Bells Beach
Home to the world's longest-running surf contest, with consistent Southern Ocean swells.
Historic point break delivering powerful walls. Right-hand waves peel along limestone cliff. Handles large swells and produces epic winter waves.
Wave Height
Wind Speed
Water Temperature
13°C
Surf Forecast
Rating Scale:
- Epic (5.0)
- Good (4.8+)
- Fair to Good (4.0+)
- Fair (3.6+)
- Poor to Fair (2.5+)
- Poor (2.0+)
- Very Poor (<2.0)
Monday, 18 Aug
Daylight Times
Tide Times
Daily Overview
Overall Monday is poor with waves varying between 1.3-1.6m. The swell is predominantly coming from the South South West (SSW), with light to moderate South East (SE) winds averaging 8km/h.
During daylight hours, peak conditions are expected between 15:00 - 18:00 with a rating of 1.5/5. It's recommended to check local webcams and conditions before heading out.
Spot Information
Bells Beach, Australia's most iconic surf spot, is a powerful point break that has been hosting the world's longest-running professional surfing event since 1961. The wave wraps around a dramatic limestone cliff face, creating long, powerful walls that have tested generations of surfers.
The main break consists of several sections, including The Bowl, Outside Bells, and Rincon. The Bowl is the most famous, producing steep takeoffs and powerful walls that require both skill and commitment. The wave's power comes from its unique positioning, which allows it to capture and amplify Southern Ocean swells.
Winter (June to August) brings the most consistent conditions, with large groundswells meeting offshore winds to create classic Bells conditions. The wave performs best on a medium to high tide, with size ranging from 4 to 15 feet.
Local tip: The paddle out through the keyhole requires timing and local knowledge. The wave's power and speed demand strong paddle fitness and the ability to read the ocean. Watch for sets wrapping around the point, as they can catch you off guard.
Required Skill Level
Hazards & Warnings
Wave Characteristics
- Break Type:
- Point Break
- Bottom Type:
- Rock Reef
- Wave Quality:
- Powerful
- Wave Speed:
- Fast
- Wave Length:
- Long
- Consistency:
- 4/5
Ideal Conditions
Wind:
Swell:
Tides:
Mid to High TidePeak Season:
Best Times:
Environmental Factors
- Water Quality:
-
Excellent
- Bells Beach maintains excellent water quality year-round due to its location in a national surfing reserve with minimal urban development. Strong Southern Ocean currents help maintain pristine conditions. The spot is regularly monitored by Victorian water quality authorities.
- Summer Water Temp:
- 18-21°C
- Winter Water Temp:
- 12-15°C
- Wind Protection:
- Low
- Swell Exposure:
- High
- Tide Sensitivity:
- Moderate
Logistics
- Crowd Level:
- Moderate
- Access:
- Easy
- Parking:
- Large parking lot available
- Facilities:
- Toilets Viewing Areas Basic Facilities
- Average Slope Ratio:
- Respect priority
- Share waves
- Mind other surfers
- Respect local hierarchy
- No dropping in
- Watch for rips