Johanna

Tucked away along the famous Great Ocean Road, Johanna Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be found. This coastal village is a peaceful retreat with stunning landscapes and ocean views. Unlike the busy tourist spots, Johanna is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Whether you’re chasing waves or just want to chill by the beach, Johanna will deliver.

Beach Wonders

What makes Johanna special is its untouched beauty and relaxed vibe. The beach goes on forever, with rugged cliffs framing the sand. The sound of the waves and the wind rustling through the coastal scrub is calming. Johanna is for those who want to escape and get connected to nature in a way you can’t elsewhere. The greenery and ocean views are a photographer’s paradise.

A Look Back at the Beach

Johanna has a rich history, its name coming from the schooner Johanna which wrecked on the coast nearby in the mid 19th century. Over time the area became a haven for settlers who loved its fertile land and fishing. Today Johanna honours its past by preserving its landscapes and sustainable tourism, working in partnership with local communities to ensure equity for future generations.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Johanna depends on what you want to do. Summer (December to February) is for sun-loving beachgoers. Autumn and spring are for hiking through ancient rainforests and discovering the area’s natural wonders, including Erskine Falls and Beech Forest. For surfers, winter is for the big swells and experienced surfers to tackle the beach breaks.

Beach Activities Guide

Johanna is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you’re relaxing by the beach, discovering hidden trails, or fishing in the nearby rivers, the possibilities are endless on these tours of Great Ocean Road.

Surfing

Johanna Beach is a surfer’s paradise with consistent and challenging waves. The beach breaks are a favourite among advanced surfers who come to test their skills. Johanna has even hosted the Classic as an alternative to Bells Beach, so it’s a top surf spot. If you’re a beginner surfer, the beach has lessons and rentals so everyone can have a go. The combination of sand and rugged coast is a unique surfing experience that’s fun and rewarding.

Events & Competitions

Throughout the year Johanna hosts various surfing events and competitions that attract enthusiasts and spectators. These events celebrate the beach culture of the region and are a lively and fun atmosphere of excitement and community. Beyond surfing Johanna also hosts local festivals and community gatherings that showcase the area’s cultural and natural heritage.

Fishing

Fishing is another favourite pastime at Johanna, with the beach and nearby rivers offering plenty of fish to be caught. Whether you like fishing from the shore or going out on a boat, Johanna has it all. The area is perfect for catching salmon, snapper and other local species.

Swimming

Johanna Beach has big waves, but there are quieter spots to swim in the summer. Visitors should stay within the designated areas and be aware of the rips. There are safer swimming spots nearby for families and less confident swimmers.

Camping

For the ultimate experience of Johanna’s natural surroundings, Johanna Beach Campground has beachfront campsites and campsite lodges. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up to the view of the coastline is something special. The campground has basic facilities so you can rough it in comfort.

Surrounding Area

Johanna is in the perfect location to explore the surrounding areas. The nearby Port Campbell National Park is home to some of Australia’s most famous natural rock formations, the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Bay of Islands. These limestone stacks rise up from the ocean and are both breathtaking and humbling.
Further in land the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures gives you a unique view of the region’s old growth forests, where you can walk among the treetops and look out over the rainforest below. The area is also known for its flora, the tall trees of the redwood forest near Beech Forest.
Port Fairy and Cape Bridgewater are coastal towns with history, culture and modern amenities. These coastal villages are perfect for a day trip with their fishing villages, award winning accommodation and a range of accommodation from luxury lodges to beachfront campsites.