The Best Surfing Beaches in Victoria

1. Bells Beach, Torquay

The undisputed icon. Home to the Rip Curl Pro competition, Bells delivers powerful, long right-handers, especially during autumn and winter swells. It’s a pilgrimage site for surfers worldwide, offering challenging and legendary waves over a rocky reef. Respect is key here. (Near Torquay)

2. Torquay Front Beach & Jan Juc

The perfect starting point. Torquay’s Front Beach offers gentle, rolling waves ideal for beginners and longboarders. Just around the corner, Jan Juc provides more consistent beach breaks with peaks suitable for progressing intermediates. Great surf schools operate here. (Torquay)

3. Winkipop

Sitting right next to Bells, Winkipop offers a slightly faster, more hollow, and often less crowded wave than its famous neighbour. It’s a challenging reef break best suited for experienced surfers seeking powerful barrels and long walls. (Near Torquay)

4. 13th Beach, Barwon Heads

A beloved stretch offering consistent beach breaks along its long coastline. Works best on medium swells and provides options for all abilities – mellow inside sections for learners and punchier outer banks for the more advanced. Rarely gets overly crowded. (Barwon Heads)

5. Phillip Island – Cape Woolamai & Smiths Beach

The island delivers variety. Cape Woolamai boasts powerful, often barrelling beach breaks demanding respect (strong rips). Smiths Beach offers a more forgiving and scenic experience with reliable waves, popular with intermediates and longboarders. (Phillip Island)

6. Rye Ocean Beach (Mornington Peninsula)

The most consistent and popular surf beach on the Peninsula. Catches most swells, offering beach breaks that can range from playful to powerful depending on conditions. Good access and facilities make it a favourite for locals and visitors alike. (Rye)

Plan Your Victorian Surf Trip

• Season: Winter (April-October) brings the biggest and most consistent swells. Summer offers smaller, cleaner waves, often ideal for beginners.

• Skill Level: Be honest! Torquay Front Beach, Jan Juc (small days), and Smiths Beach are fantastic for learners. Bells, Winkipop, and big Woolamai demand experience.

• Wetsuit: A good 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit, boots, and often a hood are essential year-round in Victoria’s cool waters.

• Respect & Safety: Always check conditions (surf cams, forecasts), know your limits, be aware of rips and reefs, and respect the locals and lineup etiquette.

Victoria’s surfing beaches offer an incredible diversity of waves against stunning backdrops. Grab your board, embrace the cool water, and discover why this southern coast is a true surfing mecca. There’s a perfect wave waiting for you!