Things to See & Do
Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours cater for the inexperienced to the professional fisherman. From baiting up for you and taking your fish off your hooks, to teaching you how to fish. You will fish in 20 fathoms of water using heavy gear, targeting bottom feeding fish, such as flathead or gummy shark, barracouta and snapper.
Trips vary from two hours for families to eight hours for the more keen fisherman. The most popular trip is four hours long. This trip usually runs twice a day starting at 7am or 8am in the morning and again at 2pm or 3pm in the afternoon.
Apollo Bay Fishing & Adventure Tours supply all the best fishing gear, rod, bait and tackle; Ice for your fishing and to keep your drinks cold; bags to take your catch home.
The crew is trained and helpful. The skipper is an expert operator with all the necessary local knowledge.
Four Hour Fishing Trip
From: 7am - 11am or 3pm - 7pm
Two Hour Fishing Trip
From: 11.30am - 1.30pm
Seal Colony Cruise
From: 2pm - 3pm
Sunset Cruise
From: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
There are loads of great fishing spots in and around Apollo Bay. Try near the harbour, from the beach or just beyond the point towards Marengo. There are also freshwater streams nearby worth a try.
The sheltered, sandy Apollo Bay main beach is a great place to swim or bodysurf.
Just behind the sand dunes, the Apollo Bay foreshore area has a terrific playground, skate park, lots of open space for games and picnic and BBQ facilities.
Right opposite the main street food outlets and ice-creameries, it’s perfect for grabbing an al fresco bite to eat.
Bancoora Beach is a 1 km long, south-east facing beach located between low, basaltic, rocky points and reefs, and backed by a natural, vegetated foredune. The Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club and car park are located behind the foredune, leaving the beach in an attractive natural state.
The beach receives waves averaging 1.3 m, which usually cut three rips across the 80 m wide single bar and surf zone. Higher waves intensify the rips, with strong permanent rips running out against the rocks at each end. On average, 10 people are rescued here each year.
Swimming
An attractive, moderately safe, patrolled beach, particularly during lower summer swell. Stay on the bars in the patrolled area, and avoid the strong rips near the rocks.
Surfing
Usually a low to moderate beach break, with a right hand point break out on the southern point during higher swell.
Fishing
Popular in summer with the campers. Offers both beach fishing with some rip holes and rock fishing off the points.
General
An out of the way, relatively natural beach, more popular in summer when the nearby caravan park is full and the beach is patrolled. It is only used by surfers in winter.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
The Apollo Bay Fishing Fleet is moored at the harbour, sheltered by a large breakwater.
As a working harbour it is an interesting site to wander through and see the professional fishermen either unloading their catch or preparing to depart on another voyage to sea.
Apollo Bay is renowned for crayfish, and the stacks of lobster pots stacked up on the wharves make an interesting spectacle. The daily catch is available fresh from the boat at the local fishermens cooperative.
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.
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.
The start of the famous ocean swimming race ‘The Pier to Pub’, the Lorne Pier is also a popular spot for fishing.
Garfish, salmon and barracouta are commonly caught here. The Lorne pier is at the Western end of Loutit Bay.
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.
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.
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.
Point Impossible is a low, calcarenite point, capped by 10 m high foredunes and bordered by the mouth of Thompson Creek. The gravel road from Torquay runs out to the point, where there is a large car park. A small beach (Point Impossible Beach) lies in front of the car park and forms the western boundary of Thompson Creek.
A foreshore reserve and the road back the 4.5 km long Whites Beach, with car parks and access tracks across the dune. The eastern section of the beach, just back from the point, is an official Optional Dress (nude) Beach.
The beach faces south-east and is protected to the south by Point Danger, and along the central-eastern section by extensive rock reefs. As a result, waves average 1 m at the beach and usually produce a continuous, shallow bar only cut by rips during and following high seas.
Swimming
The small Point Impossible Beach varies with wave and tide conditions. Take care if swimming here and watch the deeper tidal channel and currents. Whites Beach is a moderately safe beach close inshore, in lee of the reefs. Watch for rips during higher waves, particularly near the reefs and rocks.
