introduction

The Great Ocean Road represents the coastal region of south-west Victoria in Australia. It is a 273km stretch of road along the South Eastern coast - one of Australia's great scenic coastline drives. And one of the most scenic parts of the road is the stretch between Port Campbell and Petersborough. The road was constructed as a Memorial to those killed in the First World War.

This entire coast truly lives up to it's name. The strip is peppered with a stunning array of reefs worthy of investigation. Travel a little further off the beaten track and find one with your name on it - along this stretch of coast, it isn't a difficult thing to do.

The main break is known as the Bells Bowl or Bowl section. It is a point break and works through all tides depending on the size of the swell. It is surfable from 2' up to 15', and a north-west to west wind is optimal wind direction.

Bells is known internationally as one of the best breaks in Victoria, 'Winki Pop' often works better under more diverse conditions than the other nearby breaks.

surfing

273 kilometres of road stretching between Geelong and Warnambool. Built by returned soldiers after WW1, this stretch is one of the most scenic coastal tours that australia has to offer and a must for the travelling surfer.

Don't let the cold water worry you, this entire coastline offers quality waves for the travelling surfer, with coastline facing the pacific and southern oceans. The west coast offers some of the more well known epic waves of the state and the mighty swells spiralling across on the roaring 40's will ensure that there is no shortage of waves, in fact you will often be waiting for the conditions to back of just a little especially throughout winter, but when it all comes together, you're in for a world class treat.

It takes in some of the finest surf breaks Australia has to offer such as the world famous Bells Beach and Winkipop, as well as many equally good and less known breaks.

It is also home to the worlds longest running surf contest, the Rip Curl Pro at Bells every Easter. The hub of the surf scene here is around the town of Torquay, the location of the head office for Rip Curl and Quiksilver and also a surf museum. A must see coast for every traveling surfer visiting Australias shores.

where to stay

The Great Ocean Road (B100) runs from Torquay - home of the world famous Bells Beach - to Warrambool and has some beautifully located campsites, motels, hostels and hotels. This is a fantastic place to travel surf and stay.

Many people choose the campervan option here, and for good reason, you can take your time and meander your way through gorges and take in the pristine beaches between the numerous holiday parks that are often based beside crystal clear rivers and streams.

For those who prefer a more fixed abode many of the towns en route offer quality hotels and backpacker resorts, main areas of attraction are Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and the Port Campbell National Park where you'll find The Apostles and London Bridge Limestone rock formations.

Torquay is where most surfers will probably base themselves and there are some value for money establishments available, though booking in advance is recommended during public holidays, especially Easter when the World Championship Tour comes to town with the Ripcurl Pro at Bells Beach. Bells beach backpackers in Torquay has a great vibe and friendly atmosphere and the Torquay Holiday Resort just up the road from here on Surfcoast Hwy has plentiful facilities with amusements for kids and internet access.

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