🔍

Bells Beach

VIC 3228 • Victoria

151
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
11.56 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideTourist HubSurf Culture
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About Bells Beach

Bells Beach is a coastal locality in Surf Coast Shire, Victoria, located approximately 86 kilometres south-west of Melbourne and 5 kilometres south-west of Torquay along the Great Ocean Road corridor. With a population of 151 residents and an area of just under 12 square kilometres, it is one of Australia's most internationally recognised surfing destinations. The locality sits within the Surf Coast Shire and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register in recognition of its cultural and natural significance.

Bells Beach is home to the world's longest continuously running professional surfing competition — the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach — which has been held annually at Easter since 1962 and draws elite surfers and spectators from around the globe. The beach's powerful right-hand point break is world-renowned, and the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve protects the area's coastal character. Nearby Torquay offers shops, cafes, and the National Surf Museum, while the Great Ocean Road provides access to Anglesea and Lorne. The area attracts surfers, nature lovers, and daytrippers, with coastal walking tracks offering dramatic cliff-top views over Bass Strait.

Bells Beach falls under postcode 3228 and is governed by the Surf Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Corangamite, while state elections fall under the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3228
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Surf Coast
Federal Electorate
Corangamite
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.31°, 144.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
11.56 km²
Population Density
13 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3228

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3228, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$52,320
Median 2023–24
$62,922
▲ 20.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$88,525

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3228; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Surf Coast Bus services — Torquay / Geelong 10 min to Torquay; 40–50 min to Geelong CBD

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
86 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Geelong then V/Line train to Southern Cross (~35 min from Geelong)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Car is the primary transport; Surf Coast Highway connects to Geelong; Great Ocean Road runs nearby

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Bells Beach is a remote coastal locality with no shops or services; all daily needs require driving to Torquay or Geelong

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
151
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Surf Coast Local Government Area, which contains Bells Beach. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
135.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 71.3%
Motor vehicle theft
98.6 / 100k
2yr Up 84.6% 10yr Down 57.1%
Non-FV assault
128.2 / 100k
2yr Up 14.5% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
2.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 62.4%
Steal from vehicle
347.7 / 100k
2yr Up 15.8% 10yr Down 46.5%
View all offence subgroups for Surf Coast →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bells Beach known for? +

Bells Beach is world-famous as the home of the Rip Curl Pro — the world's longest continuously running professional surfing competition, held annually at Easter since 1962. Its powerful right-hand point break attracts elite surfers and surf enthusiasts from across the globe.

How far is Bells Beach from Melbourne? +

Bells Beach is approximately 86 kilometres south-west of Melbourne CBD, making it about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic, via the Princes Freeway and Surf Coast Highway through Geelong.

Does Bells Beach have public transport? +

There is no train station at Bells Beach. The nearest rail access is at Waurn Ponds (approximately 20 km away) on the Geelong Line. Bus connections are limited, and a car is the most practical way to reach and get around the area.

What is the population of Bells Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bells Beach has a population of 151 residents. Despite its small permanent population, the beach attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly during the annual Rip Curl Pro competition at Easter.

Is Bells Beach a good place to live? +

Bells Beach is ideal for surfers, nature lovers, and those who value coastal living with world-class waves on their doorstep. With minimal local services, residents rely on nearby Torquay for shops, schools, and amenities — but the lifestyle appeal and natural setting are exceptional.

What is the postcode for Bells Beach? +

The postcode for Bells Beach, Victoria is 3228.

Is Bells Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bells Beach is part of the Surf Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.