surfing
Surf's up year-round in Victoria, with crystal clear waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean. Summer is the best time to 'hang ten' or learn to ride a board at one of the many surf schools along the Great Ocean Road or Mornington Peninsula. Boards, wetsuits and flippers are all for hire or included in your class, so all you need is your swimsuit and a sense of humour. Adventure operators and some hostels also run 'Surfari' tours to regional beaches.
A good starting point for serious surfers is the famous Bells Beach (home to the Rip Curl Pro Classic surfing carnival each March, and briefly featured in Point Break – the cheesy Keanu Reeves film about bankrobbing surfers. Your hit list should also include Jan Juc along the Great Ocean Road, Gunnamatta on the Mornington Peninsula, the wild and beautiful Wilsons Promontory National Park and gnarly breaks at Croajingolong National Park in Gippsland.
Bayplay Lodge and Adventure Centre
Adventure activities include PADI scuba diving, sea kayaking, surfing, horse riding and dolphin swims. Bayplay runs day/overnight tours to the Mornington Peninsula with the Bayplay Bus. Accommodation is available for families, individuals, groups and backpackers. Ph 03 5988 0188
Go Ride a Wave/Go Paddling
Experienced staff teach you how to surf at the beach while you take in the beautiful surrounds of Ocean Grove, Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne. Surf lessons include the necessary equipment. Ph 03 5263 2111
Westcoast Surf School
Operating at Anglesea, Torquay and Ocean Grove, Westcoast Surf School provides quality surfing instruction for all ages and abilities. Qualified instructors, full length wetsuits and large beginner softboards are provided. Ph 03 5261 2241
