The Surf Coast Walk on the Great Ocean Road is the place to explore coastal cliffs, world famous surf beaches, and perhaps even spot some wildlife along the way.
Located along the Great Ocean Road between Torquay and Airey’s Inlet is the 44km Surf Coast Walk. To get there from Melbourne is a short trip along the M1 highway from the city.
In recent years the Surf Coast Walk underwent a $1.4 million extension and upgrade. It is now one of the premier walks in Victoria, and for good reason.
Read on to find out more about the Surf Coast Walk along the Great Ocean Road.
Exploring the Surf Coast Walk
Starting at Point Impossible, the Surf Coast Walk traverses the coast to take in world famous surf breaks at Bells Beach, untouched natural forests in the Great Otway National Park, secluded beaches at Point Addis and the wildlife-filled Anglesea heathland.
It can be broken down into sections to walk, and you can do a section at a time for easy day walks.
Surf Coast Walk Sections
Wadawurrung Country
Point Impossible to Yellow Bluff
Explore windswept sand dunes and coastal vegetation on this easy walk section of the Surf Coast Walk. Strolling along on traditional Wadawurrung Aboriginal country,you can see where these First Nations people camped each season for thousands of years, leaving behind clues to their culture and lifestyle.
Torquay Promenade
Yellow Bluff to Point Danger
Explore the Torquay promenade on this flat, kid-friendly, easy shared path. Gaze out to the ocean where offshore reefs caused what’s known as the ships graveyard off Point Danger. Connect to the history of this vibrant holiday town via the Torquay Historical Walk, or stop at the shops for a coffee or icecream.
Surf Coasting
Point Danger to Bird Rock
See how the Surf Coast got its name on this clifftop walk. You can visit many of the area’s famous surf breaks. Explore surfing evolution and surf culture origins on this section of the Surf Coast Walk.
The Bells Track
Bird Rock to Bells Beach
Tread the same track that pioneering surfers carved through coastal scrub to reach Bells Beach. These waves are now famous the world over. This is the “golden mile” of surfing with its reef breaks and endless waves rolling in. It is the perfect place to stop and watch some of the action in the water.
Ironbark Basin
Bells Beach to Point Addis
Venture inland through the sheltered forest of the Ironbark Basin. This part of the Great Otway National Park has many hidden treasures such as rare orchids, echidnas and reptiles. Discover more about traditional Aboriginal lifestyle on the Koorie Cultural Walk and check out the spectacular views from the Point Addis lookouts.
Anglesea Heath
Point Addis to Anglesea
This section of the Surf Coast Walk takes in vivid ochre cliffs, brilliant blue ocean and the dappled green heathland. Its where you can get up close to kangaroos, wallabies and spring wildflowers along the trail.
Anglesea Riverbanks
Anglesea Riverbank to Anglesea Visitor Centre
This easy and accessible riverside stroll is close to BBQs, playgrounds and cafes. It’s a great way to access Anglesea’s paddleboats, canoes and public art.
Anglesea and Point Roadknight
Anglesea River to Point Roadknight
From the convenience of the Anglesea township and an easy stroll along the riverbanks, you can take the Surf Coast Walk to Point Roadknight. Follow the track up to the bluff and back down to idyllic Point Roadknight Beach. From the top of the cliffs you get panoramic views back across the township, river and ocean.
Beach Combing
Point Roadknight to Urquhart Bluff
It’s time to get some sand between your toes on this long, uncrowded beach between Point Roadknight and Urquhart Bluff. As you stroll along the sand keep an eye out for beach-nesting birds and take in the stunning coastal views..
Sunnymead
Urquhart Bluff to Sunnymead
Follow this section of the Surf Coast Walk through rugged coastal bushland in the Great Otway National Park. You’ll come across what is left of the original Great Ocean Road and be able to explore the secluded cove at Sunnymead.
Aireys Clifftops
Sunnymead to Aireys Lighthouse
This well-made track is a local’s favourite. You can explore the bushland and incredible views surrounding the Airey’s Inlet Lighthouse. Listen for the song of Rufous Bristlebirds and look for other wildlife and birds amongst the low coastal scrubland.
Lighthouse Discovery
Aireys Lighthouse to Fairhaven
Split Point Lighthouse and lookouts you can walk past whale sighting spots and through Wathaurung country. Discover the rich history of the area as you go with the information signs at the viewing platforms along the Lighthouse Discovery Trail.
Surfing History on the Great Ocean Road
This part of the Great Ocean Road is famous for its surf beaches. It is one of the most renowned surf spots in the world, playing host to a number of key surfing events throughout the year. Bells Beach is the location of the annual Bells Beach Pro world tour event, which attracts the world’s best surfers. If you want to try catching some waves, there are many surf schools in the area that cater to both beginners and pros.
What else to see on the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is the location of unrivalled natural landscapes, stunning beaches, wild koalas and the incredible 12 Apostle rock formations. Join us on tour to see all the highlights in one day.
Our tour itinerary
- Enjoy morning tea on the picturesque beaches of Victoria’s Surf Coast
- Scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
- See the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park
- Visit the Loch Ard Gorge, the site of the Loch Ard shipwreck
- See koalas in their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township
- Visit the charming coastal township of Apollo Bay
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
