Bells Beach

Bells Beach is a renowned surf beach on the Surf Coast of Victoria, Australia, located southwest of Torquay near Jan Juc. It is internationally known as the home of the Rip Curl Pro, one of the world's longest-running professional surfing competitions. The beach is set beneath dramatic cliffs within the Great Otway region and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and Australian National Heritage List for its surfing heritage.

Visitors can expect a rugged, cliff-framed coastline with powerful surf breaks, sandy shoreline and exposed rock platforms. Access is via Bells Beach Road to clifftop car parks with viewing platforms and lookouts overlooking the waves. Steep stairs and tracks lead down to the beach. The area is largely natural with minimal development, offering walking tracks along the cliffs, interpretive signage, and views of surfers in the water. Facilities are basic and focused on day visits.

Named after William Bell who held a pastoral run in the area in the 1840s. Became a centre of Australian surfing culture from the early 1960s, with the first Bells Beach surf competition held in 1961 and the Rip Curl Pro established in 1973, making it one of the longest-running professional surf contests. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and included in the National Heritage List as part of the Surf Coast surfing recreation reserve.

Considered an iconic site in Australian and international surfing culture, representing the evolution of surf culture in Victoria. The area is within Wadawurrung Country and holds significance for its natural coastal landscape and long association with recreational surfing. The annual Rip Curl Pro is a major cultural and sporting event for the Surf Coast community.