Black Rock
Black Rock is Phillip Island's reef break reward—a quality right-hander that peels over volcanic rock with surprising precision when clean southwest groundswells march in from the Southern Ocean. The wave can barrel properly on the right combination of tide and swell, offering a reef break alternative to the island's sandy beach options. The seal colony nearby means shark awareness is essential, and the water temperature demands serious wetsuit commitment, but Black Rock delivers genuine Victorian reef quality for those willing to seek it out.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Offshore range
- 310° - 30°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Rocky entry. Check tide.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Best on clean SW groundswell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cape Woolamai
🐧 Phillip Island main break • Southern Ocean power • Wild Victoria
Thirteenth Beach
🏖️ Melbourne's reliable option • Multiple peaks • Consistent catchall
Point Impossible
🌊 Surf Coast sleeper • Less crowds than Bells • Two-section reef
Bells Beach
🔔 Where they ring the bell • Australia's competitive soul • Cold water power
Winki Pop
🔔 Bells' barrel neighbor • Local crew heavy • Victorian proving ground
Johanna Beach
🌿 Great Ocean Road power • Otway backdrop • Wild Victorian coast