Bells Beach
Victoria, Australia
Reef breakAdvanced
Australian surfing's spiritual home, a powerful right-hand reef break on the Great Ocean Road that has hosted the world's longest-running professional surf contest since 1962.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size3-6ft
Wind
NW
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
March–August
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right
Bottom
Sharp reef
Shape
Long, grinding wall, hollow bowl section, long rippable face
Length
200–350m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Sharp reef, cold water, strong rips, and heavy swell demand real experience and a full wetsuit.
Hazards
- •Sharp reef, reef boots recommended
- •Cold water (12–16°C) year-round, full 4/3 wetsuit essential
- •Strong rips along the cliff
- •Clifftop access requires a walk down steep steps
Local Tips
- •The Rip Curl Pro is held here every Easter, the contest window sometimes produces the best waves of the year.
- •The Bowl section at the southern end of the beach fires on bigger swells and is often less crowded than the main Bells peak.
Location
-38.3690, 144.2825