Popular Surfing Spots
Whether you’re following the call of the waves to surf world-class beaches or are an adventurous traveller, you’re sure to enjoy surfing the legendary waves of the Southern Ocean. Let’s discuss the most popular surfing spots on the Great Ocean Road.
Surfing the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road coastline is home to surfing professionals. The most famous of these is the world-famous Bells Beach, which annually hosts the iconic Rip Curl Pro tournament in Victoria.
Smaller beach towns along the coast offer friendly locals, laid-back surf culture and well-equipped businesses to help you get set up and ready to surf. Just try not to be distracted by the beautiful beaches, rocky limestone cliffs and stunning rainforests in the background when you’re in the water.
Learn to surf
The Great Ocean Road, with its many safe beaches and gentle waves, is a perfect place to learn surfing. If you are inexperienced or a beginner, starting with a surf lesson is best. Qualified professionals usually organise these lessons in more accessible places. After a two-hour lesson, you will learn how to choose the right waves, get on the board and enjoy surfing. In the summer, many beaches are supervised, and lifeguards can tell you about the local cliffs, reefs, tides and currents.
Where to get equipment
There are many places to buy equipment if you don’t want to bring it. Don’t forget to buy a wetsuit, i.e. a full wetsuit. The water is cold, so a wetsuit keeps you warm and protects you from rashes. If you are a beginner, you should have a giant foam board. It is always easier to stand on a bigger boat. Surfboards (hard and soft) and wetsuits can be rented from surf schools or local shops.
Consider buying one if you stay for a while and don’t want to return your equipment daily. At the start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is the birthplace of Australian surf culture and home to many discount shops. Leading surf brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver were founded here over 30 years ago and are now world leaders in surf, snowboard and adventure sports equipment. You’ll find everything from top-quality wetsuits, swimwear and surf wax to buying a new board at an affordable price.
The best beaches to surf on the Great Ocean Road
If you’re looking for the perfect wave for your L-board, here are our favourite beginner spots on the Great Ocean Road. Think safe, sheltered coves and family-friendly beaches with gentle waves.
We’ve also picked out the best local companies to rent equipment from (you’ll need a wetsuit to keep warm and a giant paddleboard that’s easy to set up). We’ve also listed the best surf schools for all ages. After a two-hour lesson in the sun, you’ll be ready to hit the waves quickly.
Torquay Cosy Corner
What better place to learn to surf than Australia’s surf capital? Home to the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition, Torquay attracts the world’s best surfers and is renowned for its laid-back beach culture. The perfect place for beginners is a small spot on the front beach called Cosy Corner. Cosy Corner is one of the safest beaches in the area. It is a sheltered bay protected from large waves. Located in the middle of the city, with a play area, toilets, showers and lifeguards, this beach is a haven of calm for young families. The Torquay Surfing Academy and Ride a Wave, where you can rent a board and get lessons, are located on Bell Street, just a short walk from the beach.
Anglesey Main Beach
This beautiful stretch of beach, where the River Anglesey meets the sea, is the perfect place to learn to surf. The shallow waters are ideal for beginners, and the gentle waves mean you don’t have to worry about getting hurt. You’ll also feel safe knowing the marine lifeguard club is near the beach. Head to the Anglesea Surf Centre to rent a board for the day, or head to Ride a Wave behind the beach to get the needed gear. The instructors will teach you the moves on the sand before you enter the waist-deep water to try out your new skills.
Apollo Bay Beach
Beginners will love the calm waters of Apollo Bay Beach. Stay close to the sheltered end of the beach in the harbour to enjoy the gentle waves in the bay, with a surf patrol nearby. The waves get bigger and stronger the further north you head. You’ll want to come back every year to conquer new territory as you get more confident on your board. Rent a wetsuit and board from Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak. They also offer lessons ashore for both beginners and adults. By the end of the lesson, you’ll be on your feet and smiling from ear to ear.
