Shorties - Blairgowrie

Shorties – Blairgowrie, VIC (East Coast, Australia) is a well-known beachbreak and beginner-friendly surf spot on the Mornington Peninsula, near the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron and Rye/Blairgowrie area. It’s often called “Shorties” because the waves tend to be small, soft, and manageable, making it popular with learners, longboarders, and groms.

Wave type

• Beach break
• Usually small to moderate surf
• Often soft, rolling waves rather than heavy, powerful ones
• Can produce fun shortboard sections when conditions line up

Best conditions

• Works best with clean swell and light offshore winds
• Generally better on smaller swells
• Can get messy with strong wind or too much size
• Tides can affect shape, with mid tide often a decent starting point

Skill level

• Beginner to intermediate
• Good for:
• Learning to surf
• Practice paddling and takeoffs
• Longboarding
• Casual sessions in smaller surf

Crowd and vibe

• Popular with locals and surf schools
• Can be busy when conditions are good because it’s accessible and user-friendly
• Friendly, relaxed peninsula surf atmosphere

Hazards / notes

• Like many beachbreaks, sandbanks can shift, so quality varies
• Watch for rips, changing banks, and occasional crowded lineup conditions
• Best approached with awareness of local surf etiquette

Overall

Shorties is a classic easy-going Peninsula surf spot: not usually known for heavy barrels or big power, but for fun, approachable waves that are perfect when you want a relaxed session close to Melbourne.