What Can I Do, Portarlington, Great Ocean Road Journey, Victoria, Australia

Bellarine Taste Trail

The Bellarine Taste Trail is a collection of gourmet delights and foodie experiences all within 20 minutes of each other. The trail twists a scenic path around The Bellarine, taking visitors to vineyards that are receiving some of Australia’s highest accolades for their wine and farms that have changed the local restaurant scene with their amazing produce. There are breweries using innovative techniques for original flavours and bakeries known for amazing wood-fired bread and multi-award winning pies. Several tour companies run charter operations across the Bellarine, so you can truly indulge in all the Bellarine Taste Trail has to offer and let someone else worry about transport and navigation. The Bellarine is bounded by Port Phillip Bay to the North and Bass Strait to the South – as such, the seafood on offer is amazing. Portarlington’s mussels are well known locally and feature in a different dish at virtually every restaurant in the region. Places to eat range from those with stunning water views, or nestled in rolling farmland hills to exquisite and grand historic hotel dining rooms. They all offer their unique take on local fare. For more casual meals, pick up a bounty of local produce from one of the provedores and food stores around the Bellarine and make it yourself – either at home or at your holiday accommodation.

Portarlington

Food & Wine

Whilst it was put on the foodie map by its famous mussels, Portarlington has much more to tantalise your taste buds these days. As a central point to many of the attractions on the Bellarine Taste Trail, Portarlington is a great spot to base a gourmet tour of the surrounding region. In town you'll have access to top class restaurants and cafes, locally grown produce and one of the best bakeries in the region. In the surrounding hills you can explore award-winning wineries or buy food direct from the grower.

Portarlington

Portarlington Beach

Point Richards is a large accumulation of sand that forms the northern tip of the Bellarine Peninsula. The point is still growing slowly to the west, while in the east it is attached to the bedrock at Portarlington. There are three beaches along this 2.5 km section of coast. The first is a 300 m long, low energy section west of the point, which grades into tidal flats. Between the point and the Portarlington Jetty is a 2 km long, north facing beach, backed by a large reserve and a caravan park. The third beach runs for 200 m east of the jetty to the bluffs. All three beaches have good access, with a large car park on the point servicing a boat ramp, and a second boat ramp on Portarlington Beach. Swimming These are three relatively safe beaches, with usually calm to low wave conditions. Due to the extensive sand flats, bathing is best at mid to high tide. However, watch the boat traffic near the boat ramps and jetty. Surfing None. Fishing The jetty is the most popular location. General A very popular section of coast, particularly during the summer holidays when the backing caravan park is full. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarentee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 1 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Portarlington

Boating in Portarlington

There are several places to launch a boat in Portarlington and surrounding areas. The Point Richards boat ramp, just west of town, has just been upgraded. It is now a safer facility with two lanes, able to take larger scale boats and is close to King George Whiting and snapper grounds. Other nearby boat ramps include those at St Leonards, Indented Head and Clifton Springs.

Portarlington

Fishing in Portarlington

The Portarlington Pier is a popular fishing spot. The main pier runs North-South and at the end a breakwater runs East-West. It is a good spot to catch salmon. Mullet, garfish and trevally are often caught in the harbour and squid can be caught on the Western side. Boat ramps in the area can launch anglers into the bay and hooking snapper, whiting, flathead and sharks.

Portarlington

Portarlington Pier

The Pier, a working harbour, houses the town’s mussel fleet, so it’s not unusual to see crews setting out for or returning from harvesting Blue Mussels grown in farms just offshore in Port Phillip Bay. Portarlington has become famous for its mussels, and you can buy them direct from the farmer in town, often on the pier straight from the boat.

