Portsea Surf Beach

Portsea Beach is one of Victoria's most popular and infamous beaches, being near the spot where Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in the surf in 1967.

Portsea is a popular summer beach with extensive parking areas in the dunes, all of which provide a good view of the beach, its wide surf zone and many rips and reefs.

The beach is 2.5 km long, with extensive rock platforms and reefs forming the boundaries, together with smaller reefs and rocks outcropping along the beach. Since it faces the south-west, it receives the full force of the south-west waves and westerly winds. Waves average 1.8m and there are rip dominated inner and outer bars.

Portsea Surf Beach is one of Victoria's better known and most popular summer beaches, however it is also one of its most potentially hazardous. It is best suited for experienced bathers and surfers. The General Hazard Rating is 8/10 (Highly hazardous).

Beach Patrol
The beach is patrolled by Portsea SLSC. Patrol Calendar.

The Portsea Back Beach Road provides good access to the car parks and lookout above the beach, with a steep walk down to the beach and surf lifesaving club.

Swimming
A popular summer beach, however definitely stay on the bar and between the flags, and clear of the rips, rocks and reefs, particularly at low tide when the rips intensify.

Surfing
A popular surfing spot in summer, when Portsea is overrun with holiday makers. The beach breaks occur over the bars and reefs, with best conditions during low to moderate swell and northerly winds.

Fishing
A popular spot for beach and rock fishing, with deep rip holes a permanent feature, together with rocks and reef along the beach.

Portsea Surf Beach

Location

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