Bells Beach

Bells Beach/Djarrak is one of Australia's most famous surfing locations and one of the great icons of Victoria's Surf Coast. Set beneath high coastal cliffs south-west of Torquay, the beach and surrounding headland form part of the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve.

Bells Beach Area Map

Bells Beach is internationally renowned for its powerful surf and is home to the annual Rip Curl Pro, held over Easter. The main Bells surf breaks include The Bowl and Rincon, while nearby Winki Pop is another world-class break. The Bells area is best suited to experienced surfers rather than beginners.

The clifftop reserve is also a spectacular place to visit without entering the water. Viewing platforms provide sweeping views over the coastline, Bells Beach and Winki Pop, and the Surf Coast Walk passes through the reserve. Steps descend from the clifftop area to the Bells Beach and Winki Pop surf breaks.

The reserve has important environmental and cultural values. Bells Beach is also known as Djarrak and is on Wadawurrung Country. In 1971 the area was officially designated the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve, becoming the world's first surfing reserve. The adjoining sandy beach and marine waters form part of Point Addis Marine National Park.

Facilities include:

Car parking
Clifftop viewing platforms
Public toilets at the Bells Beach South/main Bells Beach car park, at the southern/western end of the car park
Drinking water
Showers
Picnic tables
Walking trails, including the Surf Coast Walk
Beach access steps to the Bells Beach and Winki Pop surf breaks

Winki Pop:

Winki Pop is the renowned neighbouring surf break within the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve. It is one of the excellent right-hand breaks along this section of coast and, like Bells Beach, is intended for experienced surfers. There are views across Winki Pop from the clifftop reserve and access steps lead down towards the break.

Surf Safety:

There are no regular lifesaving patrols at Bells Beach or Winki Pop.

Winki Pop is an advanced surf break rather than a patrolled swimming beach.

Bells Beach has a general hazard rating of 6/10. Hazards include powerful surf, topographic rip currents, winds, rocky areas and rapidly changing ocean conditions. The wider Bells area is regarded as suitable for experienced surfers only.

Bells Beach and Winki Pop should not be treated as family swimming beaches. Visitors wanting to swim should use a patrolled beach and check that the red and yellow flags are operating before entering the water.

Fishing:

Fishing is prohibited within Point Addis Marine National Park. All forms of recreational and commercial fishing are prohibited in Victoria's marine national parks, including fishing from the shore or from a boat, collecting bait and taking marine life.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs can be walked at Bells Beach and within the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve but must be kept on a leash at all times.