The headland
Point Addis is the big headland between Bells Beach and Anglesea, about 20 minutes' drive from north Torquay. A road runs out from the Great Ocean Road to a car park on the clifftop, and from there the lookouts show you the whole coast: back east past Bells towards Torquay, and west to Anglesea.
There's a long, wild beach below, the bush of the Great Otway National Park behind, and the water in front is Point Addis Marine National Park. You can do it in an hour with a look from the top, or make a morning of it with a walk and a wander on the sand.
Getting there and parking
From the house, head south on the Surf Coast Highway and along the Great Ocean Road past the Bells turn-off, then turn off onto Point Addis Road and follow it to the end. It's about 20 minutes.
The car park is at the end of the road, by the lookouts. Parks Victoria warns that it gets very crowded on summer weekends and holidays, so come early in the day, or late in the afternoon when the light on the cliffs is at its best.
The lookouts and the whales
A boardwalk leads out from the car park to the lookouts on the point. It's an easy walk, and the views are some of the best on the Surf Coast, straight down onto the beach and the rock platforms, with the cliffs running away in both directions.
From May to September it's a good spot for whales. Southern right whales pass along this coast in winter, and Parks Victoria has recorded blue whales, orcas and fur seals in the marine park too. Bring binoculars and a warm jacket: the point catches every bit of wind going. Our whale watching guide has the other good spots.
Addiscot Beach
A track leads down from the car park to Addiscot Beach, a 1.8 km sweep of sand under the cliffs. The waves are smaller than at Bells, so you'll often see surf schools teaching here. It's a beautiful beach for a walk, especially at low tide when the rock platforms are out.
It isn't patrolled, and there are rips, so we'd swim back in Torquay between the flags. Keep an eye on the tide too: Parks Victoria warns that some points along this coast can't be passed at high tide, and that big waves can wash over the rock platforms without warning. Wear shoes with grip on the rocks and stay back from the base of the cliffs.
One thing to know before you set out with the kids: the eastern end of Addiscot Beach is a designated clothing-optional beach.
Rock pools and the marine park
The water here is a marine national park, and the rock pools at low tide are full of life. Rangers and local tour operators run guided rockpool rambles, which are great with kids. Look but don't take: fishing, collecting shells and moving animals are all banned in the park.
The park has a bit of history under the water too. It holds two historic shipwrecks, including the Inverlochy, a steel sailing ship that ended up on Ingoldsby Reef in 1902.
Walks from Point Addis
Yirripa Yan and the Ironbark Basin
Behind the point, in the Great Otway National Park, the Yirripa Yan (Wadawurrung Cultural Walk) and the Ironbark Basin circuit tell the story of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and their connection to this Country. The Ironbark Basin is sheltered forest, a nice change from the wind on the cliffs.
Bells to Point Addis
On the Surf Coast Walk, this section is 8.2 km one way from Bells Beach, through the Ironbark Basin, with hills, steps and some sand. Have someone drop you at Bells and pick you up at Point Addis.
Point Addis to Anglesea
The next section heads west for 7.3 km one way to Anglesea, over the clifftops and through the heath. Finish with lunch in Anglesea.
Our Surf Coast Walk guide covers every section from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.
Making a day of it
Point Addis fits neatly into a morning on the Great Ocean Road. Stop at the Bells Beach lookouts first, a few minutes before the Point Addis turn-off, then come out to the point for the view and a walk on the sand. There's nothing to buy out here, so bring water and snacks, or pack a picnic for the Ironbark Basin picnic area.
Afterwards, carry on to Anglesea for lunch by the river, or turn back to Torquay. On a grey day the point is still worth the drive: the cliffs look even bigger with a storm coming in.
Dogs and hooded plovers
Most of the national park is off limits to dogs, but Parks Victoria lists a few places where they can go on a lead, including Addiscot Beach, the Ironbark Basin tracks and the walk from Point Addis to Anglesea. Hooded plovers nest on this coast, and the Surf Coast Shire has a dog exclusion zone at Red Rocks, Point Addis, to protect the chicks, so follow the signs. Our dog-friendly guide has the beaches where dogs can run.
Point Addis FAQ
How far is Point Addis from Torquay?
About 20 minutes' drive from north Torquay, off the Great Ocean Road between Bells Beach and Anglesea.
Can you swim at Point Addis?
Addiscot Beach isn't patrolled and has rips, so we'd swim at a patrolled beach in Torquay instead.
When can you see whales at Point Addis?
From May to September, when whales pass along the coast.
Is Point Addis a nude beach?
The eastern end of Addiscot Beach is a designated clothing-optional beach. The lookouts and the rest of the beach aren't.
Can I bring the dog?
On a lead in the places Parks Victoria lists, including Addiscot Beach and the walk to Anglesea, but not in the plover exclusion zone at Red Rocks.
Pair it with Bells Beach on the way, or carry on to Anglesea. Staying in north Torquay? Check dates at Holyday House.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 23 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Point Addis Marine National Park — Parks Victoria
- Addiscot — Surf Life Saving Australia (Beachsafe)
- Scenic lookouts — Visit Victoria
- 7 unexpected things found in our parks — Parks Victoria
- Surf Coast Walk — Visit Great Ocean Road
- Dog-friendly parks — Parks Victoria
- Where to walk your dogs — Surf Coast Shire