Where to surf along the Great Ocean Road

Discover what beaches along the scenic road have some of the greatest surf spots.

The Great Ocean Road is home to one of Australia’s most famous coastal drives. The 243 kilometre road is filled with clifftops, lush rainforests, and some of the best surfing spots in the country.

Millions of travellers head down the winding Great Ocean Road for a breath of sea air. You can either stop into one of the local towns and stay the night or go on a day tour.

Regardless of the type of traveller you are, your trip isn’t complete without seeing one of the beaches sprinkling the shores.

The beaches became the starting point for Australia’s surf scene, with famous surf brands being born right along the coast. Over the years, it has become home and a favourite spot for world surfing professionals.

Check out the best surf spots to visit during your Great Ocean Road holiday.

Apollo Bay Beach, Apollo Bay

If you are a first timer, it’s probably best to avoid the large swells and rough currents of Great Ocean Road’s more popular surf spots. Therefore, taking a lesson along the calmer sections or heading out with a friend can help you ease into it.

Apollo Bay promises safer waves, with lessons offered to all ages, and swimming allowed for those too nervous to grab a board. There are surf schools available for you to learn all the tricks to do with surfing.

Lifesavers are also on patrol during the summer months if you’re heading out on your own.

Lorne Main Beach, Lorne

Lorne is one of the biggest destinations on the Great Ocean Road and a popular spot for good waves and surfers. It is great for experienced surfers looking for their next wave, with both smaller and bigger swells that are fast and powerful.

If you’re new to surfing, you can sign up for a two hour lesson and be out on your own catching the waves in no time!

Locals usually cover this surf but are more than welcome to share the waves if you are friendly. There is surf hire equipment available along with toilets and tonnes of cafes right by the beach.

Bells Beach, Torquay

Bells Beach is home to Australia’s oldest and most professional surf competition. Here you can watch the best of the best, with Easter weekend holding the rip curl surf competition which brings surfers from all over the world.

Bells Beach is also loved for its scenic landscape, with unforgettable sights you can marvel at during your surf.

Black Nose Point, Portland

The Black Nose Point refers to the larger, 20 metre high headland that is a part of the 400 metre beach. Due to the exposed point break, the surf is consistently large with clean groundswells.

Due to its rough current, rocky surroundings, and unpatrolled region, this spot is best for only experienced surfers.

Easter Reef, Great Ocean Road

Exclusively for experienced surfers, the waves at Easter Reef can get massive and marvellous rough and massive. The beach is located along the Great Ocean Road, and is always crammed full with local surfers and pros visiting. Head here and face your fears on the high waves crashing down, experiences exhilarating high along with the pros.

For those who are still learning to surf, or yet to try, Anglesea Main Beach is perfect for you. The waves here are quite gentle along with the shallow waters and the surf lifesaving club nearby.

There is also surf hire equipment available and a chance to book a surfing class. In these classes you will learn all the basics from the instructors before you try out the newly learnt skills.

Anglesea Main Beach

For those who are still learning to surf, or yet to try, Anglesea Main Beach is perfect for you. The waves here are quite gentle along with the shallow waters and the surf lifesaving club nearby.There is also surf hire equipment available and a chance to book a surfing class. In these classes you will learn all the basics from the instructors before you try out the newly learnt skills.

Gibson Steps, Great Ocean Road

You might have heard of the Gibson Steps before, for it is renowned for being neighbours to the famous site the 12 Apostles. These large limestone stacks emerged from the crashing sea, creating picturesque scenery and an unforgettable surfing experience. The limestones will dwarf you as you crick your neck to see while riding the A-frame waves to shore.

Warrnambool Main Beach

This beach is perfect for all different kinds of surfers from the pros to the beginners. You can give surfing a go out here with the gentle waves. If you’re looking for longer and bigger waves, head around where the beach goes east and catch the waves there.

Whether you’re just starting out with surfing or you’re a pro and have been doing it for years, the Great Ocean Road will have a beach perfect for you.

Related article: The Surf Coast Walk

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.