Near Portarlington

St Leonards Beach

At Indented Head, the coast turns and runs due south for 3 km down to the low bluffs at St Leonards. The Esplanade runs right behind the beach and low foredune. There are two picnic areas behind the main beach, with a camping reserve toward St Leonards, and a foreshore reserve with numerous facilities backing the bluffs and St Leonards Pier Beach. Toward the southern end of St Leonards Beach, there are several wooden groynes, as well as the breakwater and pier, that form the boundary with the 300 m long St Leonards Pier Beach. This beach terminates at a low, rocky point and reef flats. Both beaches are low and narrow and fronted by shallow, 100 to 200 m wide sand flats, containing low amplitude bars and runnels. The flats are exposed at low tide. Swimming Two relatively safe beaches fronted by shallow sand flats and low bars. Bathing is better at mid to high tide when the flats are covered. Surfing None. Fishing The rocks on the south side of Indented Head and the St Leonards Pier are the two best places to reach deeper water. General A long, relatively natural beach, with good access and numerous facilities, plus the small town of St Leonards at the southern end. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 2 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Drysdale

Jack Rabbit

Jack Rabbit is situated down a meandering country lane, on a majestic Bellarine peak with views of rolling paddocks and coastal cliffs. An oasis... Unrivalled views across the Bay to Geelong, the You Yangs and Melbourne. A rich, diverse stable of sophisticated cool climate wines. Contemporary a la carte dining. An intimate coastal ambience and last but absolutely not least...smiles!

Drysdale

Drysdale Cheeses

Introducing Drysdale Cheeses, the first commercial goat cheese manufacturer on the Bellarine Peninsula. Registered in December 2005, Drysdale Cheeses concentrates on a range of hand made cheeses, manufactured from the high quality milk from its herd of Saanen goats. The goats live on the Scotchmans Road property in Bellarine, where they are milked daily. Drysdale Cheeses are a registered dairy herd and all of the animals are pure bred. Their diet comprises of pasture, tree cuttings, hay and a goat "muesli", a home recipe. They also love their daily offerings of fruit and vegetable scraps from the fruit shop in Drysdale -especially watermelon!! Extra essential minerals and vitamins are administered via seaweed meal and salt licks. Although Drysdale Cheeses is not certified organic, they follow permaculture farming principles and adopt ethical animal treatment. They do not milk animals that are heavily pregnant and newborn kids will stay with their mums for those first few days of all-important colostrum (first milk). Each doe only kids once every two years, allowing for their optimal health. The milk is then transported back to the cheese making room at Drysdale. The basic method for making cheese requires pasteurisation in this country, although a small group of speciality cheesemakers are working to allow raw milk cheese to be made legal in Australia soon. After pasteurisation, cheesemaking cultures are added to the milk for flavour ripening and then an enzyme (rennet) is added to coagulate the milk, thus producing curds and whey. These cheese making procedures use only vegetarian rennet. Different varieties of cheese will then require different temperatures and different treatments. The cheeses are made in small batches and require careful aging and draining, and so may be unavailable from time to time. Drysdale Cheeses are only available locally, from selected restaurants and providers.

Portarlington

Bellarine Estate

The historic seaside villages of the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula are a pleasant drive down the road from this small vineyard by the highway. Overlooking the vineyard and with views over Corio Bay, Bellarine Estate offers wine tastings from their Bellarine Estate range, as well as their Portarlington Ridge Label. In addition, beer tastings from the Bellarine Brewing Company's micro-brewed range are also available. This is beer with attitude, perfect for the first time beer drinker and loved by the mature palate of a seasoned connoisseur. Established: 1996 Wine Region: Geelong Owners: Liz and Peter Kenny Winemaker: Anthony Brain Open: 7 days 11am - 4pm. Lunch Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm Wines: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz. Wine Prices: $10.00-$36.00 Beers: Pale & Celtic style Ales, Lager, Bitter & Mussel Stout Beer Prices: Bottle $5, 6pack $24.90, case $79.20 Food: Casual Cellar Door lunch menu weekends only Functions: Up to 100 people. Weddings: Up to 100 people.

