The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres from Torquay, the surf capital of Australia, to Allansford, a tiny town right before the eastern approach to Warrnambool. In the space between the two of them, you’ll encounter iconic sights, including the Twelve Apostles, as well as world-renowned surf breaks like Bells Beach. In need of a plan? Here’s where to surf and stay while travelling along the Great Ocean Road.
1. Bells Beach and Winki Pop
One of Australia’s most famous strips of sand, Bells Beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro every Easter, bringing some of the world’s best surfers to our shores. Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Mick Fanning – now you can join them in the line up. Bells Beach is located between Anglesea and Torquay – just south of the Great Ocean Road – and easily accessed from the car park on the headland. Be warned, however, that Bells Beach is known for its strong currents, so if you’re at the beginning of your surfing journey, you may find the conditions quite challenging.
Where to stay near Bells Beach
There’s a Riparide for everyone close to Bells Beach. Your Great Ocean Road accommodation may end up being a vintage caravan, an eco-friendly shipping container, or even a huge home with a half-pipe in the backyard.
2. Lorne Beach
Lorne is a super-popular seaside town – one of the Great Ocean Road’s main attractions – that comes alive in the summertime. And it’s really no surprise, given the endless opportunities for big breakfasts, long lunches and evenings spent overlooking the ocean. There are pubs, breweries, galleries and plenty of adventures to be had, but fortunately the ocean remains relatively peaceful even when it feels like Lorne is about to explode with people. Lorne Beach is right in front of the Great Ocean Road and a good spot for beginners, while more experienced surfers head to Lorne Point. Those after a challenge tend to be drawn to Cathedral Rocks, which is five minutes east of Lorne and marked by a car park.
Where to stay near Lorne Beach
Be warned: accommodation around Lorne books out early, so it pays to be prepared. You can opt to stay somewhere close to town and the coast, like this elevated beach house or cute studio, or head into the hinterland, where you’ll find more secluded stays like this riverside cottage, which is great for larger groups.
3. Urquhart Bluff
Another beautiful spot along the Great Ocean Road, Urquhart Bluff is located on a stunning stretch of coastline just northeast of Aireys Inlet. It’s a large beach and has plenty of room for surfers. The surf can get quite big and powerful here, making it a favourite haunt for intermediate and experience surfers, but if conditions are conducive to smaller surf, beginners should find lots to love too. You can access Urquhart Bluff by turning off the Great Ocean Road and cruising down to the car park.
Where to stay near Urquhart Bluff
Aireys Inlet and Anglesea are the two towns closest to Urquhart Bluff. If you’re after a more chilled vibe, Aireys Inlet is the way to go, but if you’re looking for somewhere with a little more happening, Anglesea has you covered. If you do stay in Anglesea, you’ll be able to check out the Surf Coast Walk too, which is a great replacement adventure when the waves are too small for surfing.
4. Johanna Beach
Johanna Beach is actually the back-up option for the Rip Curl Pro. It’s said that if there’s any swell in the Southern Ocean, you’ll find it at Johanna, so it’s where the pros head when Bells Beach and the rest of the coast is flat. The beach break is known for its power and size, meaning it’s definitely not a spot for beginners, but surfers of any level will still enjoy an adventure to Johanna Beach, even if they don’t get in the water. Follow the Great Ocean Road west, to the far side of Cape Otway, and you’ll feel extremely far removed from bustling towns and beaches like Lorne and Anglesea, with the powerful Southern Ocean in front of you and the wild Otway Ranges behind.
Where to stay near Johanna Beach
Cabins, cabins, cabins – you’ll find the cabin accommodation of your dreams perched alongside the Great Ocean Road. Don’t give up on dreams of luxury either; around these parts, wooden interiors and retro decor may reign supreme, but you’ll still find an epic stay like this pet-friendly cottage, or the perfect retreat for a group of friends featuring an outdoor bath.
