Bells Beach, a revered surf destination in Victoria, Australia, is known worldwide for its iconic right-hand pointbreak, making it a central hub for surfing enthusiasts. Located just over 100 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, the beach draws both local and international surfers eager to experience its challenging swells, which can reach heights of up to 20 feet.
A Rich Surfing Legacy
Situated along Victoria’s Surf Coast and facing the Bass Strait, Bells Beach is positioned perfectly to catch swells from the Southern Ocean. The location is not only ideal for surfing but also holds historical significance. The nearby town of Torquay, only a 10-minute drive away, is considered the birthplace of surfing culture in Australia. It is home to the founding of major surf brands such as Quiksilver and Rip Curl in 1969.
Each year, Bells Beach comes alive with the energy of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, a premier event on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. The competition, which coincides with the start of the Southern Hemisphere’s swell season, brings the world’s top surfers to this iconic break. The event culminates in the awarding of the famed trophy bell, a symbol of the beach’s deep connection to surfing’s competitive history.
Breaking Down the Waves
Bells Beach owes its dynamic surf to a mix of natural features. Named after a farming family who once owned the land, the top of the pointbreak is known as the Bells Bowl. This section is recognized for its powerful and fast waves, made even more intense by a reef that extends into deep water. At the wave’s end, a rock called The Button marks the transition to the adjacent Winkipop break, which is known for its higher-performance waves.
Swell direction is most optimal from the southwest, with waves ranging from chest-high to 20 feet, and on rare occasions, even larger. The beach works best with a northwest wind, which provides offshore conditions for clean, rideable waves. At low tide, the Bells Bowl is the prime spot, while as the tide rises, the peak shifts inward, revealing another quality wave at Rincon, a part of the reef that is often overlooked but no less thrilling.
Best Time to Visit
For surfers looking to experience Bells Beach at its prime, the months between June and August offer the best conditions, as large southwest swells dominate the region. While the off-season months of December and January bring favorable winds, the swell size tends to be smaller during this period. The water temperature fluctuates between 54°F and 68°F, meaning a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended, with a 4/3mm suit for those particularly sensitive to the cold.
Visitors who plan their trip around Easter may be in time for the Rip Curl Pro, which not only offers world-class competition but also injects an extra dose of energy into the area. However, even during the shoulder seasons, the Surf Coast remains an excellent location for a variety of waves, though it can become crowded during the warmer months.
Alternative Activities When the Surf Is Flat
On days when the waves aren’t cooperating, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy around Victoria. A short drive from Bells Beach is URBNSurf, a surf park in Melbourne where visitors can enjoy artificial waves. The region also boasts diverse wave types, from mellow beach breaks to powerful barrels, catering to surfers of all skill levels. For those looking to explore beyond the surf, the area offers wildlife tours, brewery visits, and scenic drives along the famous Great Ocean Road.
How to Get There
Bells Beach is easily accessible from Melbourne, with a flight into Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) followed by a 90-minute drive to Torquay. Alternatively, Avalon Airport is closer to the beach, though travelers will need to connect through Melbourne, as there are no direct international flights to Avalon. Note that travelers visiting Australia for less than 90 days will need to apply for a visa.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Torquay are plentiful, with hotel rates typically around $200 USD per night. For those on a tighter budget, there are also various rental options available nearby.
Fun Fact
Although it is widely believed that the final scene of the cult-classic film Point Break was shot at Bells Beach, the iconic moment was actually filmed at Indian Beach in Ecola State Park, Oregon. Despite the confusion, the audacity of the film’s creators has only added to Bells Beach’s allure as one of the world’s most celebrated surf spots.