Surfing in Victoria
Surfing guide to Victoria, Australia
Victoria has 2 main surf areas. There are 35 surf spots . Go explore!
Overview of surfing in Victoria
This entire coastline offers quality waves for the travelling surfer, with a coastline facing the pacific and southern oceans. The west coast offers some of the more well known epic waves of the state and the mighty swells spiralling across on the roaring 40’s will ensure that there is no shortage of waves, in fact, you will often be waiting for the conditions to back off just a little especially throughout winter, but when it all comes together, you’re in for a world-class treat!
Surf spot overview
There are some excellent surf spots in this region. The surf here is usually very powerful but there’s something for everyone!
Surf seasons and when to go
The best time of the year to surf in Victoria
Surfing in Victoria in the Summertime can see the temperature crack 40degrees, while the water temperature can push up to 21 degrees later in January and February. There can be sudden drops in temperature with the passage of cold fronts across the state, with the mercury sometimes falling 20 degrees in the space of two hours. This helps to give the state its’ reputation of having 4 seasons in 1 day. The average summertime maximum air temperature is around 24-25 degrees.
In contrast, surfing in Victoria becomes a bit of a challenge in the winter months, with cold air and water temperatures. The water temperature can dip below 14 degrees Celsius, whilst the average maximum air temperature is around the same. Add a biting westerly wind and it feels much colder. The minimum requirement in the winter months is a 3/4mm wetsuit. Booties and a hood are good optional extras.
Autumn (March-May)
Autumn can be a fantastic time for surfing in Victoria. The water still has some of its summertime warmth while intense low-pressure systems start to form more regularly over the Southern Ocean as things begin to cool down near the Antarctic Continent. Sea breezes also become less pronounced as the days become shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky. With the sub-tropical belt of high pressure migrating south at this time of year, lighter winds are often a feature.
Winter (June-August)
Winter is the time where the “Surf Coast” of Victoria comes into its own. The mid-latitude westerly winds take hold, bringing offshore winds to breaks such as Bells and Winki. Larger swells are also more common at this time of year due to the proximity of the mid-latitude westerlies and polar lows forming off the Antarctic ice shelf. Bring your 4/3 wetsuit at this time of year though and also booties to make your surf session longer lasting and more comfortable.
Spring (September-November)
Spring doesn’t really stand out for surfing, although great waves can still be had along all coastlines. The water remains very chilly into spring, and sea breezes become more prevalent into October and November (as days become longer and solar heating more intense).
Summer (December-February
The afternoon sea breeze is an almost daily feature at this time of year, so most of the best surfing occurs in the mornings. The surf is generally smaller through the summer months, although large swells can still occur from time to time. The beach breaks along the Mornington Peninsula and around Phillip Island tend to come into their own at this time of year, although the crowd situation also escalates after the general solitude of winter.
Victoria surf travel guide
Find trips that fit a flexible lifestyle
Going to Victoria, pack according to the season. The general rule will be to take some loose cotton clothes for the hot weather and some warm things when it’s a bit colder. An umbrella will be good if it rains. A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes…. And for everybody: a pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking.
Melbourne is a cultural centre of Australia, so definitely take some nicer clothing for more formal occasions.
Don’t forget your camera!
Melbourne is a little unusual from the perspective of an Australian state Capital in that it is not situated in close proximity to quality surf. Don’t let that phase you however, it is only a short trip down the coast to the Torquay region, home of Rip Curl and quality breaks such as Bells Beach.
Port Phillip Bay in which Melbourne resides is a novelty wave factory during an enormous SE swell. Well worthy of investigation if you are in the area but you don’t need to rely on this, multiple options right along the coast for those with a keen eye.
