Holiday houses in Jan Juc

Located on Victoria’s rocky southern coastline, the beachside town of Jan Juc lies between Torquay and Bells Beach. Though it’s often used as a stop for those travelling the Great Ocean Road, Jan Juc is also a great place for a longer holiday, with smaller crowds than many surrounding beaches, and a picturesque shoreline with soaring limestone cliffs. The town was named after a baleen whale fossil which was found by a surfer in the 1990s.

Jan Juc’s exposed surf and several rips means it is ideally suited to be experienced by swimmers and surfers, though the beach is patrolled in busy periods. Jan Juc is also just a seven minute drive from renowned Bells Beach, which has been hosting high profile surfing competitions since 1961 and attracts professional surfers from around the world. As well as spending time at the beach, you can also visit nearby wineries, relax in the area’s many restaurants and cafes, or stroll a section of the Surf Coast Walk, a 44-kilometre trail that stretches all the way from nearby Point Impossible to Fairhaven.

Jan Juc is a popular destination throughout the year, especially during spring, when surfers from all over the world head to Bells Beach for a high-profile surfing competition. Spring brings wildflowers in the surrounding bushland, and gushing waterfalls, which makes for some spectacular bushwalks. Summer is a lovely time to make the most of the area’s many bays and beaches, though it can get hot and humid in the middle of the day. Autumn is also a pleasant time to enjoy the great outdoors, and brings clear skies which are ideal for bushwalking or cycling. While winter brings cold weather, it also usually means uncrowded beaches and the chance to see migrating humpback and southern right whales.

Surf Coast Walk

The Surf Coast Walk is an impressive, 44-kilometre path that stretches from Torquay to Aireys Inlet, through traditional Wadawurrung Aboriginal country. You don’t need to take the entire trail at once, as it’s split into 12 individual walks, and several sections are flat and suitable for all levels of pedestrians. There are also interactive maps along the way for extra guidance.

Australian National Surfing Museum

This section of the Victorian coast is well known for its world-class surfing, and you can learn more about Australia’s surfing history at this museum in nearby Torquay. Immerse yourself in the story of surfing in Australia, and see an impressive collection of boards, artefacts, and memorabilia, including trophies from the world’s longest running surf competition, held at nearby Bells Beach.

Surf Coast Wine Trail

Inland from Jan Juc you’ll find the Surf Coast Wine Trail. As well as 11 wineries, most of which offer cellar door tastings, the hinterland is also abundant with stylish cafés, galleries, and boutiques. Indulge in a treatment at a day-spa, pick up some local produce for a picnic, or relax over a long lunch in one of the fine-dining restaurants.