Bells Beach
Bells Beach is Australia's most famous surfing beach and one of the world's premier surfing destinations. Located about 8 km southwest of Torquay, the beach is renowned for its powerful right-hand point break, towering sandstone cliffs and spectacular coastal scenery. Since 1961 it has hosted the annual Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, making it the longest-running professional surfing competition in the world.
The beach sits within the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve and is surrounded by native coastal heath. A long staircase descends from the clifftop car park to the wide sandy beach below, where visitors can watch some of Australia's best surfers tackle the famous waves or simply enjoy a walk along the shoreline. Even on non-competition days, Bells Beach attracts surfers from around the globe.
While swimming is possible when conditions are calm, Bells Beach is primarily a surf beach. Strong rips, large swells and changing conditions make it unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers. Visitors who prefer calmer waters should consider nearby Point Roadknight or Torquay Front Beach instead.
The elevated viewing platforms provide magnificent views along the Surf Coast, making Bells Beach a popular destination even for visitors with no interest in surfing. During the annual Rip Curl Pro, thousands of spectators gather on the natural grassy amphitheatre overlooking the break.
Facilities include a large free car park, public toilets, viewing platforms, beach access stairs, information signs, seasonal lifesaving patrols, surfing, surf fishing, walking tracks, picnic tables and spectator areas during surfing events.
Surf Safety
Bells Beach is patrolled by the South Torquay Surf Life Saving Club during the summer patrol season. Volunteer lifesavers patrol the beach on weekends and public holidays, with additional Life Saving Victoria lifeguards assisting during the peak holiday period. However, patrols are generally concentrated at the safer southern end of the beach.
Bells Beach has a high hazard rating due to its powerful surf, strong rip currents and deep water close to shore. It is regarded primarily as a surfing beach rather than a family swimming beach. Anyone entering the water should swim only between the red and yellow flags when patrols are operating, obey the directions of lifesavers and avoid the surf if conditions exceed their ability.
Location
Bells Beach Road, Bells Beach 3228 View Map
Web Links
→ Bells Beach (BeachSafe)
