Bells Beach, VIC

Home of the Rip Curl Pro since 1961 — a powerful reef break on Bass Strait that produces some of Australia's heaviest waves.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Monday 12 October is shaping up to be a great day to get out and enjoy the coast, with a current temperature of 14C and a mix of cloud cover, at 53% mostly cloudy. The humidity is sitting at 97%, making it feel a bit muggy, but that's not going to stop us from making the most of this beautiful day. With a gentle breeze blowing at 10 km/h from the west, gusting up to 31 km/h, it's a perfect morning to take in the sights and sounds of the ocean.



The ocean conditions are looking fantastic, with a wave height of 1.26m, which is waist to chest high, making for some solid surf. The water temperature is a cool 14.8C, so if you're planning on getting in the water, a 3/2 full wetsuit is recommended to keep you warm. The tides are also worth keeping an eye on, with high tide at 01:24 pm reaching 4.6m, and low tide at 07:03 am dropping to -4.2m.



For all you surfers, runners, cyclists, and paddleboarders out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy your sport of choice. The surf is looking particularly good, with the powerful reef break producing some heavy waves, although it's not recommended for inexperienced swimmers. If you're planning on going for a run or cycle, the gentle breeze and cool temperature will make for a comfortable ride. And for the anglers, the ocean conditions are looking perfect for a day out on the water.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to reach a high of 14C, with no chance of rain and low UV levels, so you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the sun. The air quality is also looking good, with an AQI of 23, making it a great day to get out and about. So, make the most of this beautiful day, get out and enjoy the coast, and we'll catch you back here tomorrow with another update on the coastal weather.

About This Coastline

Bells Beach is a celebrated surf reserve west of Torquay, enclosed by high ochre cliffs and exposed to the powerful swells of the Southern Ocean.

Rather than relying on a single attraction, the destination draws strength from the combined presence of landscape, community and maritime activity.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is focused and elemental rather than resort-like.

Surfers study the lines from cliff-top lookouts, spectators gather for major events, and the beach itself remains largely free of commercial development. The experience is shaped as much by sound and movement as by appearance, from wind through coastal vegetation to boats, birds or breaking waves.

The Local Anchor

The Rip Curl Pro, held in the wider Bells area, is one of professional surfing’s longest-running major contests and forms the beach’s clearest cultural anchor.

Its place within the Surf Coast also connects it to generations of Victorian surf history. Its local anchor helps organise the place visually and culturally, giving visitors a reference point amid a much larger coastline.

The Landscape

Bells is not a broad, gentle swimming beach.

Reef breaks, deep water, strong currents and changing swell make it a location for experienced surfers and careful observation, while the cliffs and coastal heath create a stark, dramatic setting. Changes in tide and weather continually redraw the boundary between land and water, particularly around reefs, estuaries and shallow bays.

The result is a shoreline where natural conditions, community history and everyday recreation remain closely connected.