Bells Beach
Bells Beach is a coastal locality nestled within the Surf Coast Shire of Victoria, Australia. Located approximately 100 km south-west of Melbourne, along the iconic Great Ocean Road near the towns of Torquay and Jan Juc, Bells Beach is renowned worldwide as a premier surf beach. Named after William Bell, a Geelong businessman and grazier who owned much of the property in the area from the 1840s, Bells Beach holds a special place in Australian surfing history.
Surfing
Bells Beach is not just a beach; it’s a surfing mecca. Home to the world’s longest continuously running professional surfing competition, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, this iconic stretch of coastline has been attracting surfers from around the globe since the early 1960s. The event, formerly known as the Bells Easter Classic, has been held every Easter since January 1962, showcasing the world’s top surfers battling it out on the legendary waves of Bells.
Surfing at Bells Beach has a rich history dating back to the late 1930s when surfers from Torquay began making their way to this pristine coastal gem. Access to the beach was a challenge until 1960 when a group of surfers, led by Olympic wrestler Joe Sweeney, cleared a road along the Bells cliff, making it easier for surfers to reach the waves. Today, Bells Beach is part of the Surf Coast walking track, offering not only incredible surfing but also stunning coastal views.
Surfers visiting Bells Beach can enjoy not only the main break but also nearby surf breaks such as Southside, Centreside, Rincon, Winki Pop, Boobs, and Steps. While Bells is internationally renowned as one of Victoria’s best breaks, Winki Pop often provides excellent surf conditions under diverse circumstances, making it a favourite among local surfers.
Surfing Competitions
In addition to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Bells Beach hosts various other surfing competitions, including the Rip Curl GromSearch National Series for under 17s. These events attract surfers of all ages and skill levels, adding to the vibrant surfing culture that permeates the area.
Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE)
Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE) is a local group formed in 1988 by concerned surfers who wanted to preserve the natural beauty of Bells Beach. Meeting monthly, members of SANE undertake initiatives to revegetate the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve, aiming to restore and preserve its original state. Over the years, SANE has planted over 100,000 plants in the reserve, demonstrating the community’s commitment to environmental conservation.
In Popular Culture
Bells Beach has made its mark in popular culture, featuring in films such as The Endless Summer (1966) and Surf’s Up (2007). While the final scene of the film Point Break is set at Bells Beach, the actual filming took place at Indian Beach in Ecola State Park, Oregon, USA. Despite this, Bells Beach remains an iconic location in the world of surfing, capturing the imagination of surfers and beachgoers alike.