Near Portarlington

Mason's Creek Olive Grove

Mason's Creek is a small producer of an exquisite extra virgin olive oil that we think is one of the Bellarine's best-kept secrets. Their dry-grown trees differentiate them from most other growers: the trees are not irrigated, but rely on natural rainfall. They yield less fruit, but Mason's Creek believe the compensation is a concentration of flavour and improved quality. The quality is assured because they have qualified for The Australian Olive Association's Code of Practice certification and have won medals at the National Extra Virgin Olive Oil shows. They manage their 1200 grove in the most environmentally-friendly and sustainable way they can by: - Releasing ladybirds to eat scale - Painting horticultural glue around the trunks to stop ants farming the scale - Not irrigating - relying on natural rainfall - Controlling weeds by mulching instead of poisoning - Applying biological crop nutrition - Applying untreated animal manure

Drysdale

McAdams Lane/ Terindah Estate

As you drive down McAdams Lane to the entrance of Terindah Estate, you gain glimpses of the breathtaking views awaiting you. Terindah is a boutique vineyard situated on the Bellarine Peninsula, located between Drysdale and Portarlington. Terindah is the place for anyone interested in visiting a vineyard with character, beautiful views and delicious wines. Terindah Estate is currently producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose, Zinfandel & Shiraz. We have also planted a large number of fruit trees, including over 100 Fig trees and the property also grows crops on rotation: wheat, barley & canola. The Shed @ Terindah with its glass walls ensures guests are inundated with wonderful views of the vineyard and spectacular views across the bay. The Shed @ Terindah Cellar Door / Cafe is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Also, the 'new' Event Venue with its expansive deck exploits the uninterrupted views across Corio Bay to Geelong and across Port Philip Bay to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula; the lower level houses the Bottling Room and Barrel Store with views of the vines and fields. Visit one of Victoria's most exciting new venues; taste our delicious wine and food, see the mussel farmers in the local waters; take a stroll through the fig trees or along the private beach and experience Terindah. There is no escape from the beauty - as per its name - Terindah is Indonesian for 'beautiful'.

Drysdale

Nalbra Estate Wines

Nalbra Estate Wines is a small boutique vineyard owned by Teresa and Leigh Robinson. The vineyard is perched on Mount Bellarine and has a magnificent view of Port Phillip Bay. It has just over two hectares of vines. The first vines of Shiraz and Pinot Gris were planted in 2001, followed by Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier in 2003. They stress treat the vines and bunch count for quality not quantity. Nalbra Estate Wines received two gold medals at the 2010 Geelong Wines Show and two gold and two silver medals in the 2012 James Holliday Wine Companion plus a 5 star rating. The wine is made with two outstanding wine makers of the region. Ray Nadeson and Maree Collis. Cellar Door is done from the Japanese garden or from our 'love seat' which overlooks the vineyard and the valley below. The wine is all Estate grown and hand picked, no machinery is used. The varieties of wines available are: - Viognier - Sauvignon Blanc Viognier - Shiraz - Shiraz Viognier - Pinot Gris Cellar Door is by appointment only. The winery is very flexible with group and bus.

Portarlington

Portarlington Golf Club

Welcome to Portarlington Golf Club, an excellent 18 hole course on Victoria's beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Portarlington is a tree lined, challenging course with a wonderful variety of golf holes, pure putting surfaces and excellent year round conditioning. The course, teamed with the Clubhouse, which offers extensive entertainment facilities and the bistro open daily, makes Portarlington Golf Club the leading leisure venue on the Bellarine Peninsula. The Club is a 90 minute drive from Melbourne, and located only 900 metres from the waterfront at Portarlington.

Portarlington

Portarlington Mill

The Portarlington Mill is one of the few remaining and preserved Victorian flour mills. It is a significant example of an early steam powered flour mill constructed of local sandstone and timbers. It is an ideal location for small events including art exhibitions and weddings at a very reasonable cost.

Portarlington

Scotchmans Hill

"Scotchmans Hill is the benchmark winery of the Bellarine and its wines rarely disappoint. The Pinot Noir is always full of ripe fruit and the Sauvignon Blanc is always delicious. At the cellar door you can also taste the wines from the Browne family's other label Swan Bay." Stuart Gregor Established: 1982 Wine Region: Geelong Winemakers: Robin Brockett and Matthew Browne Owners: David and Vivienne Browne Open: 10.30am-5.00pm daily Wines: Scotchmans Hill: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Swan Bay: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz. Price: $19.00-$75.00 Conferences: Barrel Hall is available.

