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.
Black Rock surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Offshore range
- 310° - 30°
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Black Rock?
Black Rock is a reef break in Phillip Island, Australia, that mostly breaks right. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at Black Rock?
Black Rock picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Black Rock?
A N wind is dead offshore at Black Rock, and anything from the NW round to the NNE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Black Rock?
Black Rock is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Black Rock?
The most reliable run of swell at Black Rock comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Feb too. Year-round. Best on clean SW groundswell.
How cold is the water at Black Rock?
The water at Black Rock averages around 14°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Black Rock good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Shallow reef. Sharks - seal colony nearby.
How do I get to Black Rock?
The nearest airport on our list is MEL, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Rocky entry. Check tide.
What other surf spots are near Black Rock?
The closest breaks we track are Cape Woolamai (8.1 km), handy when Black Rock isn't working.
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
🔔 Home of the Rip Curl Pro • 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