Barwon Heads, Geelong and The Bellarine, Victoria, Australia

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.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Hotel

Come on in and enjoy the marvellous view of the Barwon Heads river and relax in the Barwon Heads Hotel dining area or outdoor courtyard over a freshly served meal from our kitchen. The Barwon Heads Hotel is situated in the idyllic township of Barwon Heads, and only minutes from two of Australia's top golf courses and premier surf beaches.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove - Collendina Beach

Collendina Beach occupies most of the open bay between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads. It is 6 km long, extending from the reefs west of Point Lonsdale Beach to 1 km west of the Collendina Beach car park. The only public access is at the car park, together with tracks over the foredune from the caravan park. The beach faces south-south-east and for the most part is backed by 10 to 20 m high, vegetated dunes, with a few blowouts. It receives waves averaging between 1 and 1.5 m, which break over a wide, low gradient surf zone and occasional reefs and rocks. Persistent rips occur every 250 m, with some permanent rips against the more prominent reefs. During bigger seas, waves break on outer, deeper reefs. Swimming Be careful on this beach as there are usually deep rip holes and strong currents along the beach. Stay inshore on the attached section of the bars and well clear of the rips and reefs. Surfing There are many beach and a few reef breaks along the beach, with best conditions in a low to moderate swell and northerly winds. Fishing There are excellent persistent rip holes and occasional gutters along the beach, plus some occasional reefs. General A long relatively natural beach offering plenty of sand, a low gradient inner surf for bathing, rip holes for fishing and numerous beach breaks for surfing. 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. General Beach Hazard Rating: 7 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.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Beach

Ocean Grove Beach is located in the centre of the 9.5 km long beach that curves in a broad, south facing arc from Point Lonsdale to the Barwon River mouth. The Ocean Grove section is 2 km long and faces south-east. Some protection is offered by Barwon Heads and the beach receives waves averaging 1.4m. These waves interact with the fine beach sand to produce a wide, low gradient beach face, fronted by a 300m wide surf zone that contains strong rips every 250m. During moderate waves, the rips increase in size and intensity toward Collendina, while decreasing toward Barwon Heads. At low tide, the beach and exposed bar can be over 100 m wide, with the deeper rip channels clearly visible. The town of Ocean Grove backs the beach, with a wide, well-arranged foreshore reserve between the town and the beach. It provides extensive parking, together with most beach amenities. The good parking and easy access, together with the surf club patrols and slightly lower waves make this a popular summer beach. The Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1948 and performs an average of 8 rescues each year. Swimming A moderately safe beach, particularly during average summer conditions, when extensive bars dominate. Best at high tide, however watch the rips, particularly at low tide. Best to stay between the flags. Surfing Usually has wide, moderate to low beach breaks; more popular with summer surfers. Fishing Best to go up the beach away from the summer crowds, and where rip holes are more common. General A popular summer beach, which can hold a large crowd. It has a wide, shallow surf zone with rips increasing up the beach, so it is best to stay near the surf club and bathe in the patrolled area. 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. 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.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve

The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is the only preserved native woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula. Home to 178 species of native plants, including 22 orchids, the reserve is an important tract of land. Wildlife within the reserve includes wallabies, echidnas, possums and koalas. There are also snakes and lizards, as well as some 167 species of bird recorded as being spotted within the reserve.

Ocean Grove

Shopping

The Terrace Shopping You can buy just about anything along the main street of Ocean Grove. If you're after an outfit, there's surfwear shops, women's fashion stores, men's clothing stores, and a shoe shop. Jewellery is available in many stores, from fine gold and silver to funky beads and chunky chains. Gorgeous children's clothes can also be found at various shops, and the toy shop will keep the kids amused for a long while. Whatever you are after there's no doubt you'll find something you simply have to take home with you from Ocean Grove at one of the many delightful shops along The Terrace. Ocean Grove Marketplace Ocean Grove marketplace, first opened around summer 05/06, is a shopping complex just out of town on the way to Queenscliff. With gorgeous children's clothes, a relaxing day spa and bargains galore at the two dollar shop, the marketplace is becoming more and more popular as time goes by. Fast food restaurants are a hit with the younger generation, whilst the opening of Safeway here has provided competition for Coles as well as a stack of jobs for local high school students The marketplace is still relatively new and a great place to stop by and check out during your visit to Ocean Grove.