Near Portarlington

Sea Bounty

A family-owned company that has been involved in the fishing industry for over 30 years, Sea Bounty has become one of Australia's leading mussel growing and processing companies. Sea Bounty farms mussels at a number of sites in the cool, clear waters of Port Phillip Bay, serviced by a fleet of specially equipped fishing vessels. A modern processing plant, built in 1997 and located at St Leonards on the Bellarine Peninsula south of Geelong, operates to the highest standards ensuring Sea Bounty's reputation for top quality product. Being positioned close to the sea port of Melbourne and the international airports of Melbourne and Avalon enables Sea Bounty to supply every state in Australia as well as the Asian markets and the rest of the world on a daily basis, all year round. Wholesale Sea Bounty mussels are harvested daily and delivered around Melbourne wholesalers and regional centres four days a week. The mussels are sent all over Australia via air (overnight) or road freight twice a week. Retail Sea Bounty has a 1kg retail pack available (click for more info). The retail packs are available from Coles Supermarkets and other fine seafood retailers. Packaging The mussels are available in 5kg, 10kg, 10kg and 20kg polyboxes. They also supply mussels in 30kg fish bins direct to wholesalers. Grades Sea Bounty currently has three grades of mussels available: cocktail, standard and large. For all enquiries please contact by email or phone during business hours.

Portarlington

Full Day Wine Tour

For the Love of Grape provides relaxing and memorable chauffer driven Melbourne wine tours located in the Bellarine/Geelong and Echuca Moama wine regions. Full day tour guarantees to satisfy all lovers of wine and ensures that you experience a good selection of wineries the Geelong / Bellarine region has to offer. The full day tour includes tasting to 4 - 5 wineries and a succulent lunch. If your preference is to include a day of a variety of attractions, a visit to one of our local Olive Groves for olive oil tasting can also be included in substitution of a winery

Portarlington

Bellarine Golf

The Bellarine really is paradise for golfers. With four courses inside the top fifty public access courses in Australia for 2012 (as rated by Ausgolf), it is an ideal destination to pack the clubs and try your hand at some of the most challenging and breathtaking courses in the country. In addition to these nationally renowned links courses, there are several tree lined country courses that welcome casual players.

Wallington

Adventure Park

Super charge your summer at Victoria's biggest theme park! Awesome family fun all day long, Adventure Park Geelong is home to some of the coolest water rides in Australia. Victoria's hottest and biggest theme park, Adventure Park, located just ten minutes from Geelong boasts 21 exciting rides and attractions, perfect for the whole family! Just some of the ways you can make a gigantic splash and enjoy the unlimited rides all day long include: - Raft the roaring rapids on The River Torrent Lazy River, with twisting tides and swirling gauntlets along a tropical river oasis - Speed down head first and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the Six Lane Aqua Racer, a speed slide for the serious thrill-seekers which can take you up to 40km per hour - Race down The Gold Rush Rapids in a speedy 20 seconds and take the two metre plunge - Take a splash in the dark on the Wild West Canyon on a two-seater raft, experiencing twists and 360 degree turns! Adventure Park is doing it for the kids, too! The Tiny Tots Splashzone keeps the young ones cool, safe and entertained, with waterfalls, mini waterslides and spray cannons throughout. While Bonito's Bay Water Play offers a state-of-the-art aquatic playground including waterfalls, water jets and more pirate-filled water fun. On dry land, families can take a ride on the popular Go Karts and Electric Cars, try a hand at Archery, discover the new Galactic Games World, challenge family and friends to a game of Mini Golf, take a leisurely ride on the Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes and watch the world go by on the Classic Carousel. Bring in a picnic, hire a barbecue and relax lakeside under shaded picnic areas, marquees and pavilions, set amongst 21 hectares of landscaped parkland.

