Best Beaches on the Great Ocean Road
From the world-class surf of Bells Beach to the calm swimming of Lorne and Apollo Bay and the quiet coves of Wye and Kennett River — a beach for every mood.
Best Beaches on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road strings together some of Victoria’s best beaches — from the world-class surf of Bells Beach to the calm town swimming of Lorne and Apollo Bay, and the quiet coves of Wye and Kennett River. Here’s how the coast divides between surf, swim and scenery so you can pick your patch of sand.
The Beaches
Bells Beach & Winkipop
World-class reef breaks near Torquay — for experienced surfers, spectacular to watch.
Lorne & Apollo Bay
Calm, patrolled town beaches ideal for family swimming in summer.
Wye & Kennett River
Quiet coves between the towns — and koalas in the gums just behind.
Shipwreck Coast Beaches
Dramatic, remote sands beneath the cliffs — better for walking than swimming.
Coast Tips
- Swim between the flags on patrolled beaches (Lorne, Apollo Bay, Torquay, Anglesea)
- The Southern Ocean is cool and can have rips — take care and check conditions
- Surfers: head to the Surf Coast around Torquay
- Wye and Kennett River are quieter — and great for koalas behind the beach
- Remote Shipwreck Coast beaches are for walking, not swimming
Best Beaches — FAQ
What are the best beaches on the Great Ocean Road?
For surf, Bells Beach and Winkipop near Torquay; for calm swimming, Lorne and Apollo Bay; for scenery, Wye River, Kennett River and the hidden coves along the coast. See surfing.
Which beaches are good for swimming?
The patrolled town beaches at Lorne, Apollo Bay, Torquay and Anglesea are best for swimming in summer — calmer and lifeguarded. Always swim between the flags.
Where can you surf?
The Surf Coast around Torquay — Bells and Winkipop for experts, gentler bays for beginners. See surfing the Surf Coast.
Are the beaches safe?
Town beaches are patrolled in summer; many stretches are unpatrolled with rips and cold water. Swim between the flags, check conditions, and take care on remote beaches.
Which beaches are quietest?
Wye River, Kennett River and the small coves between the towns are quieter, along with the wild beaches near the Shipwreck Coast (better for walking than swimming).
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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