Barwon Heads

Kiitos

Kiitos Living by Design is 'your design store on the Bellarine'. Situated in Barwon Heads and owned by a true local. Housing some of the worlds most appealing and desired contemporary homeware from the most loved design houses, Kiitos prides itself on quality. Derived from the Finnish word for thankyou, Kiitos houses such labels as marimekko and ittala along with other local and international brands as Fink & Co, Muuto, Alessi, and Design House Stockholm, amongst others. They are now distributers of Acapulco Chair from Mexico in Australia. Each chair being hand crafted echoing a sense of individual charm, esprit and character. The perfect accompaniment to all settings. Renowned for leading the way in designer fabrics, textiles, homewares and fashion, Kiitos Living by Design is your design store on the Bellarine.

Barwon Heads

Beach House Barwon Heads

Beach House Barwon Heads has been operational for over two and a half years, in the once Barwon Heads fire station. This beautifully renovation venue is a fusion of café and restaurant styles. A relaxed café environment during the day, serving the town's best coffee, makes way for magnificent modern Australian cuisine and a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience in the evening hours.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Golf Club

Nestled amongst the coastal dunes and metres from the spectacular 13th Beach surf coast, the highly ranked Barwon Heads links course presents an enjoyable challenge for all golfers. Widely recognised as a private club, visitors who are members of other golf clubs are invited as green fee players, and to stay in the house. The magnificent clubhouse, recently listed by the National Trust and Heritage Victoria, is famed for its ambience and old world charm. With stunning architecture and captivating views, it is a clubhouse designed for all seasons. House guests can enjoy the open balconies in summer or the luxurious open fires during the cooler months. Upstairs, there are 19 ensuite rooms, and a variety of packages are available incorporating your stay with golf, dining and entertainment. Other facilities include tennis courts, billiards, a driving range and professional shop. Take some well-earned time off and be enchanted by 100 years of golfing history.

Barwon Heads

Food & Wine

Bustling with fashionable sippers and shoppers, the main street offers a variety of dining experiences from casual provedores and bakeries to fine restaurants or home-cooked take-away meals. MUST TRY: Annie's Provedore Peppercorn Foods Beach House Barwon Heads At The Heads Restaurant Barwon Heads Hotel Fish & chips on the beach

Barwon Heads

Beaches near Barwon Heads

At Barwon Heads, the coast trends due west for 7 km to Black Rocks. The first 2 km are dominated by calcarenite rocks and reefs, which outcrop on the beach and in the surf. These divide the coast into three beaches. The first (285) is below Point Finders and is a 50 m pocket of sand facing south-east and bordered by rock platforms and reefs. The two Barwon Heads beaches (286, 287) face south and are more exposed, with higher waves and patchy reefs. These conditions result in a wide, low gradient beach, rock flat and surf, with persistent and some permanent rips against the reefs. All three beaches are easily accessible. There is a car park and a lookout on Point Flinders, and car parks on the Torquay Road, which parallels the two Barwon Heads beaches. Swimming Point Flinders is relatively safe close inshore, however there are rocks and reefs off the beach. The Barwon Heads beaches are both potentially hazardous, owing to the higher waves, reefs and strong permanent rips. Surfing There are several breaks along this section, mostly reef breaks that work best at higher tide, with a low to moderate swell and north winds. Those immediately west of Point Flinders are called The Hole. Fishing There are excellent rip holes and gutters next to the reefs, together with rocks and reefs to fish from at low tide. General A reef dominated section of coast, most suitable for beach fishing and experienced surfers. 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: 7 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.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Bluff

