Bells Beach is a world-famous surfing beach near Torquay on Victoria's Surf Coast, about 100 km south-west of Melbourne and the first major stop on the Great Ocean Road. There is not much traditional beach: the draw is the dramatic cliff faces and the long, powerful waves that peel in from the Southern Ocean. It hosts the Rip Curl Pro each Easter, described as the oldest surfing competition in the world and part of the World Tour. A cliff-top car park gives spectacular views over the surf, which makes it a very good spot to watch local surfers without getting wet. Echidnas, birds and other coastal animals are often seen in the scrub. Entry is free, and the nearby break known as Winki Pop adds to the scene.
Watching versus surfing
The waves here are powerful and challenging, and the beach suits experienced surfers only. Conditions can change quickly. Beginners are better off watching or trying the calmer beaches around Torquay and Anglesea, such as Cosy Corner, where surf schools run lessons. Bells Beach is unpatrolled and is not a swimming spot. If you want to swim, choose a patrolled beach at Torquay, Jan Juc or Anglesea and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Timing
The lookouts are best when there is a decent swell and surfers are out, usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The Rip Curl Pro runs at Easter, when the area is busy and parking is stretched, so expect crowds if your trip coincides. In late spring, the weather is milder and the scrub is green, but the wind can be cool on the cliff top, so bring a layer.
Fitting it in
Bells Beach is a convenient first stop when driving from Melbourne, so it works well as the start of a self-drive along the coast, or the start of a longer trip to the Apostles. Torquay has cafes, surf shops and the surf lessons that are a good second stop for beginners. If you only have one day for the Great Ocean Road, you will likely skip it in favour of the Apostles, but with two days it is a highlight of the first morning.
What to expect
The experience
A cliff-top car park and lookouts above a famous surf break, with surfers in the water when there is swell.
Best time
Go early in the morning or late afternoon when surfers are out, and avoid Easter if you want quiet.
How long
Allow 30 to 60 minutes to watch the surf and walk the lookouts.
Tips
Do not swim here, bring a windproof layer and use patrolled beaches at Torquay, Jan Juc or Anglesea for swimming.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Surf fans and anyone who wants a dramatic first stop at the start of the Great Ocean Road.
- Families
- A good short stop for the lookouts, but children should stay behind the barriers and away from the water.
- Couples
- Watch the surf from the lookouts, then have a coffee in Torquay.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Torquay, Lorne and the Great Ocean Road memorial archway.
- Time needed
- Half an hour to an hour.
Good questions
Is Bells Beach free?+
Yes. The cliff-top car park and lookouts are free to visit.
Can I swim at Bells Beach?+
No. It is unpatrolled and not a swimming spot. Use a patrolled beach at Torquay, Jan Juc or Anglesea and swim between the flags.
When is the Rip Curl Pro held?+
It is held each Easter. It is described as the oldest surfing competition in the world, and the area is busy during the event.
Is it good for beginner surfers?+
No, the waves are powerful and the beach suits experienced surfers. Beginners should try calmer beaches such as Cosy Corner at Torquay or Anglesea.
How far is it from Melbourne?+
It is about 100 km south-west of Melbourne, near Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road.
