The Great Ocean Road has long been an Australian favourite surfing road trip destination. Since the 1950’s surfers and their buddies have packed up their wagons in search of the waves the area is famous for. Torquay is officially the birthplace of surfing and iconic Bells Beach plays host to the world’s best surfers every year at the Rip Curl Pro. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro yourself, pick up your board and immerse yourself in world class waves and the rich surfing culture of the Great Ocean Road.
Torquay is rich in over 100 years of surfing history. And the best place to discover the local stories and surfing legends is at the world’s largest surfing museum — The Australian National Surfing Museum housing the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame.
Musuem owner and surfer Gary’s mission is to share over 100 years of surfing history in Australia, one that is growing by the day. The hands-on exhibitions allow you to step back in time to some of Australian surfing’s most significant moments and view for yourself the equipment that they rode. It’s impossible to leave without wanting to give surfing a try for yourself.
Jump straight in with a Torquay Surfing Academy surf lesson at Torquay, the home of surfing. Their motto is ‘Real surfers teaching real surfing’ so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer looking for some pro tips they have you covered.
The Surf Academy is located just a two-minute walk from the beach – but the real schooling happens in the surf. In under two minutes you’ll have your wetsuit on, board in hand and be warming up with an on-sand demo before hitting the waves. For two hours the surf coaches are in the water with you giving you a little extra push when needed. They’ll have you on your feet in no time.
Breath in the fresh sea air as you do your surf check from the cliffs of Bells Beach. This is one of the best surf breaks in Australia serving up the large swells of the Southern Ocean. Experienced surfers can test their rail games skills on the explosive long right-hand breaks, at their best during autumn and winter.
Despite a crowded peak, Bells has plenty of waves to offer – but for the pros only.
Beginner? This beach is not for you, but it’s great to watch. Sightseers will love watching in awe from the natural grandstand and amphitheater of the beach cliffs — especially when the world pros weave their magic at the annual Rip Curl Pro surf comp.
East Beach in Port Fairy is the perfect learn to surf spot. This beautiful 5.8km crescent shaped surf spot stretches with gentle rolling waves from the mouth of the Moyne River to Reef Point with a patrolled area located out the front of the surf club. The sandy cove makes it the ideal place for kids and adults alike to try surfing for the first time.
This family favourite is fun in all seasons. If there’s no surf, grab a snorkel and check out the small kelp forest and the fish that call it home near the front of the surf club. Even on cooler days there is lots to discover — play amongst the weathered pier pillars or take a beach walk. Make sure to keep an eye out for whales during the winter months.
Whatever your skill level surfing on the Great Ocean Road is always a Great Call.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
