The best Melbourne surf spots for beginners

I love a winter surf — that is, if I can muster up the courage to venture into the cold waters off the Victorian coast.

Pt Addis, on Victoria’s surf coast. (Pic: Bianca O’Neill)

There’s nothing more refreshing than slipping on a steamer (3mm minimum in Victoria, trust me), and embracing the bite of the Bass Strait after sitting in air-con five days a week.

Plus, there is one more benefit to surfing in winter, especially if you’re a beginner… there’s no one else in the water. Which means no one to pressure you out of the good waves and into the rougher spots, no one to compete with for a break, and no one to laugh at you when you fall down. Repeatedly.

Here are our top three surfing spots outside of Melbourne for beginners: where the crowds are few and the easy, smaller waves are many.

Point Addis Surf Beach, near Anglesea

This spot is one of my best kept secrets. With a sheltered beach break that rarely rises above rolling 3–4fters, and a soft decline into the ocean (meaning you can catch waves whilst still standing up), this stunning bay is located in a national park — but randomly, also allows dogs off leash.