Surf Coast

Torquay is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, and the starting post for one of Australia’s most important surfing hubs - the Surf Coast.

This engaging section of coastline stretches from Torquay to Lorne - another delightful seaside town that has been a popular Aussie holiday spot for over a century.

Along the way is a string of patrolled and protected swimming and surfing beaches, as well as the famous Bells Beach, venue for the Rip Curl Pro, Australia’s longest running and most prestigious professional surfing event. More on Bells Beach in Wikipedia

And there’s plenty for non-surfies to do along this stretch of coastline too, including some gorgeous bush and coastal walks: scroll down for more.

The Lowdown for Surfers

Torquay is considered the spiritual home of Australia’s surf life, so it’s only right that it should house the world’s largest surf and beach culture museum - Surf World. This is a fascinating journey for surfers and non-surfers alike, celebrating the Rip Curl Pro, and the history, technology and art of surfing.

There are several excellent surf schools along the Surf Coast too, such as the Torquay Surfing Academy.

Here in Jan Juc, we have a beautiful beach for swimmers and intermediate surfers, and we’re just a couple of minutes from Torquay’s other beaches.

As well as Jan Juc, intermediates also enjoy Torquay’s Point Danger and Point Impossible (the names are an impressive exaggeration), while from Bird Rock, at the west end of Jan Juc, all the way to Bells Beach are a series of breaks suitable for advanced surfers.

Beyond Bells Beach, Anglesea and Fairhaven are good for beginners and body surfers.

Beaches are patrolled during summer months, although surfers ride the waves along the Surf Coast all year round. Dedication is a wonderful thing to see! In fact, we’re told that Bells Beach’s two breaks - the Bowl and Rincon - are at their best during autumn and winter, and autumn is in general the best time for surfing this region.

The Surf Coast officially ends at Lorne, just 43 km from Torquay. Lorne itself is ideal for body surfing and just kicking back on the beach, and either side of the town are some excellent surfing spots, including Cathedral Rock and Vera Lynne.

Bushwalking and Coastal Trails

Fairhaven brings you into Otway Ranges country, so venture inland as well for some beautiful walks through Victoria’s temperate rainforest, with waterfalls to cool the brow and ocean vistas to warm the heart. When it’s hot on the coast this can be a welcome respite.

And don’t miss the Otway Fly - a treetop walk right in the midst of the Ranges.

The Surf Coast Walk extends for 27 km from Jan Juc to Angahook Lorne State Park near Aireys Inlet, passing through coastal bushland, and along beaches and cliff-tops.

There are subsections for those with more modest ambitions. From Jan Juc to Bells Beach is 3 km; to Point Addis is another 5 km; on to Anglesea is 7 km; to Aireys Inlet is a further 10 km; and from Boundary Rd to the Distillery Creek Picnic Area is a final 2 km.

The trail is well marked, but you can download more detailed information here, and Surfworld Museum has a useful pamphlet for extra help.