Holiday houses in Bells Beach

Situated near Torquay, Bells Beach is a relaxing seaside retreat and a popular stop for people travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Its renowned and challenging surf break has made it a legendary surfing area that has hosted high-profile competitions since 1961, attracting professional surfers worldwide. The rugged cliffs framing the beach provide a dramatic backdrop and offer a natural amphitheatre to watch the waves year-round and spot whales in the cooler months.

Because of the awesome swells at Bells Beach, it’s not well suited for beginner swimmers, but there is some quality fishing at low tide. You can also walk a portion of the Surf Coast Walk, a 44-kilometre trail that passes through some beautiful bushland past Fisherman’s Beach, Front Beach, and Bells Beach, offering spectacular views of the coastline. The surrounding area is also awash with wineries, day spas, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and the nearby Torquay Farmers’ Market, open every weekend.

Bells Beach is a popular destination all year round. Still, it’s busiest in the middle of spring when professional surfers from around the world arrive for its high-profile surf competition. Spring is also a pleasant time for bushwalking, taking in the wildflowers in the surrounding countryside, and visiting waterfalls that are at their fullest after winter rainfall. Summer brings the best beach weather, and plenty of spots around Bells Beach invite you to take a dip in the ocean and relax in the shade of a beach umbrella. Autumn is favourable to exploring the great outdoors, and the beach’s right-hand surf breaks are often at their best during the cooler months of the year. Winter can bring some cold weather but also the chance to observe migrating whales off the coastline.

The beach

You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to enjoy Bells Beach — though that is undoubtedly this small town’s most famous attraction. It’s possible to while away the hours just wandering the sands, relaxing in the shade during the warmer months, or taking in the waves from one of the many elevated vantage points. There are also some impressive sandstone sculptures near the beach and a mural by local Aboriginal artists.

Surf Coast Walk

As a more energetic activity you can walk or cycle some, or all, of the Surf Coast Walk, a 44-kilometre coastal path that stretches from Point Impossible to Fairhaven. The Bells Track section is just over three kilometres and offers some spectacular cliff top views of Fishermans Beach, Front Beach, and Bells Beach.

Local farms and wineries

Several wineries close to Bells Beach showcase their Shiraz and other cool-climate varieties, and many offer cellar door tastings. The area is also home to several fine-dining restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Check out the nearby locality of Bellbrae for some of the best home-grown delicacies, all created on the local farms.