The Southern Ocean is perilous, unpredictable and uncompromising. Some local knowledge and a reliable craft that is adequate for the conditions are essential for any ocean foray.
Boat launching in the ocean is via a crane off Port Campbell Pier (license required) and via a steep boat ramp west of Peterborough.
Spring fed lakes like Lake Bullen Merri offer good opportunity for water skiers whose fields of play have been limited elsewhere by drought.
Boat launching amenity and jetties are found at South Beach 4 km south of Camperdown.
Water Skiing is permitted in the Curdies River near the Boggy Creek Hotel in Curdievale. A boat ramp is provided for launching on the west bank of the river. Bouys and markers define the ski zone.
Please note that water skiing is not permitted in the Gellibrand River which has a 5 knot speed limit in place
Lake Purrumbete, Koallah (public launching facility at caravan park) Ramp and mooring facilities have been recently renovated for better access in lower water levels. Please adhere to speed limits and respect other vessels and lake users, take particular caution when water levels are low.
Curdies River, Peterborough Boat ramp is on Dory Street just near the Great Ocean Road Tourist Park
Curdies River upstream of bridge in Curdievale offers a concrete ramp just upstream of the bridge. Watch for swimmers that frequent the area in summer please take extra care particularly around the diving board. High speed craft in a narrow ski lane south of the bridge.
Lake Bullen Merri (South Beach) Camperdown offers a concrete ramp and mooring facility. Please adhere to speed limits and respect other vessels and lake users
Boat Bay, near Peterborough is an incredibly steep and narrow boat ramp that requires users to reverse for 60 m with little margin for error. Do not put your boat into the Southern Ocean without knowledge of local conditions.
Sign up to get the latest deals, tours & events along the Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
