Bells Beach is known as Victoria’s most famous surf spot, drawing surfers from all over. It’s a classic right point break that generally works on almost any tide and can handle decent swells coming from the southeast to southwest. With its long wave, Bells has sections like Rincon, Bell's Bowl, and a beach shorebreak that all offer different experiences. Expect a crowded lineup since this place is a pilgrimage site for many surfers.
The waves at Bells Beach are powerful, making this spot better suited for expert surfers. The ideal swell direction is southwest, but it can also handle southeast swells. The wave sizes that work best range from about 3 feet (around 0.9 meters) and can get really hefty, sometimes reaching double overhead. When conditions are right, you’ll enjoy long, ripping rides, but watch out for sections that can be difficult to navigate. You'll want to catch it with northwest winds and it can hold up well across low, mid, and high tide phases. If the waves are small, it can still be fun, giving you a chance to carve and cut back along the reef.
If the crowd at Bells Beach feels overwhelming, head over to Centreside just down the headland for some less intense right-hand waves. You can also find some decent lefts at Southside when the southeast swells are up and tide levels are higher.