The tidal flows at the mouth of the Barwon River have created an amazing landscape at the Barwon Heads Bluff. It is one of the best spots in the region to observe marine life in rockpools. More than 90% of the creatures found at the Bluff are only found in Southern Australia and nowhere else in the world. The Bluff has an enormous diversity of seaweeds from tiny encrusting pink coralline algae to mighty forests of giant and bull kelps. There are many different species of fish, snails, seastars, and other invertebrates that all make the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary their home. The high lookout at the bluff has views towards Port Phillip Heads to the east and along the Surf Coast to the West.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Bridge

The Barwon Heads Bridge is a road connecting Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. The deteriorating 100+ year old bridge has been reconstructed in recent years and a second bridge has been built alongside to take pedestrian traffic, cyclists and recreational anglers.

Barwon Heads

Shopping

Whether it's children's wear, a new surfboard or headwear for the Spring Racing Carnival, Barwon Heads has something to offer. There are famous surf shops, while many boutiques sell stylish clothes and homewares. Retail therapy musts: FRITH Kiitos Living by Design Moss Industry

Barwon Heads

Thirteenth Beach Barwon Heads

Thirteenth Beach is part of the 7 km long section of coast between Barwon Heads and Black Rock. It occupies the western 4.5 km and faces essentially due south. The beach receives waves averaging 1.5 m, is moderately sloping and is fronted by a single bar, dominated by rips every 250 m. The beach is backed by a vegetated foredune for most of its length, and the Barwon Heads to Torquay Road. The best access is provided at the surf lifesaving club, with additional car parks and access tracks located along the road. The surf club, founded in 1961, is the only development on what is a relatively natural beach. Its members rescue 5 people on average each year. Swimming Rips are a common feature of the beach, with safest bathing on the bars in the patrolled area. Strong permanent rips lie east of the surf club. The western end is adjacent to the Black Rock sewer outlet and should be avoided. Surfing A popular surfing beach with low to moderate swell providing numerous beach breaks, all readily accessible from the main road. One of the more popular areas is in front of the shipping beacon, known as The Beacon. Best with northerly winds. Fishing A good, natural spot for beach fishing, with good road access to the numerous rip holes that persist along the beach. General A relatively undeveloped beach, more popular with surfers and bathers who want a patrolled beach away from the crowds. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 50 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.

Barwon Heads

Barwon River

From its beginnings in the Otway Ranges, the Barwon River winds its way through suburban Geelong before flowing into the ocean at Barwon Heads. The mouth of the river has sandy banks that are popular with walkers and families having a paddle or building sandcastles. Fishing is popular on the jetties near the mouth of the river and kayakers and paddlers are often seen in this area. Barwon Heads has a sailing club where laser yachts are often seen at high tide. There are also BBQs and picnic areas alongside the riverbank.

Near Barwon Heads

Breamlea

Breamlea is a small holiday settlement lying between the banks of Thompson Creek and Breamlea Beach. The beach faces south-south-east and runs for 2 km from the low basalt rocks at Noble Rocks to the mouth of the creek at Point Impossible. There is road access to the back of the fore dunes, with foot tracks crossing the 20 m high fore dune to reach the beach. The beach receives waves averaging just over 1 m, which usually produce an attached bar cut by rips every 250 m. At the creek mouth, both a tidal channel and shoals are present. Swimming A moderately hazardous beach, owing to the persistent rips and creek mouth. Stay on the attached section of the bars and clear of the rips, rocks and creek. Surfing Usually low to moderate beach breaks along the length of the beach. Fishing This beach has rocks at one end, the creek at the other and usually rip holes and gutters along the beach. General A natural beach, mainly used by the Breamlea locals for bathing, surfing and fishing. 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: 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.

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.

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.

