Swimming Safely Between the Flags
Where to find patrolled beaches during the summer.
When summer hits, the Great Ocean Road comes alive with sun, surf, and the call of adventure. Along this iconic coastal stretch, patrolled beaches offer the perfect playground for families, surfers, and beachgoers eager to dive into the summer fun. The Great Ocean Road region is lucky to have a large number of Surf Life Saving Clubs patrolling popular beaches over the summer months from late November to February.
Torquay
Torquay’s Front Beach is the heart of the town, framed by a well maintained foreshore reserve that boasts numerous facilities. With the added safety of a summer lifeguard patrol, Torquay’s Front Beach is exceptionally family-friendly.
Jan Juc
Jan Juc Beach, located just south of Torquay, is renowned for its more exposed surfing conditions. While swimming can be enjoyable, it’s important to note that Jan Juc is considered potentially hazardous due to its high waves and persistent rips, making it more suitable for experienced bathers and surfers. Visitors should stay within the flagged areas to avoid rips and rocky sections.
Anglesea
Anglesea Beach, nestled at the mouth of the Anglesea River, offers a picturesque 400 m stretch of sand that curves between the river mouth and the rugged cliffs of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club. While swimming is generally safe during summer, it’s essential to be cautious of the rip currents near the southern rocks and to stick to the patrolled area. The beach is particularly suitable for less experienced surfers, who can enjoy the gentle surf conditions.
Fairhaven
Fairhaven Beach, stretching for 6 km, is the longest beach along the Great Ocean Road and offers breathtaking views with easy access from the road that backs its entire length. While the beach is more suited for experienced swimmers and surfers during patrolled times, its beauty and natural setting make it a standout destination.
Wye River Beach
Wye River Beach is a broad, sandy stretch perfect for family enjoyment, patrolled by volunteers from the active Lifesaving Club during the warmer months. A walk from the river to the point offers plenty of beachcombing opportunities, where you’ll discover relics of the old pier, explore rock pools, and find private spots to relax and unwind.
Kennett River
Kennett River Beach is a 200 m stretch of sand nestled in a flat valley where the Kennett River meets the sea. Backed by the Great Ocean Road and a large caravan park, the beach is framed by steep, vegetated valley sides and sandstone rock platforms, with reefs stretching into the water. While swimming is moderately safe when patrolled, care must be taken during larger swells due to hazardous rips.
Lorne
Lorne Beach is one of Victoria’s premier holiday spots, offering a stunning 1.2 km stretch of golden sand that runs parallel to the Great Ocean Road. Patrolled by the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club during the summer, the southern end of the beach is the safest for swimming, with calmer waters protected by Point Grey and only mild surf averaging 1 m.
Apollo Bay
A 3km long eastern facing beach, Apollo Bay Beach provides safe, patrolled (during peak periods) waters for walking, swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, sand castle building and beach cricket. Starting at the South end of the beach, Point Bunbury and the harbour wall create a protected bay best suited for families and leisurely bathers. This is the area patrolled by the Apollo Bay Life Saving Club during the summer months and popular weekends.
Port Campbell
Port Campbell Beach is a picturesque, sheltered bay nestled between rugged limestone cliffs, offering a calm and scenic spot for families and visitors to unwind. While generally safe, the beach’s small waves and occasional currents call for attention to safety signs but the friendly locals at Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club can provide advice if needed.
Warrnambool
Warrnambool’s picturesque Lady Bay offers protected swimming along with surfing, yachting and windsurfing. Swimming is considered moderately safe near the surf club and the breakwater, where the waves are usually smaller. It’s advised to stay within the patrolled area marked by flags.
Port Fairy
Port Fairy East Beach stretches in a 5.8 km arc from Reef Point to the North Mole, offering a mix of calm waters and surf. This expansive beach is home to the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club which patrols during the summer months allowing you to swim safely between the flags.
Cape Bridgewater
Bridgewater Bay Beach is a stunning, wide stretch of white sand, known for its dramatic coastal scenery. It’s ideal for swimming, surfing, and long beach walks, with the added thrill of spotting seals at the nearby Seal Colony and is patrolled over summer holiday periods.
Remember
- Hours may differ from beach to beach so always remember to check for beach safety signs and patrol hours before heading into the water.
- If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask a lifesaver or local for guidance.
- Lifesavers are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed.
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach.
