Johanna Beach
Johanna Beach is a wild, exposed beach break on the Great Ocean Road that takes the full force of Southern Ocean swells. The beach is backed by rolling green farmland and the Otway Ranges, creating a quintessentially Victorian coastal landscape. When solid SW swells hit, Johanna produces powerful, punchy waves that can rival any beach break in Australia. The remote nature means crowds are rare, but so is backup if something goes wrong. This is a wave for experienced surfers comfortable in cold, powerful conditions.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 270°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.6m
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Easy beach access from Great Ocean Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Johanna Beach?
Johanna Beach works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Johanna Beach?
Offshore wind at Johanna Beach blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Johanna Beach?
Johanna Beach wants SW swell (180° to 270°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Johanna Beach?
The main season at Johanna Beach is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Winter is prime. Picks up all Southern Ocean swell.
How do I get to Johanna Beach?
Fly into MEL, then allow about 180 minutes by road. Easy beach access from Great Ocean Road.
What kind of wave is Johanna Beach?
Johanna Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter is prime. Picks up all Southern Ocean swell.
Getting There
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