From Phillip Island to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria has some of Australia's best beaches for surfing. Whether you're looking for gentle waves or powerful barrels, the region has it all. Let's explore Melbourne and Victoria's most famous surf beaches from laid-back local favourites like Smiths and Inverloch to competition spots like Bells Beach.
| Beach | Skill Level | Wave Type | How to Get There | Best Surf Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bells Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful right-hand reef break | 90 mins southwest of Melbourne via Great Ocean Road | Autumn and winter (March to August), mornings |
| Torquay Surf Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Mellow beach break | 1.5 hrs southwest of Melbourne via Princes Fwy & Surf Coast Hwy | Summer and autumn (Dec to May) |
| Jan Juc Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful beach and reef break | 90 mins from Melbourne via Great Ocean Road | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Point Impossible | Beginner to Intermediate | Long, slow reef break | East of Torquay via Surf Coast Hwy & Point Impossible Rd | Autumn (March to May) |
| Gunnamatta Beach | Advanced | Heavy, shifting beach break | Mornington Peninsula, 90 mins south of Melbourne | Winter (June to August) |
| Lorne Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Mixed beach and reef break | 2 hrs southwest of Melbourne via Great Ocean Road | Spring and autumn (Sept to May) |
| Cape Woolamai | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful beach and reef break | Phillip Island, 2 hrs southeast of Melbourne | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Smiths Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Sheltered beach break | Phillip Island, 2 hrs southeast of Melbourne | Spring and summer (Oct to Feb) |
| Fairhaven Beach | Beginner to Intermediate | Long, open beach break | Great Ocean Road between Aireys Inlet and Lorne | Summer and autumn (Dec to May) |
| Inverloch Surf Beach | Beginner | Gentle beach break | South Gippsland, 2 hrs southeast of Melbourne | Summer (Dec to Feb) |
| 13th Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Long beach break | Near Barwon Heads, 90 mins southwest of Melbourne | Autumn and winter (March to August) |
| Sorrento Back Beach | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful beach break | Mornington Peninsula, 1.5 hrs south of Melbourne | Winter and spring (June to October) |
| Portsea Surf Beach | Advanced | Heavy beach break | Tip of Mornington Peninsula, 1.5–2 hrs south of Melbourne | Winter and early spring (June to Sept) |
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is an iconic spot in Victoria for surfing and one of the most famous surf beaches in Australia. Known for hosting the Rip Curl Pro, most surfers will have this one on their bucket list. It's particularly popular with experienced surfers looking for long, carving right-handers, and the dramatic cliffs and consistent swells make it an unforgettable surfing destination.
Bells Beach is about 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne. Take the Princes Freeway and continue along the Great Ocean Road toward Torquay.
Torquay Surf Beach
Torquay is known to many as the surfing capital of Victoria. Home to major surf brands and a strong local surf scene, the main surf beach is great for beginners and intermediate surfers. With gentle waves and sandy bottoms, it's also a great place for booking surf lessons. Don't forget to explore the nearby breaks along the Surf Coast, too!
Torquay is home to major surf brands, surf schools, and easy breaks, making it the heart of Victoria’s surf culture.
Jan Juc Beach
Juc Juc Beach is the choice for surfers who want something more challenging than Torquay's main beach. With faster, more powerful waves, it's often less crowded. The consistent swell makes it a popular destination with local surfers.
Point Impossible
Point Impossible, or Possos to the locals, is a peaceful, mellow reef break. If you're looking for long, cruisy rides, this is an excellent spot for longboarders and surfers looking for flow over power. A laid-back vibe and clear water make it a popular spot among locals seeking a relaxing surf experience away from the crowds.
Gunnamatta Beach
Gunnamatta is one of the more challenging beaches in Victoria. With strong rips, steep takeoffs, and hollow waves, this isn't a beach for beginners. However, experienced surfers can enjoy heavy, barreling conditions, like Narrabean Beach, one of NSW's best surf beaches.
Lorne Beach (Erskine Point)
Lorne Beach is a scenic, beginner-friendly spot along the Great Ocean Road. With mellow, rolling waves, learners and casual surfers will enjoy this one. There's also a charming coastal town behind it where you can relax, refuel, and enjoy the surf lifestyle.
world-class surf breaks!
Cape Woolamai (Phillip Island)
Cape Woolamai is a top surf spot on Phillip Island. With consistent, punchy waves and multiple peaks and wave shapes, it's great for experienced surfers, just like some of Queensland's best surf beaches, like Sunshine Beach, for example. It's one of the top surfing destinations in Victoria. If you want intense, fast rides, this is the beach to come to.
Smiths Beach (Phillip Island)
One of the best beginner surf beaches in Victoria, Smiths Beach has smaller and slower waves. If you want to learn how to surf or do some relaxed longboarding, Smiths Beach has you covered. There are surf schools nearby, so families and first-time visitors to Phillip Island should consider them.
Fairhaven Beach
One of the longest surf beaches on the Surf Coast, Fairhaven Beach offers plenty of space to spread out and find your own wave. On smaller days, it's excellent for beginners. When the swell builds, intermediate surfers will love it. If you're looking for the best surf beaches in SA, Port Noarlunga Reef offers a similar challenge to Fairhaven Beach on more challenging days.
Inverloch Surf Beach
Inverloch Surf Beach is ideal for beginners or those seeking a mellow surf session. Gentle waves and shallow sandbanks are great for beginners and families. The nearby town is lovely, too, especially if you're out for a laid-back surf weekend.
13th Beach (Barwon Heads)
13th Beach is a surf spot that offers consistent waves. However, given it's a rugged stretch of coastline, it's better suited to confident surfers who can handle ever-changing banks and punchy conditions. Still, it's one of the top surf destinations on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Take a look around before you go!
Sorrento Back Beach
Sorrento Beach offers beautiful scenery and serious surf. Its punchy, fast-breaking waves are best for more experienced surfers. A sharp contrast to the calm Port Phillip Bay side of the Peninsula.
Portsea Surf Beach
Portsea Surf Beach is one of the most challenging surf spots. With its strong currents and unpredictable conditions, it is not recommended for beginners. However, experienced surfers will love the power and intensity of the waves. Dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear, deep water combine to create an exhilarating surf experience. Margaret River's Main Break, one of Western Australia's best surf beaches, is also recommended for very experienced surfers who find themselves in the area.
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