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

Friday 28 August is shaping up to be a great day at the coast, with a mix of sun and cloud cover and a temperature of 8C already at 5:41 am. The partly cloudy conditions will provide a pleasant backdrop for a day outdoors, whether you're planning to hit the beach or explore the surrounding area. With a humidity level of 87%, it's going to feel quite damp, but the gentle breeze from the WNW should help keep things comfortable.



The ocean conditions are looking good for water enthusiasts, with a wave height of 0.80m and water temperature of 13.5C, making it essential to wear a 4/3 full wetsuit. The tide times are 12:01 pm for high tide and 05:33 pm for low tide, so it's worth planning your beach activities around these times. The wave height is perfect for fun longboard conditions, so grab your board and make the most of it.



For sports and fitness enthusiasts, today is a great day to get out and enjoy the coastal scenery. Surfers will love the powerful reef break, while runners and cyclists can take advantage of the scenic coastal paths. Anglers can try their luck in the waters, and paddleboarders can enjoy the calm conditions. The air quality is good, with an AQI of 23, so it's a great day to get out and be active. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something for everyone to enjoy.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to remain steady at 8C, with plenty of sunshine and partly cloudy conditions. It's going to be a fantastic day to soak up the coastal atmosphere, so make the most of it and get out there to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. With low UV levels, you don't need to worry about special protection, so just grab your sunscreen and head out to make some amazing memories.

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.