If you’re looking for some serious surfing action, Victoria has got you covered. With an impressive coastline and a variety of breaks, there are plenty of surf spots to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Victoria’s surf scene offers something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the best surf spots in the state.
The Surf Coast: Victoria’s Premier Surfing Destination
The Surf Coast is located along the southwest coast of Victoria, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. This area is home to some of the most famous surf breaks in Australia and attracts surfers from all over the world. If you’re looking for consistent waves, clear water, and beautiful beaches, the Surf Coast is the place to go.
The Surf Coast is not only a surfer’s paradise, but it’s also a great place to relax and unwind. The coastal towns along the Surf Coast offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly backpacker hostels. You can spend your days surfing, exploring the local area, or simply lounging on the beach.
Bells Beach: Home of the Rip Curl Pro
Bells Beach is an iconic surf spot that is known for its powerful waves and challenging breaks. It’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, one of the most prestigious surf competitions in the world. Bells Beach can be a bit intimidating for beginners, but experienced surfers will find it to be an exciting and rewarding spot.
The beach is made up of a series of reef breaks that produce left and right-hand waves. On bigger days, Bells can hold swells over 15ft, making it a great spot for experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
Bells Beach is not only a great place to surf, but it’s also a beautiful location to explore. The cliffs above the beach offer stunning views of the coastline, and there are plenty of walking trails to explore. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies.
Jan Juc: A Friendly Break for All Skill Levels
Jan Juc is a popular surf spot that is known for its friendly atmosphere and consistent waves. It’s located just down the road from Bells Beach and offers a more relaxed surfing experience. The beach stretches for over a kilometer and has a variety of different breaks, making it suitable for all skill levels.
The main break at Jan Juc produces long, peeling waves that are perfect for longboarders and beginners. More experienced surfers can head to the reef break at the southern end of the beach, which produces faster, more challenging waves.
Jan Juc is not only a great place to surf, but it’s also a popular spot for fishing and hiking. The nearby Jan Juc Creek is a great spot for fishing, and there are plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding hills. If you’re looking for a break from the beach, the nearby town of Torquay offers a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
Winkipop: A Challenging Wave for Advanced Surfers
Located just next to Bells Beach, Winkipop is a powerful right-hand point break that is popular with experienced surfers. It’s a challenging wave that requires a solid skill set and plenty of confidence, but the ride is definitely worth it.
Winkipop produces fast, hollow waves that offer plenty of opportunities for barrels and aerial maneuvers. It’s a relatively short ride, but the intensity of the wave makes it a must-surf spot for advanced surfers.
Winkipop is not only a great place to surf, but it’s also a beautiful location to explore. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local marine life, including dolphins and seals.
Overall, the Surf Coast is a must-visit destination for surfers of all skill levels. With its beautiful beaches, consistent waves, and friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this area is considered Victoria’s premier surfing destination.
The Mornington Peninsula: A Surfing Paradise Close to Melbourne
The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful coastal region located just south of Melbourne. It’s a popular destination for surfers, thanks to its variety of excellent surf spots that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, the Mornington Peninsula has something to offer.
But surfing isn’t the only reason to visit this stunning region. The Mornington Peninsula is also home to a range of other attractions, including wineries, hot springs, and wildlife parks. So if you’re looking for a day trip from Melbourne that combines surfing with other activities, the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect destination.
Gunnamatta Beach: Consistent Waves and Stunning Scenery
Gunnamatta Beach is one of the most popular surf spots on the Mornington Peninsula, and for good reason. This long, exposed beach break produces consistent waves all year round, making it a great spot for surfers of all skill levels.
But it’s not just the waves that make Gunnamatta Beach so special. The beach is located within the Mornington Peninsula National Park, which means it offers stunning scenery, with rugged cliffs and rolling sand dunes. It’s a great place to take a walk or have a picnic, even if you’re not a surfer.
That being said, if you are a surfer, you’ll love the variety of peaks on offer at Gunnamatta Beach. There are left and right-hand waves to choose from, and the beach is big enough that even on crowded days, you should be able to find a spot to yourself.
Point Leo: A Family-Friendly Surf Spot
If you’re looking for a surf spot that’s great for families, Point Leo is the place to be. This wide, sandy beach is perfect for kids to play on, and the waves are usually smaller and more forgiving than some of the other spots on this list.
