The water may be cold, but the action can be hot. South from the New South Wales border the Australia coastline takes are sharp turn to the SW. This opens the coast up to large winter swells generated in the Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean, but also means that tropical swells from cyclones and the such do not reach this coast. From the NSW border to Lakes Entrance is a stretch of largely untouched virgin coastline. No doubt there are many secret breaks. Lakes Entrance marks the start of Ninety Mile beach, which does get waves. After Ninety Mile beach there is another stretch of wild coast in the Wilson's Promotory area. Sandy Point (Just before Wilson's Prom) has a lovely beach break that gets swell most of the time, especially in the Autumn to Spring period.This area also has been known to be dead flat for a week or two at a time. Phillip Island further west has great beach breaks and some point breaks. Despite the fact that Tasmania may block some swell, the area is still very consistent as Bass Strait is a very active piece of water. Mornington Peninsula runs from the east side of Port Phillip bay up towards Melbourne. The very southern tip faces into Bass Strait and has some rather good beach breaks. Port Phillip Bay itself is not for serious surfing, so Melbourne surfers generally head SW to Queenscliff and from there the coast runs southwards to the classic Bells Beach. Bells is only one of a number of waves in the area, many are better. Most work best in the Autumn - Early Spring months, but smaller waves will occur over Summer as well. Bells Beach is at the northern end of a delightful piece of road called the Great Ocean Road. This road follows the coast for the next 100 miles to Warnambool on the southern coast. The first section from Bells to Apollo Bay has many breaks, both beach and rock. Most can be checked as you drive along. From Apollo Bay and Cape Otway the coast turns west in direction. This coast is completely open to the full force of the southern ocean. There are quite a few surf breaks, but local knowledge is necessary to surf the best. Don't underestimate the waves here, some breaks don't even show until 8ft and will hold 15ft or more. There are miles of potential from Warrnambool to Portland and onwards to the South Australian border, you will find waves if you are prepared to get off the highway and search.