Victorian Surf ReportThursday 16 July 2026

VICTORIAN SURF REPORT Thursday 16 July 2026 The violent winter weather has eased, but the Southern Ocean is still delivering. A high-pressure system is reducing the wind while a strong, long-period southwest groundswell continues. The Surf Coast has the best quality today, while Mornington and Phillip Island carry the greatest raw size. East Gippsland remains the weakest region. STATEWIDE OVERVIEW Central waters are carrying a 2–2.5 m southwest swell, increasing to 3–4 m in the far west. Winds are generally west to southwest at 10–15 knots, with a swell period of roughly 13–15 seconds. Expect long pauses between sets, followed by powerful pulses and occasional clean-up waves. TODAY’S RANKING 1. Surf Coast and Torquay 2. Phillip Island and Bass Coast 3. Mornington Peninsula 4. East Gippsland SURF COAST AND TORQUAY — 8/10 Torquay is receiving around 1.8–1.9 m of southwest groundswell at 15 seconds, producing 4–6 ft surf at exposed reefs. Torquay Point and Cosy Corner: 3–4 ft. Bells Beach: solid 4–6 ft. Winkipop: fast and powerful. Jan Juc: larger and more exposed. West of Bells: potentially well overhead. Best window: dawn through late morning, with another possible window late afternoon as winds ease. Hazards: shifting take-off zones, clean-up sets, slippery reef entries and strong channel movement. MORNINGTON PENINSULA — 5.5/10 The open beaches are still receiving the full force of the swell. Gunnamatta and St Andrews are likely around 8–10 ft, while Portsea Back Beach may see occasional 8–12 ft sets. Conditions remain powerful, swept and suitable only for highly capable surfers. Gunnamatta: 8–10 ft and heavily swept. St Andrews and Rye Back Beach: large with frequent closeouts. Portsea Back Beach: potentially the largest area. Sorrento Back Beach: smaller in protected sections. Flinders: cleaner where local shelter helps. Point Leo and Western Port: generally 1–2 ft. Best window: late morning through early afternoon as the tide fills in. Hazards: strong rips, lateral sweep, difficult hold-downs and waves breaking farther outside than expected. PHILLIP ISLAND AND BASS COAST — 6.5/10 Woolamai is receiving approximately 1.7–1.8 m of southwest swell at 15 seconds, producing 5–7 ft surf with larger sets possible. Woolamai: 5–7 ft. Forrest Caves: 2–4 ft. Smiths Beach and Surfies Point: 2–3 ft. YCW and Cat Bay: 1–2 ft. Exposed western and southern reefs: 5–8 ft. Best window: early morning, with another chance late afternoon as winds weaken. Kilcunda and exposed Bass Coast beaches remain powerful and less organised. Cape Paterson and Inverloch offer smaller alternatives. Hazards: deep gutters, strong sweep, long-period power and difficult exits. EAST GIPPSLAND — 3.5/10 Lakes Entrance is around 1–2 ft and wind-affected. Cape Conran, Marlo and the far east will receive more size, with Mallacoota potentially reaching 3–5 ft at exposed locations. Best window: late afternoon as winds and seas ease. Bar entrances remain hazardous even when nearby beaches appear small. TIDE GUIDE Torquay and Port Phillip Heads: Low 5:45–6:00 am High 1:15–1:30 pm Low 6:30–6:45 pm Western Port and Phillip Island: Low around 6:30 am High around 2:00 pm Low around 7:30 pm These are general planning references only. Check official tide tables before boating or crossing a bar. THE WEEK AHEAD FRIDAY 17 JULY — 8.5/10 The standout quality day. Cleaner 4–5 ft reefs on the Surf Coast, 5–7 ft exposed beaches on Mornington and 4–6 ft at Woolamai. SATURDAY 18 JULY — 7.5/10 Cleaner and more manageable. Offshore northwest winds and easing swell should suit competent intermediate surfers. SUNDAY 19 JULY — 6.5/10 Smaller and tidy, with light winds and the best conditions during the morning. MONDAY 20 JULY — 5.5/10 Fading groundswell. Exposed beaches become the best option. TUESDAY 21 JULY — 5/10 Small surf ahead of a possible frontal change. Forecast confidence drops. WEDNESDAY 22 JULY — 5–6/10 Potential new energy reaches the far west and Surf Coast first. WATER TEMPERATURE AND EQUIPMENT Water temperatures are around 13.8–13.9°C. A well-sealed 4/3 mm steamer is the minimum practical choice. Boots are useful on reef entries, and a hood will help during longer sessions. FINAL CALL Surf the Surf Coast today for the best quality. Mornington has the greatest raw power but remains large, swept and dangerous. Phillip Island is the best alternative. Target Mornington or Phillip Island on Friday, use Saturday for cleaner and more manageable surf, then follow the exposed swell magnets as the groundswell fades. Conditions can change quickly. Assess the ocean before entering and surf within your ability. #VictorianSurfReport #SurfForecast #VictoriaSurfing #SurfCoast #MorningtonPeninsula #PhillipIsland