Surfing & windsurfing
Melbourne’s onshore winds make it an ideal location for sailboarding. Elwood and Middle Park beaches are popular departure points with windsurfers, as is the Mornington Peninsula for a gentle bay wave.
Body boarding locations
Body boarders can look to ride at the gentler surfing spots, particularly along the back beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Most Victorian beaches have lifesavers patrolling between the red swimming flags, but they aren’t responsible for looking after surfers. It is your responsibility to keep your eyes on the shore to work out where you are in relation to designated swimming zones.
Seasons and surfing
The best time for waves in Victoria is autumn. During summer it's smaller but there are still plenty of waves around.
There are a few main spots to head to when the surf's up: Phillip Island, the back beach of the Mornington Peninsula from Gunnamatta to Portsea, the Great Ocean Road starting at Torquay and heading past Jan Juc, Fairhaven and Wye River, and Gippsland's east coast:
Explore by region
Celebrate Mornington Peninsula's spectacular beaches by hitting the surf, either on your own if you know the waves well, or with an instructor.
Read more
Surf's up almost every day of the year at Phillip Island, with beaches to suit everyone from beginners and seasoned pros.
Read more
Surf the west coast of Victoria at beaches in the Great Ocean Road region from the famed breaks of Bells Beach to the wild waves beyond Discovery Bay.
Read more
Make the most of Melbourne's long hot summer and plentiful onshore winds and try your hand at sailboarding or kitesurfing at popular beach spots.
Read more
Gippsland boasts some of the state's most beautiful beaches, perfect for all types of visitors be they families, anglers or surfers.
Read more