The Best Surf Breaks Near The Cape

Living in Victoria, we are pretty spoilt with the range of destinations to surf and a handful of the top 10 Victorian surf beaches are on the doorstep of The Cape. The area is also home to a bunch of delicious eateries to grab a bite after you’ve caught a wave.
 
The Oaks is situated only a 3-minute drive from the Cape Paterson township, and this hidden spot is accessed from the Bunurong Coastal Drive, which offers sweeping views of some of Victoria’s best coastline.

Photo: Coast Magazine

​Not quite on our doorstep like The Oaks but only a 20-minute drive from us is Kilcunda Surf Beach. Whilst relatively exposed, Kilcunda is a popular spot for both fishing and surfing and is on route to another two favourite surf destinations of ours, Cape Woolamai and Smiths Beach.
 
Cape Woolamai is considered one of Victoria’s most popular surf beaches and is located 35 minutes from Cape Paterson. During 2013, Cape Woolamai, along with Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay were formally declared a National Surfing Reserve. So, you know you have come to the right place to surf if you are here, as this is one of only 25 across Australia.
 
Travel a little further and you’ll have reached Smiths Beach which is 40 minutes from Cape Paterson and perfect for beginners. Surf schools often operate from here because of the flat bottom sand and consistency of the waves. Smiths is considered a favourite by both the locals and tourists. 

Photo: Coast Magazine

A handful of our favourite eateries in the area include:
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Madcowes – Cowes
Island Whole Foods – Cowes
Café Lugano - Cowes
Kilcunda General Store – Kilcunda
The Coffee Collective – Wonthaggi
The Local – Inverloch
Vaughans Café Deli – Inverloch

Photo: Island Whole Foods

Photo: The Local Inverloch