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.
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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
- 2.0m
- 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 tide is best at Black Rock?
Black Rock works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Black Rock?
Offshore wind at Black Rock blows from the N (350°). Anything in the 310° to 30° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Black Rock?
Black Rock wants SSW swell (170° to 230°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Black Rock?
The main season at Black Rock is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round. Best on clean SW groundswell.
How do I get to Black Rock?
Fly into MEL, then allow about 100 minutes by road. Rocky entry. Check tide.
What kind of wave is Black Rock?
Black Rock is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Best on clean SW groundswell.
Getting There
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