Great Ocean Road
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Positives
- Consistent swell
- Dominant offshore winds
- Big-wave right points
- Spectacular scenery
Negatives
- Unpredictable weather
- Cool water year-round
- Summer flat spells
- Crowded breaks
Great Ocean Road surf travel guide
Victoria is the southern extent of the Australian mainland, hemmed in by the angry waters of Bass Strait and the Tasman Sea, but perfectly situated to receive the mountainous swells from the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Rd twists torturously atop cliffs overlooking an eroded coast of limestone cliffs, sea stacks and caves, where a plethora of beach, reef and pointbreaks unload in a pristine and uncrowded environment. Since the early 60’s, Torquay and Bells Beach have become a surfing epicentre, being home to leading surfwear manufacturers, Quiksilver and Rip Curl, plus the site of the longest-running contest and the first Surfing Recreation Reserve on the planet. Victoria has many other quality surfing locations like Wilsons Promontory, Philip Island and the Mornington Peninsula, but it is the Great Ocean Road that is the focus of attention. This 340km (210mi) scenic drive W of Melbourne, is a surfer's dream as it passes the many right pointbreaks that line both sides of Cape Otway.
Surf spots in Great Ocean Road
Research the 21 surf breaks in Great Ocean Road and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 21 breaks in Great Ocean Road.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Great Ocean Road
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 6,359,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1USD = 1.59 AUDLast updated: Thu, 03 Apr 2025
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Melbourne (5M hab) is Australia’s 2nd busiest airport, open 24h a day, servicing all major int’l airlines. Major domestic carriers are Qantas and Virgin Blue. From Melbourne it’s 95km (59mi) or 1hr15min drive to Torquay, passing through Geelong. Train and bus takes 2+hrs.
Getting Around
The Great Ocean Road is a spectacular drive, as it winds its way past the sculptured limestone sea stacks around Port Campbell. Renting a car costs $30-40/d. You could stay put in Torquay but miss out on the better breaks down the coast.
Accommodation
Plenty of cheap backpacker accommodations at around AU$35-70/p/n (Bells Beach and Anglesea Backpackers). Motels start from AU$95/p/n. A good basic meal is AU$35.
Activities
Visit the Twelve Apostles and the Cape Otway National Park, plus the Australian National Surf Museum in Torquay. Go hiking around Point Addis. The Tower Hill Wildlife Sanctuary or Anglesea Golf Course are great for kangaroo spotting. The pub is a way of life in Oz, and Victoria is home to the country's favourite beers.
Hazards & hassles
Aside from reef rubs, riptides and crowds, there is not much to worry about. The shark factor is low, but drownings are common in the big waves on the western side.
Handy Hints
Torquay is full of surf shops from the big Rip Curl boutique to core shop Strapper Surf. Every accessory under the sun and shortboards from AU$850.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.