Geelong

City Quarter

City Quarter is a place like no other. Two hundred and fifty metres out over Corio Bay, this boutique bar patiently sits and awaits your custom. Your journey starts at the beginning of Cunningham Pier... meander out to your destination, listen to the water lapping the pylons, enjoy the sea breeze as you ascend to City Quarter via a grand staircase onto a hand crafted deck... now, make sure you now turn around and admire the views of the Geelong city skyline. City Quarter also offers stunning views Western and Eastern Beach. Loft ceilings, sophisticated textiles, low lighting, three decks, comfortable lounges and tables, a double sided fireplace, cocktails made with passion and gourmet pizza and worldly inspired tapas. City Quarter look forward to welcoming you.

Geelong

Eastern Beach

The art-deco swimming enclosure at Eastern Beach has been a Geelong favourite for generations. Built in the 1930’s, the ‘Promenade’ is a wooden structure built in an arc, great for walking on a warm evening. The swimming area also has a large tower and diving boards. There is a separate children’s pool that is enclosed and paved. On shore, there is a fantastic adventure playground with plenty of spectator seats for the grown ups. There are large areas of lawn perfect for picnics or, depending on the season, a kick of the football or a game of cricket. There are toilet and dressing room facilities, and the beach is patrolled by lifesavers during summer. There is also a restaurant / café / kiosk on site. The whole area is set amongst grassy hills and enormous trees, and several of the buildings in the precinct are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

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.

Geelong

Geelong Shopping

As Victoria’s largest regional town, there are loads of shopping options in Geelong. The central city area has a high concentration of malls with major department stores and chains, as well as a good mix of specialty shops and independent boutiques. There are fairly large-scale shopping centres in major suburbs such as Belmont, Waurn Ponds and Corio. Pakington Street, running through Newtown and Geelong West, is vibrant and fashionable. Shops here tend to be independent and perfect for finding on-trend fashion or unique homewares.

Geelong

Geelong Waterfront

Building their city on a North-facing bay was a stroke of genius for the forefathers of Geelong. Generations later, residents and visitors alike are enjoying the benefits of the area collectively known as 'The Waterfront'. Stretching from Eastern Beach around to Rippleside, the area incorporates many restaurants and cafes on the water's edge. There are places for kids to play, from open grassy areas to some of the biggest and best playgrounds in the region. There are kids attractions including the carousel, a miniature train ride and a skate park. Seasonally there are also bungee trampolines and a giant ferris wheel. Childrens attractions, open public space, a lively calendar of events and fabulous places to eat and drink make the Waterfront a Geelong must-do.

Portarlington

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.

Geelong Pakington Street

Pakington Street

Pakington Street (or ‘Pako’ to locals) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan mix of shopping and eating out. Food and drink ranges from casual coffee shops with al fresco facilities and pubs with bistros to trendy bars and top class restaurants. Fashion stores, boutique giftware, specialty stores and gourmet groceries make up the eclectic mix of shops. You are likely to finish your day with a killer pair of heels and a bag of locally grown gourmet tomatoes.

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.

Apollo Bay

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk, on Victoria's spectacular west coast, stretches 104km from the idyllic resort town of Apollo Bay, to within sight of the magnificent 12 Apostles. Weave through beautiful National Parks, walk deserted beaches and gaze over pristine marine sanctuaries. Step on and off the trail with convenience; enjoy comfortable accommodation and excellent local meals or pitch your tent at wildly picturesque spots along the way. You can walk at your own pace and within your own timeframe along the Great Ocean Walk. Short walks of up to 3 hours long are available and take in old shipwrecks, historic lighthouses and lookouts. Or, take a full-day walk and experience breathtaking ocean views, stunning waterfalls, lush forest, and more natural wonders. The full walk from Apollo Bay to Glenample, within sight of the 12 Apostles, is an 8 day, 7 night walk. There are hike in campsites along the way, or for a more luxurious approach stay in quality accommodation properties nearby and have licensed tour operators shuttle you and your belongings back and forth each day.

Barwon Heads

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Barwon Heads

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Packages & Offers

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

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