Ocean grove

Ocean Grove, VIC (near Melbourne West) is one of the better-known surf spots on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 30–40 minutes from Geelong and around 90 minutes from Melbourne, depending on traffic. It’s a broad, open ocean beach break on the Bass Strait side, so it gets a steady supply of swell and can offer fun waves year-round.

What the surf is like

• Wave type: Mostly beach break
• Swell exposure: Good exposure to southern and south-west swells
• Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers on smaller days; more experienced surfers when the swell picks up
• Wave quality: Can be punchy and fun, but it’s often wind and tide sensitive
• Crowds: Popular, especially on weekends, holidays, and during summer

Conditions to watch

• Wind: Offshore or lighter winds are best; strong onshores can make it messy quickly
• Tide: Break quality can change a lot with tide, so it’s worth checking a tide chart
• Sandbars: The banks shift often, so conditions can vary from day to day

Hazards / things to know

• Rips: Common, as with most Victorian beach breaks
• Strong surf: Can get powerful when swell increases
• Patrols: Parts of the main beach are often patrolled in summer, but always surf within your limits

Vibe

Ocean Grove has a classic surf-town coastal feel with a mix of family beachgoers, longboarders, and everyday local surfers. It’s a good spot for a casual session, especially when other more exposed reef or point breaks are too big or unruly.