Victoria's Bells Beach takes the crown as Australia's top surfing destination.
Australia’s coastline is renowned for its stunning beaches, and Lonely Planet’s latest declaration cements Bells Beach in Victoria as the country’s ultimate surfing hotspot. The travel experts recently released their list of the world’s top beaches, with Bells Beach proudly claiming the title for Australia.
Despite stiff competition from Sydney’s iconic beaches, Bells Beach, located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, stood out for its breathtaking natural beauty and legendary waves. Lonely Planet praised the beach for its unique features, including the striking red-clay cliffs that frame its natural amphitheatre.
The website shared: “On the southern coast of Victoria in the Great Ocean Road region, surfers gather in the beach parking lot, arms crossed and sunglasses on, watching the waves roll in around the point. Some shake their heads and drive off, others wait for their set. With the tides changing, one or two grab their board and head down the weathered steps to paddle out at one of Australia’s best surf breaks: Bells Beach.”
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A local’s guide to the best surf spots across the Bellarine Peninsula
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Bells Beach year-round to experience its renowned swells, with the best time to visit being from November to March. However, the beach isn’t just for casual swimmers; it’s a mecca for experienced surfers who brave the powerful waves that roll in from April to October.
The annual Rip Curl Pro competition, held during the Easter holiday period, also attracts surfers from around the world, adding to the beach’s allure. This iconic competition, part of the World Tour and the oldest of its kind, showcases the beach’s status as the surf capital of Australia.
While Bells Beach may be renowned for its surfing credentials, it’s also a popular destination for spectators. The beach’s stunning cliff-top views provide the perfect vantage point to watch skilled surfers carve through the waves, creating a spectacle that attracts visitors from near and far.
Visitors to Bells Beach are reminded to exercise caution, as the powerful surf conditions make it unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers. However, for those looking to soak up the atmosphere and witness the thrill of world-class surfing, Bells Beach offers an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking to swim, nearby beaches in Torquay, Jan Juc, and Anglesea offer safe swimming opportunities for beachgoers.
Located just 10 kilometers outside Torquay, Bells Beach is easily accessible from Melbourne and serves as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Visitors can follow Bells Boulevard to the cliff-top car park, where they can descend to the beach or admire the surf from above.
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With over 60,000 kilometers of coastline, Australia boasts approximately 12,000 beaches, making it challenging to select the best. However, Lonely Planet’s recognition of Bells Beach highlights its exceptional status among the country’s coastal gems.
Other Australian beaches featured in Lonely Planet’s list include The Pass in Byron Bay, Bondi Beach for people-watching, Cable Beach in Broome, and Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, among others. Each beach offers its own unique charm and natural beauty, contributing to Australia’s diverse coastal landscape.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a spectator, Bells Beach offers an unparalleled coastal experience that celebrates Australia’s rich surfing culture.