Surfing
Usually low shorebreaks along the beach. However during big winter swell, many surfers head for Point Impossible, where there are two breaks. These are Insides against the car park and creek, when waves are up to 1.5 m; and Outsides on the outer reef, when waves are higher.
Fishing
The point and creek mouth are the most popular spots, with the beach tending to be shallow.
General
A natural beach next to the popular town of Torquay, used by those who want to get away from the more crowded (and clothed) town beaches.
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.
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.
Point Impossible is a low, calcarenite point, capped by 10 m high foredunes and bordered by the mouth of Thompson Creek. The gravel road from Torquay runs out to the point, where there is a large car park.
A small beach (Point Impossible Beach) lies in front of the car park and forms the western boundary of Thompson Creek. A foreshore reserve and the road back the 4.5 km long Whites Beach, with car parks and access tracks across the dune. The eastern section of the beach, just back from the point, is an official Optional Dress (nude) Beach.
The beach faces south-east and is protected to the south by Point Danger, and along the central-eastern section by extensive rock reefs. As a result, waves average 1 m at the beach and usually produce a continuous, shallow bar only cut by rips during and following high seas.
Swimming
The small Point Impossible Beach varies with wave and tide conditions. Take care if swimming here and watch the deeper tidal channel and currents. Whites Beach is a moderately safe beach close inshore, in lee of the reefs. Watch for rips during higher waves, particularly near the reefs and rocks.
Surfing
Usually low shorebreaks along the beach. However during big winter swell, many surfers head for Point Impossible, where there are two breaks. These are Insides against the car park and creek, when waves are up to 1.5 m; and Outsides on the outer reef, when waves are higher.
Fishing
The point and creek mouth are the most popular spots, with the beach tending to be shallow.
General
A natural beach next to the popular town of Torquay, used by those who want to get away from the more crowded (and clothed) town beaches.
Carpark
Type: Formal parking area
Spaces: 200
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.
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.
Near the Barwon Hotel a beautiful bluestone triple-arched bridge crosses the Barwon River. There are a number of picnic spots and walks along the river. Early morning walkers have, on occasion, spotted a platypus close to the bridge.
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.
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.
Point Roadknight is a narrow ridge of dune calcarenite that parallels the adjoining Urquhart Bluff Beach. The point and its reef protrude 500 m to the east and afford considerable protection to the beach.
The beach is 700 m long and faces north-east. It lies between the slippery Soapy Rocks and the point. Beware of the slippery rocks which are a hazard to walk on.
There is road access to the back of the beach, a large car park, a boat ramp and a yacht club.
Waves reaching the beach average less than 1 m, which results in a continuous, attached bar and usually no rips.
Swimming
This is the safest beach in the Anglesea region and is also patrolled daily by lifeguards during the Christmas holiday period.
Surfing
Usually too small to bother about.
Fishing
Better off the point than the beach.
General
A popular summer beach for those who want lower waves and the added safety of a patrolled beach.
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.
A series of flowing channels connected by bike paths and bridges make Anglesea River a popular destination for canoeing, fishing, walking & biking alike. Paddle boats and canoes are available to hire close by and make an interesting way to explore the 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.
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
Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op is located along Great Ocean Road past Torquay, south of Melbourne and Geelong, in the Otway wine region, in South Western Victoria.
Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op is the perfect one stop seafood shop and an excellent way to purchase the local seafood. The local fishing fleet of Apollo Bay ensures a fresh supply of seafood throughout the region, especially known for the excellent supply of flake and crayfish (available live from the tank or freshly cooked).
Locally caught fish includes flathead, grenadier, king george whiting, couta, sea bream and (in season) snapper. Apollo Bay Fisherman's Co-op also stocks the best available fish from wholesale markets, to supplement the excellent local catches (and inclement weather) so there is an abundance of salmon, oysters, prawns, the list goes on.