- Wind: SE–S (SW doable, avoid N)
- Season: November to March
- Water: Rolling whitewash, ramps in swell, shifting bar
- Skill: Intermediate (rips, moving sand, beach crowds)
- Ideal Tide: Mid
- Launch Space: Wide beach, avoid flagged zones
- Hazards: Rips near river mouth, sandbanks, swimmers, crowding in summer
Victoria – Ocean Grove
Welcome to Ocean Grove — a long, sandy stretch facing Bass Strait that fires when the wind’s in the right quarter. On a strong SE to S, it opens up with long tacks and plenty of room to move.
The beach is wide and forgiving, with clean onshore lines and space to rig. SW winds can also work but can get bumpy. Anything northerly? Offshore and sketchy — give it a miss.
The bar can shift around a bit here — rip currents near the river mouth and the odd shallow sandbank to keep things interesting. If the swell’s up, expect punchy little ramps, otherwise it’s mostly rolling whitewash and space for cruising.
Plenty of room to set up, just watch for the flagged swim zones in peak season — you’ll want to walk further down the beach to stay clear. Facilities are all there — carpark, grass, cafes, toilets — but come early if it’s hot out.
Ocean Grove’s not a destination spot, but it’s a solid local option when it’s blowing right. Friendly enough, flexible enough, and worth a look when the forecast lines up.