Things to See & Do
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.
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.
As well as containing a typically high invertebrate diversity associated with limestone reefs in Victoria, about 20% of the 96 species of sea slugs (opisthobranchs) recorded from this site have not yet been scientifically described.
Things to Do
Point Danger is very popular for sightseeing and shore walks, and is visited by large numbers of people. The point is also a popular surf break. Snorkelling around Point Danger is a great way to see some of the diversity of the area. Safety considerations include currents and swell.
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
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.
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'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.
Although Torquay is known for its pounding surf, there are also some great spots sheltered from the swell that are terrific for families and swimming.
Cosy Corner is between Torquay front beach and the rocks at Point Danger and Fishermans Beach is between Whites Beach and Zeally Bay.
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.
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.
At Barwon Heads, the coast trends due west for 7 km to Black Rocks. The first 2 km are dominated by calcarenite rocks and reefs, which outcrop on the beach and in the surf.
These divide the coast into three beaches. The first (285) is below Point Finders and is a 50 m pocket of sand facing south-east and bordered by rock platforms and reefs.
The two Barwon Heads beaches (286, 287) face south and are more exposed, with higher waves and patchy reefs. These conditions result in a wide, low gradient beach, rock flat and surf, with persistent and some permanent rips against the reefs.
All three beaches are easily accessible. There is a car park and a lookout on Point Flinders, and car parks on the Torquay Road, which parallels the two Barwon Heads beaches.
Swimming
Point Flinders is relatively safe close inshore, however there are rocks and reefs off the beach. The Barwon Heads beaches are both potentially hazardous, owing to the higher waves, reefs and strong permanent rips.
Surfing
There are several breaks along this section, mostly reef breaks that work best at higher tide, with a low to moderate swell and north winds. Those immediately west of Point Flinders are called The Hole.
Fishing
There are excellent rip holes and gutters next to the reefs, together with rocks and reefs to fish from at low tide.
General
A reef dominated section of coast, most suitable for beach fishing and experienced surfers.
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.
Breamlea is a small holiday settlement lying between the banks of Thompson Creek and Breamlea Beach. The beach faces south-south-east and runs for 2 km from the low basalt rocks at Noble Rocks to the mouth of the creek at Point Impossible. There is road access to the back of the fore dunes, with foot tracks crossing the 20 m high fore dune to reach the beach.
The beach receives waves averaging just over 1 m, which usually produce an attached bar cut by rips every 250 m. At the creek mouth, both a tidal channel and shoals are present.
Swimming
A moderately hazardous beach, owing to the persistent rips and creek mouth. Stay on the attached section of the bars and clear of the rips, rocks and creek.
Surfing
Usually low to moderate beach breaks along the length of the beach.
Fishing
This beach has rocks at one end, the creek at the other and usually rip holes and gutters along the beach.
General
A natural beach, mainly used by the Breamlea locals for bathing, surfing and fishing.
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.