical summer conditions, however avoid the rip against the southern rocks. Best at high tide as waves tend to dump at low tide. Stay on the bar and in the patrolled area. Surfing Popular with the less experienced surfers who use the wide, gently sloping surf zone. Fishing Beach fishing is best at the river mouth where rip holes are more prevalent. General A popular summer beach, offering good parking and access, and a moderately safe patrolled beach. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 50 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: 5 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

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

Torquay

Learn to Surf

What better place to learn to surf than in the birthplace of Australian surfing? There are several licensed tour operators and qualified instructors who run learn to surf classes on beaches close to Torquay. Catering for individuals or groups, often equipment hire and transport can be included in the price.

Torquay

Surf World Museum

The Surf World Museum in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, celebrates the story of surfing. It also charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. Through the colourful and exciting permanent displays and temporary exhibitions of important surfing artefacts and memorabilia, the museum commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage and rich beach culture. An unforgettable experience, Surf World provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. It’s a place where you can experience or relive, surfing’s sense of fun, and marvel at the changes that have taken place over the years. We look forward to welcoming you.

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BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

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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

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Wyndham Resort Torquay Couples Spa Indulge Package

$379 per night (Double or Twin share)

Geelong Riverview Tourist Park Summer Special

15% discount per night

Surfing

Stay Connected

Surfing

Highlights

Aireys Inlet Beach

Cinema Point Beach

Fairhaven Beach

Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club

Urquhart Bluff Beaches

Point Addis Marine National Park

Go Ride a Wave - Learn to Surf

Bells Beach

Surf Torquay

Anglesea Surf Centre

Southside - Bells Beach

Lorne Beach and Foreshore

Point Addis Beach

Anglesea Beach

Addiscot Beach - Bells Beach

Learn to Surf

Surf World Museum

Where Can I Stay?

What Can I Do?

Where Can I Eat & Drink?

What's On?

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