Wallington

Bellarine Adventure Golf

Set on six acres with beautifully landscaped gardens, Bellarine Adventure Golf has two magnificent 18 hole courses. They are great for any weather with both courses providing plenty of shelter from the sun or rain. Each course incorporates real sand and water hazards to keep you on your toes and those scores honest. People of all ages can play and they have putters to suit the smallest of kids through to the biggest.

Drysdale

Tuckerberry Hill

Tuckerberry Hill is located on the North East slopes of Murradoc Hill, overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne and the Heads.. Pick Your Own Blueberries or Strawberries in a friendly family atmosphere enjoyed by all ages. Strawberry season November, February, March and April. Blueberry season December and January They are five minutes east of Drysdale towards St. Leonards just off the Murradoc Road (Melways Map 458 B11). Follow their tourist signs from Drysdale or Queenscliff The Tuckerberry Hill Café provides light lunches, blueberry cakes, muffins, scones and pancakes coffee / tea, milkshakes and their very own blueberry ice cream. Their local produce includes their very own Blueberry Conserve, Sauce and Chutney. Mason's Creek Olive Oil and infused olive oil with chilli, basil, garlic or lime and Beck's Honey. Update: Now picking STRAWBERRIES - a great holiday activity for all the family (children very welcome in the U PIck orchard). Open - April weekends and Public Easter holidays.

Queenscliff

ex HMAS Canberra

The ex HMAS Canberra dive site is the first artificial reef specifically created for diving in Victoria. It lies in approximately 28 metres of water, with the top of the mast about 5 metres below the surface at low tide. The site provides opportunities for divers with varying levels of experience and certification, from open water level certificates to advanced wreck divers, to enjoy this site. When the ship as prepared for scuttling many of the original working features were retained so divers still get a sense of being on board a working ship. Dive charter operators based at Queenscliff Harbour can lead trips to dive the ex HMAS Canberra.

Torquay

Surf World Museum

The Surf World Museum in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, celebrates the story of surfing. It also charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. Through the colourful and exciting permanent displays and temporary exhibitions of important surfing artefacts and memorabilia, the museum commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage and rich beach culture. An unforgettable experience, Surf World provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. It’s a place where you can experience or relive, surfing’s sense of fun, and marvel at the changes that have taken place over the years. We look forward to welcoming you.

Queenscliff

Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries crossing the bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento hourly between 7am and 6pm, seven days of the week 375 days of the year. Forget the long drive, come with Searoad Ferries for a restful crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento. On your journey you may see a playful Dolphin playing in the waves of the ferry or even a whale from a distance. Connecting the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, the 40 minute crossing is a stress free alternative to driving through the city, saving you time and kilometres. Whether you travel as a foot passenger to explore the villages of Queenscliff and Sorrento, or with your car, there is much to see on the crossing - spectacular coastline, mighty ships and maybe a dolphin or two. Or perhaps you'd rather be sipping a coffee, enjoying a focaccia or slurping on an ice cream from the onboard kiosk. The twin hull vessels are built to operate in all weather conditions and can carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles each. Operating Times The all weather ferries leave every hour on the hour, 7am to 6pm, 365 days of the year. A 7pm departure operates from December 26th until the end of the state of Victoria Daylight Saving. Passengers with vehicles are advised to arrive at the terminals at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The ferries depart from Queenscliff Harbour, Queenscliff and the Sorrento Pier, Sorrento. Melway references map 157 C7 (Sorrento) and map 499 J10(Queenscliff). Special Features On the 40-minute journey, unparalleled views of historic lighthouses, the Point Nepean fortifications, navigational features, seals and dolphins are available from the comfortable lounge areas, cafe style seating or numerous observation decks.

