By spring at Bells Beach on Victoria’s Surf Coast, the place starts to fire up. Mornings turn cool as the days get brighter, and clean swells call surfers from every corner of Australia. Even if you have no plans to stand surfing, the rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and open coastline ensure Bells Beach is an equally great place to view the action.
If you are one of the many visitors to the area, a Great Ocean Road day tour is an easy way to fit Bells Beach into your itinerary alongside so many other coastal must-sees.
Bells Beach in Spring: Why Visit?
Autumn is a good time of year given it will often be drier and most comfortable for sightseeing at Bells Beach too. The season can also offer good surf conditions but the swell size and wind are always variable day to day.
The beach has a reputation for its heavy breaks and long history in Australian surfing. It is also the site of the Rip Curl Pro, one of Australia’s best-known professional surfing competitions.
You are not required to be a pro surfer in order to enjoy the region. The cliffs themselves are dramatic with many a good place to stand back and watch the waves.
Bells Beach Best Viewing Locations
Perhaps no better way to get a taste of Bells Beach is from above. The high vantage points open you up to panoramic vistas of both the ocean and coast around it.
Bells Beach Lookout
From the main access point, the lookout over is huge and offers an awesome view of the beach below, as well as some nice vantage points to check out those surf breaks. This is a nice option for people looking for a quick hop and an easy view.
Southside Lookouts
Perches around the southern end can give complementary views along the coast. The best time for photography will typically be either early morning or late afternoon.
Watch from a Safe Distance
Spring swells can be powerful. Do not cross the safety barriers and only access the approved rest areas. Do not step on the edge of a crumbling cliff just to take a better picture.
The Great Ocean Road: Combine Bells Beach with the Spectacular Coastal Route
You might get all the way to Bells Beach, almost at Torquay, and it’s therefore a conveniently located quick stop off at any point you make your way down the Great Ocean Road along the Surf Coast. Visitors can combine the seashore with stops at Torquay, Anglesea, and different coastal sights.
A Great Ocean Road tour package is perfect for those travellers seeking transport, sightseeing, and several destinations all-in-one.
What to Pack for a Springtime Visit?
Along the coast, spring weather can be quite changeable. With a little preparation, your visit is likely to be much more comfortable.
Consider bringing:
- A light jacket or windbreaker
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water and a small snack
- Using a camera or phone for coastal views
If you’re going on a Great Ocean Road day tour, read your itinerary before you leave as it might tell you how long you’ll have at Bells Beach.
Make the Most of Your Visit
If possible, come early enough to hang out and enjoy the landscape and not just stop for a picture. Observe the surfers, gaze at the waves, and admire the sheer jagged beauty of the cliffs.
A Great Ocean Road tour package will help those for whom travelling is a problem, as they can experience trekking to Bells Beach easily without any fuss of parking or route maps.
Final Thoughts
Bells Beach isn’t only a famous surf break. Spring brings beautiful vistas, thrilling surf, and great coastal views. Bells Beach is one for those of you who either fancy yourself as a surf pro or just want to check out the coast in Victoria.
