person surfing on body of water

Torquay, VIC · Autumn

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

Competition window spanning Easter, typically mid-to-late April

The Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach is the longest-running professional surfing contest in the world, held every Easter since 1961 on Victoria's Surf Coast. The world's best surfers compete for the most coveted trophy in the sport, the ringing Bell, on a long walled right-hander that rewards power surfing.

Spectating from the clifftop amphitheatre is free, and when the swell arrives there are few better places to watch professional surfing. The contest runs on a waiting period around Easter, with competition days called on the forecast, so check the schedule before travelling. Torquay, the sport's Australian home town, is ten minutes up the road.

  • Sport
  • Regional Tourism
  • Free entry
When
Competition window spanning Easter, typically mid-to-late April
How often
Every year
Venue
Bells Beach
Crowd
Estimated 50,000 across the event window
Entry
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Public holiday
Easter
Bells BeachEstimated 50,000 across the event windowOfficial event site

Dates shown follow the event's typical pattern; exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official site before booking travel.

Getting there by bus

Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Torquay.

One-way trip

Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.