Jan Juc

2012 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

The ASP World Tour's best 34 male surfers, one Rip Curl Wildcard and one local Victorian Wildcard from the Wingman Trials will be at Bells over Easter to compete in the year's second Men’s ASP World Tour contest. There will be only one winner at the end of the marathon slog, earning the opportunity to ring the prized Bell on the final day of competition. Australian Taj Burrow, straight from a win on the Gold Coast, will come to Bells with confidence, hopeful of taking down defending champion Joel Parkinson and the other contenders. Two-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning, rising stars Owen Wright, Gabriel Medina and Julian Wilson, and of course 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater are all must-watch surfers during the event. The guys will share the Southern Ocean swells with the ASP Women’s World Tour's best 17 surfers, who will also be at Bells this Easter to compete the Rip Curl Women's Pro Live Sites Don’t miss a second of the Rip Curl Pro 2012. Surf Coast Shire has joined with local businesses in Torquay to provide Live Sites where you can enjoy the action and some of the best local hospitality available. Surf City Rip Curl Pro Shop Torquay Visitor Centre Jan Juc The Beach Hotel Bell Street Torquay Hotel Bell Street Printworks and Gallery Gilbert Street Westpac Bank Sandbah Café’ Torquay Esplanade Growlers Front Beach Café’ Zeally’s Bar & Grill Wyndam Resort Torquay In Salt Café Torquay Central The Coffee Club The Sands Peppers the Sands Resort Torquay Surfcoast Highway Soul Fuel Café Bar Pro Spots Need a break? Join the tribe and visit a Pro Spot venue offering special deals for Pro Surfers. THE best spot to grab a bite to eat or drink and possibly SPOT a Pro! For more information and details of Live Site and Pro Spot venues call Torquay Visitor Information Centre on 1300 614 219, check out www.visittorquay.org or download the “Torquay App” Surf World Museum Bells Gold Exhibition Surf World Museum Torquay has marked a significant surfing milestone with the Bells Gold Exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bells Easter Classic/Rip Curl Pro. The exhibition features treasured and iconic surfing artefacts and images from the rich and eventful history of the world’s longest running surfing contest. It’s a must-do as part of your 2012 Rip Curl Pro visit. The exhibition closes in May 2012 – so don’t miss it. Surf World Museum is open 9am – 5pm, seven days per week. For information on Surf World and the exhibition call 5261 4606, visit www.surfworld.com.au or connect with us on Facebook. Free for 3228 Following last year’s ‘free for 3228 residents’ policy, Torquay residents will once again gain free admission to the Rip Curl Pro providing they show photo identification at the ticket gate while choosing whether they would like to make a donation or not. Tickets and How to Get There Dates: April 3rd– 14th 2012 2012 RIP CURL PRO TICKET PRICES - Tickets can be purchased from on-site at the Bells Beach ticket office from April 3rd. Adult: $8 Concession: $5 Event pass: $25 Children (16 and under): Free Parking: $2 - (Donation to the Jan Juc Cricket Club) Proceeds go to the Bells Beach Surfing Reserve 3228 residents free - present your Photo ID license at the entry gate. Free Shuttle Service A free shuttle will run from Torquay and Jan Juc to Bells Beach (and back) from the 6th to the 9th of April. Stopping at: Rip Curl Store - Surf Coast Highway Growlers – Esplanade, Torquay Torquay Hotel – Bell St, Torquay Bird Rock Café – Stuart Avenue, Jan Juc Bells Beach – Event Location

Torquay

Bells Beach

With an international reputation as one of Australia’s best surf beaches, Bells Beach is amazing spot – either in the water or out. There isn’t much ‘beach’ at Bells, it’s mostly a glorious cliff-face, and views from the cliff-top car park are spectacular – a great spot to watch local surfers out in the water. There are several quality surfing spots in the precinct from Southside to Steps Reef. Every Easter Bells Beach hosts the international professional surfing community for the Rip Curl Pro event. To get to Bells Beach, travel along the Great Ocean Road past Jan Juc – turn left into Bells Boulevard and follow the signs. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life. Surfing Bells is a world class right when above 1.5 m. When smaller, the waves break close in to the headland and produce a right called Rincon. Further around the head are two more reef breaks which work below 2 m, called Centre Side (a right) and Southside (a left). Fishing The water is deep right off the beach, while at low tide you can fish from the reefs at each end. General One of the meccas of surfing and well worth a visit, if only to view the beach and surf from the bluffs. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.

Portarlington

Stay Connected

What Can I Do

Things to See & Do

Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package