Surf Beaches

Turn up the dial and follow the roar of the surf on The Bellarine.

With protected breaks and those over submerged reefs, there’s a wave for all types of surfers here.

With 10km of beach and beautiful clean water protected by a headland, Ocean Grove Main Beach is one of the best places to learn to surf in Australia (Main Beach is patrolled in summer).

Instructors at Go Ride a Wave, SeaEarth Adventures or Great Ocean Road Surf Tours can get beginners standing-up in no time here.

Those with a bit more experience under their leg rope should head around to Thirteenth Beach, an exposed break in Barwon Heads. This wide-open reef-modified beach break is best for small to medium south-westerly swells, generally between 1 – 4 ft.

Rasta Surf Co provides almost daily beach reports on Instagram so you can check before your visit.

Point Lonsdale Back Beach faces Bass Strait and unsurprisingly is known for its surf break.

Beach breaks are common over the reefs, the best known one is Glaneuses. Surfing is best with northerly winds, a low to moderate swell at mid to high tide, as the reefs become exposed at low tide.

Strong permanent rips are present here so surf with extreme caution. It is patrolled during peak season by Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club.

While the beaches in these parts are beautiful, they can also be powerful. All beaches require respect and caution – strong rips can occur anywhere and catch out unsuspecting swimmers.

At patrolled beaches, please swim between the red and yellow flags and follow the advice of lifeguards. Patrols may change so please check in online before visiting.

Stay up-to-date with beach closures, shark sightings and other incidents via the Vic Emergency App.

For life-threatening emergencies, please call Triple Zero 000.