Jan Juc

Located immediately south of Torquay, the Jan Juc beach is known for its larger waves and rougher beaches. Named after a baleen whale fossil found in a boulder, Janjucetus hunderi, Jan Juc is often prone to rips and larger swells, making the conditions suitable for experienced surfers and swimmers.  The local Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach during peak times for everyone to safely enjoy.

The sprawling cliffs offer magnificent coastal views with beach access via several levels of steps. The area is a great escape from the busy Torquay Back Beach with a three tier sealed car park, viewing platforms, toilets and showers. The Jan Juc heathland is a highly biodiverse ecosystem, home to several endemic floral species.

A short stroll along the spectacular Surf Coast Walk will lead to the Bird Rock lookouts, the ideal location to watch the waves roll in and the local surfers carving it up. Venture a little further along the walk and you will be rewarded with some of the best views along the trail as you head towards popular surf breaks of steps, boobs and evos. Jan Juc is home to a number of surf breaks along the cliffs towards the iconic Bells Beach.

Jan Juc is a timeshare dog friendly area and from the 1 December – 28 February and Easter dogs are only permitted off leash between 7 pm and 9 am. All other times dogs are allowed off leash, under control.  For more information about dog friendly beaches, visit the Surf Coast Shire’s website.

Environmental volunteer groups in the region

Founded by two dedicated locals in 1994, Jan Juc Coast Action has grown to include 90 members with around 20 volunteers attending each working bees. The group works to preserve and revegetate the Jan Juc coastline with indigenous species. Major works have been completed to remove invasive woody weeds over the years and revegetate with indigenous flora.

The group also works with GORCC to help deliver erosion control programs and the provision of tracks and lookouts.

In 2015 the group launched an interactive, online plant database for the Surf Coast designed to help the community identify weeds and choose indigenous species for their gardens via www.scnaturesearch.com.au.

Meetings | First Sunday of every month, 10.00am (except in January)

Contact | Luke Hynes on 0406 113 438 or email luke@beaconecological.com.au

View the blogs

Read the latest volunteer stories from Jan Juc Coast Action on our blog.

Facilities and features

  • Public toilets; change facilities; amenities for people with a disability; parking for people with a disability; water fountains; dog bags; lookouts / viewing platforms; picnic tables; walking tracks; dog friendly; car parking; Surf Life Saving Club

Other Torquay reserves

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee

On 1 December 2020 GORCC transitioned to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. Please visit: www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.