Known for its ferocity, the Southern Ocean produces waves year-round. While many of the exposed breaks west of Cape Otway are suitable only for expert surfers, Warrnambool offers one of the few beach breaks suitable for beginners. Lady Bay in Warrnambool is a great spot for novice surfers, with surfing lessons available during the summer.
Experience gentle waves breaking over a broad sandbar, perfect for catching whitewater waves and mastering easy green waves. At the southern end of the beach, enjoy the tranquility of soft, small waves. As you explore further east, discover longer rides and larger, more consistent waves, promising an exhilarating surfing adventure. However, exercise caution near the exposed eastern section of the beach, where rips may occur. Embrace the opportunity to learn to surf with lessons available on-site, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors of all skill levels.
Just east of Dredges lies The Cutting, presenting a similar exposed beach break renowned for its consistent waves throughout the year. With offshore winds prevailing from the north, and groundswells more prevalent than windswells, surfers are treated to an optimal swell direction from the south. This versatile beach break offers both left and right-hand waves, reaching its peak around mid-tide. While occasional crowding is possible, surfers should exercise caution due to the presence of hazardous rips. For enthusiasts seeking pristine conditions, Winter, particularly June, unveils The Cutting at its best. During this period, surfers can enjoy clean, rideable swells accompanied by light offshore winds. June typically boasts clean, surfable waves approximately 54% of the time, providing ideal surfing conditions. While 43% of the time may witness waves being blown out, and 3% considered too small for experienced surfers, The Cutting remains welcoming, offering opportunities for beginners and groms to enjoy the waves.
Further east along the same stretch of beach lies Japs, an exposed beach break renowned for its consistent surf year-round. With offshore winds prevailing from the north, Japs benefits from distant groundswells, favoring a swell angle from the south. Surfers can delight in both left and right-hand waves, with optimal conditions often observed around mid-tide during a rising tide. Despite its allure, Japs remains relatively uncrowded, even during peak surf periods, offering a serene surfing experience. However, surfers should remain vigilant of potential hazards, including rips and sharks. For those seeking pristine conditions, Winter, particularly June, unveils Japs at its finest. During this period, surfers can revel in clean, rideable swells accompanied by light offshore winds. June typically boasts clean, surfable waves approximately 55% of the time, ensuring an exceptional surfing experience. While 42% of the time may see waves being blown out, and 3% considered too small for experienced surfers.
Sign up to get the latest deals, tours & events along the Great Ocean Road
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.
