Bell's Beach

Watch the professionals at work when you visit Bell’s Beach, one of the biggest destinations in Australia’s surf scene. Famed for its challenging swell and sweeping cliff-top views, Bell’s Beach is a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. Check out some of Australia’s top surfers sizing up the breaks or visit during the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition to watch international competitors carving up the swell.

Stroll out onto one of the boardwalks and viewing platforms that provide a wide panorama of the cliff-bound beach. Look out across the broad arc of golden sands, which are framed by rugged sandstone headlands and coastal heath. Outstanding surf breaks roll in from the Southern Ocean and grow steeper over the reef-dotted shallows. You might see seasoned surfers riding the right-hand breaks as the waves curl over the exposed reef. Bring your camera to snap photographs of the stunning coastal panorama.

Make your way down the stairs to the beach and check out the waves from a different perspective. Sometimes rising up to 16.5 feet (5 meters), the Bell’s Beach swell is not for the faint hearted. If you’re an experienced surfer, take on one of the two right-hand breaks for yourself. The waves are especially promising between March and October.

Visit Bell’s Beach during Easter to experience the energy of the Rip Curl Pro. Some of the world’s best surfers compete for the impressive title during the week-long festival, which also includes music concerts and other events. There are also surf contests and other sports events held at Bell’s Beach throughout summer. Come in February for the Australian Strongman Triathlon or in December for the High Tide Festival.

Bell’s Beach is situated on the southern outskirts of Torquay. Add the beach to your itinerary when exploring the inimitable Great Ocean Road or make the daytrip from town. The beach is free to visit anytime. If you’d like to go swimming, head to Jan Juc or Torquay Front Beach.