The towns of the surfcoast are some of the region’s most vibrant and home to what many regard as some of the best beaches in the world.
Positioned on the Barwon River under the mighty Bluff is Barwon Heads the most easterly of our Surfcoast resort towns. This once sleepy fishing village is one of the most thriving townships in the Geelong region. The township is growing at a large rate and many cosmopolitan cafes, restaurants and boutiques have opened to make this town not only one of the favourite holiday destinations in the region but a great place to live. Barwon Heads is home to some of the best golfing you will find, pristine beaches, including 13th beach one of the region’s best surf beaches, fantastic fishing and plenty of accommodation choices; including one of the region’s biggest camp grounds.
The surf beaches of 13th Beach and Breamlea lead to Torquay, the premier surfing town of Australia. Not only has Torquay some of the finest beaches for surfing, it is home to a huge surfing industry with some of the world’s biggest surf brands beginning in Torquay. Names like Rip Curl, Piping Hot and Quicksilver.
Torquay is becoming one of Geelong’s biggest satellite towns with dozens of new estates and thousands moving to the Torquay region to be part of one of the best lifestyles in the country; only 20 kilometres from the heart of Geelong and moments to the beach.
At western fringe of Torquay is Jan Juc which has amazing beaches including Rocky Point, and Bird Rock protected by high sandy cliffs; this beach is a favourite for surfers year round. Australia’s and one of the world’s best renowned surf beaches, Bells Beach, is a little to the south west of Jan Juc. Bell’s is known as having one of the world’s best breaks and plays host to the world’s best surfers every Easter in the Rip Curl Pro which has been held every year since 1961.
Other notable beaches around this area include Southside, Rincon, Boobs and Steps plus Winki Pop which has high regard with surfers and is often used during the Bells Beach Pro if the conditions are not suitable.
Point Addis is the next major beach and not only is a favourite for surfers and beach goers part of the beach is one of the few legal clothing optional beaches in Victoria. The beach is set behind huge cliff faces with native gum and tea tree; several lookouts are available to see the vastness of our magnificent coastline.
Anglesea nestled amongst the natural bushland is the next major town as the Surf Coast Highway becomes the Great Ocean Road. This town is one of the huge holiday destinations in our region over summer with thousands flocking to the campgrounds and other accommodation. The Anglesea beaches are amazing and the town offers plenty of natural attractions to see and do including the world famous Anglesea Golf Course which is home to a large kangaroo population. The golf course is a unique place to take international guests for a game of golf, where they will experience a game like no other.
Point Roadknight to the townships South East is another of the popular beaches this beach is a favourite with fishermen and also has a boat ramp and Yacht Club. The beach is patrolled during the summer period by the Surf Life Saving Club and has good protection from the Urquhart Bluff.
Our last stop on our Surfcoast towns is Airey’s Inlet. This township is best known for its iconic Split Point Light House known locally as ‘The White Queen’. The lighthouse the main focus point of the township has has proudly protected the often dangerous waters off Aireys’ Inlet since its opening back in 1891. Airey’s Inlet is home to some quaint cafes and several great galleries. The township is a favourite get away all year round with some really good accommodation available including some wonderful bed and breakfast, cabins and houses to rent.