The main break at Point Leo is a reef break located just off the point. It produces long, rolling waves that are perfect for longboarders and beginners to practice their skills. But there are also other peaks along the beach that offer more challenging waves for experienced surfers.
Aside from surfing, Point Leo is also a great place to go for a walk or have a picnic. There are BBQ facilities and picnic tables available, and the beach is patrolled during the summer months.
Rye Ocean Beach: A Hidden Gem for Experienced Surfers
Rye Ocean Beach is a bit of a hidden gem on the Mornington Peninsula. Located on the eastern side of the peninsula, it’s a powerful beach break that produces some of the best waves in the state.
But despite its reputation as a great surf spot, Rye Ocean Beach is also one of the least crowded spots on this list. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, which means that only the most dedicated surfers tend to make the journey.
Rye Ocean Beach can be a bit unpredictable, with waves breaking at different points along the beach. But if you’re an experienced surfer looking for a challenging ride, it’s definitely worth checking out. And even if you’re not a surfer, the beach is a beautiful spot to take a walk or have a picnic.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect destination for a day trip from Melbourne. With its stunning scenery, excellent surf spots, and range of other attractions, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Victoria’s coast.
Phillip Island: A Surfing Hotspot with Diverse Breaks
Phillip Island is located just off the coast of Victoria and offers a variety of different surf spots. From reef breaks to beach breaks, there’s something for every level of surfer on the island.
Cape Woolamai: A Powerful Beach Break
Cape Woolamai is one of the most popular surf spots on Phillip Island. The beach is long and sandy and offers a variety of different breaks. The main break is a powerful beach break that produces consistent waves all year round.
The waves at Cape Woolamai can get quite large, especially on bigger swell days. But there are also plenty of smaller waves for beginners and intermediate surfers to practice on.
Smiths Beach: Ideal for Beginners and Longboarders
Smiths Beach is another popular surf spot on Phillip Island. The beach offers a variety of different breaks, but the main break is a long, peeling wave that’s perfect for longboarders and beginners.
The waves at Smiths Beach are usually smaller and more forgiving than some of the other spots on the island, making it a great place to practice your skills. The beach also has plenty of facilities, including showers, toilets, and a kiosk.
Cat Bay: A Secluded Spot for Intermediate Surfers
Cat Bay is a secluded surf spot that’s located on the western side of Phillip Island. The beach is crescent-shaped and offers a variety of different breaks, including a reef break on the southern end.
The waves at Cat Bay are usually a bit bigger and more challenging than some of the other spots on the island, making it an ideal spot for intermediate surfers looking to take their skills to the next level.
The Great Ocean Road: Scenic Surfing Adventures
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, and it’s also home to some excellent surf spots. From powerful reef breaks to long, sandy beaches, the Great Ocean Road has it all.
Johanna Beach: A Remote Break with Powerful Waves
Johanna Beach is a remote surf spot that’s located along the Great Ocean Road. It’s a powerful reef break that produces some of the best waves in Victoria. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, Johanna Beach is worth the trip.
The waves at Johanna can get quite large, and the water can be cold and choppy. But the scenery is incredible, with rugged cliffs and rolling hills surrounding the beach.
Castle Cove: A Picturesque Surfing Experience
Castle Cove is a picturesque surf spot that’s located just down the road from Johanna Beach. It’s a long, peeling point break that offers a more relaxed surfing experience than some of the other spots on this list.
The waves at Castle Cove are usually smaller and more forgiving than some of the other spots on the Great Ocean Road. But the scenery is what makes this spot truly special. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and dense vegetation, making it a great spot to take in the beauty of Victoria’s coastline.
Cumberland River: A Challenging Reef Break
Cumberland River is a challenging surf spot that’s located just north of Lorne. It’s a reef break that produces fast, powerful waves that are perfect for experienced surfers.
The waves at Cumberland River can be quite unpredictable, with different sets breaking in different places. But if you’re up for a challenge, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Plus, the scenery is amazing, with a river running through the beach and tall cliffs on either side.
In Conclusion
Victoria is home to some of the best surf spots in Australia. With a variety of different breaks and skill levels, there’s something for every surfer. Whether you’re looking for the challenging waves at Bells Beach or the more relaxed atmosphere at Point Leo, Victoria’s surf scene has got you covered.
So pack up your board and head to the coast for an unforgettable surfing adventure.