Lorne Main Beach
Lorne Main Beach is a dream if you want to devote all your energy to catching waves. Here, you’ll find everything you need, including surf equipment rental, toilets, and a cafe to grab a bite. And did we mention that the beach is stunningly beautiful? The vast beach is supervised and protected from the wind, and the waves suit beginners. Again, our go-to team for equipment and lessons is – you guessed it – Ride a Wave. Sign up for a two-hour lesson and feel like Stephanie Gilmore in no time. When the sun starts to set, head back to the pub or seaside restaurant to swap wave anecdotes with other surfers.
Point Roadknight
Point Roadknight is another Anglesey gem where beginners will have a great day out. This white sandy beach is the perfect starting point for beginners. It’s a shallow, sheltered cove with enough waves to entertain you. Point Roadknight is a short drive south of the main beach, so pack your gear and arrange lessons in town. This is a popular family destination for surfboard enthusiasts, thanks to the surf patrol at peak times.
Port Fairy East Beach
Surfers in Port Faithful have many choices: over 5km of white sandy beach to learn to surf on. East Beach has a long sandbar that creates ideal conditions for beginners, with waves that break slowly. These long waves give you plenty of time to calm down, stand up and practice your technique. If you need advice, you’ll be in good hands at Surf School. The beach is ideally located in the seaside town, and you don’t even have to cross the river to grab a bite to eat. The eastern coast is supervised throughout the summer and has toilets and showers.
Warrnambool's main beach
Warrnambool offers unreal surfing, and the good news is that there’s a beach for every skill level, even if you’ve never surfed in your life. Beginners and young families flock to the white sands of Warrnambool’s main beach at Lady Bay to soak up the sun and try surfing. The long, curved beach is covered with small waves that crash over the sandy shoals. Gentle white water and green waves will entertain water babies for hours. Sign up for a lesson with the friendly people at Daktari and jump on the board. What do you have to lose?
Follow the surfer's etiquette
There are a few things you should know before you start surfing. First of all, respect the locals. People have been surfing at these spots for years, and if they tell you that you can’t surf here, believe them. Also, respect the environment and don’t leave any traces.
Never ride someone else’s wave; don’t make waves for yourself. To avoid a collision, you shouldn’t cut anyone off on a wave. The person who is the furthest down the wave and has been waiting the longest usually has the right of way. Communicate with other surfers and hold on to your board. If you make a mistake, don’t worry! The surfers are very friendly and will not hold it against you.
If you’re learning in the middle of breaking waves, look out for other beginners and always hold onto your board to avoid getting hit in the air; it may only be foam, but it can hurt.
Finally, don’t surf on a beach you cannot handle. There is always a surf patrol, but be careful and don’t risk your life!
There’s no better place for surf lovers than the beaches of the Great Ocean Road, where you can dare to catch your highest wave under the pleasant Australian sun. See you soon!
Experience the thrill of surfing on the Great Ocean Road Tour! Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we ride the waves along Australia’s stunning coastline.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to surf along the Great Ocean Road?
The best waves generally roll in from autumn to spring (March to September), when swells are more consistent. Summer offers gentler conditions, ideal for beginners, and many beaches have surf patrols during this period.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf the Great Ocean Road?
Yes — the Southern Ocean is chilly year-round. A full-length wetsuit (3/2mm in summer, thicker in winter) keeps you warm and protects against rashes from the board. Most surf schools and hire shops provide suitable wetsuits.
Which beaches are best for beginner surfers?
Safe, sheltered spots for learning include Torquay’s Cosy Corner, Anglesea Main Beach, Apollo Bay Beach, and Point Roadknight. These locations have gentler waves, surf patrols in peak season, and nearby hire shops.
Can I rent surf gear along the Great Ocean Road?
Absolutely. Towns like Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay have multiple surf schools and hire outlets offering boards (soft and hard), wetsuits, and accessories. If you’re staying for a while, you might consider buying gear in Torquay, home to factory outlets for Rip Curl and Quiksilver.
What surf etiquette should I follow to avoid upsetting locals?
Always respect right of way — the surfer closest to the breaking part of the wave gets priority. Don’t drop in, hold onto your board, and steer clear of crowded peaks until you’re confident. Also, leave no litter and respect the environment.
