The contest people keep coming back for
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is widely called the longest-running pro surfing contest in the world. It started as a surfing contest at Bells in 1962, went professional in 1973, and these days it's a stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour. The winners ring the Bell, the trophy that gives the contest its identity. And for a week or so every year, the cliffs above one of Australia's most famous reef breaks fill up with people watching.
You can't stay at Bells itself. The beach is inside the Bells Beach Surfing Recreation Reserve, so everyone stays in the towns nearby. Torquay, 10 minutes up the road, is the obvious one. It's got the shops, cafes, surf stores and supermarkets, and plenty of holiday houses that work for a group coming down for the contest.
Below: when it's on, how to get from Torquay to the cliff, what you need to know as a spectator, and why it pays to book early.
When's the Rip Curl Pro?
It's traditionally held around Easter, with a waiting period of roughly ten days so the organisers can run heats on the best swell. Recent ones have started in late March or early April. The 2026 window ran from 1 to 11 April.
The 2027 event, the 64th Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, has a waiting period from 25 March to 4 April 2027, according to Surfing Victoria. Easter Sunday is 28 March. The World Surf League hasn't published its 2027 schedule yet, so check it before you book. And keep an eye on it closer to the date, because contest days get called on and off within that window.
It's a waiting period, not a set of fixed competition days, so not every day in the window will be "on". Some days get called off when the surf's not good enough, and finals day can move. That's a good argument for staying a few nights nearby instead of driving down for one day.
Getting from Torquay to Bells
On a normal day Bells Beach is 10 minutes' drive from Holyday House. Head south-west along the Great Ocean Road, then turn onto Bells Boulevard to the reserve. In contest week the roads and car parks are a lot busier, so give yourself more time and get there early.
Driving and parking
There's an event car park near the contest site. In 2026 it was paid, with limited spaces, first come first served. So on a day with good swell, turning up early makes a real difference.
Shuttle bus
The last few years, a shuttle has run from Rip Curl's flagship store in Torquay to the event on competition days. Handy if you'd rather not fight for a park. Services and times get confirmed each year, and the shuttle may stop early if the day's called off.
Walking in from Jan Juc
The Bells track runs roughly 3 km along the cliffs from Jan Juc to Bells, as part of the Surf Coast Walk. Park in Jan Juc and walk in. It's a lovely way to arrive, and walking out is a good way to dodge the traffic at the end of the day.
Tips for watching
Check the call every morning
Every morning of the waiting period, the event is called "on", "off" or "on hold". The World Surf League app and website have the call, and the heats are streamed live. So you can watch from the lounge while you work out whether to head down.
Know how entry works
In 2026 entry was ticketed. Day and festival passes were sold onsite once a day was called on, kids 12 and under got in free, and there were capacity limits, so a pass didn't guarantee you'd get in. Things can change from year to year. Check the official event information before you go.
Dress for the cliff
Easter on the Surf Coast can go from warm sunshine to a cold southerly in one arvo, and the viewing areas are exposed. Bring layers, a hat, sunscreen and something to sit on.
Accessibility
The 2026 event listed accessible parking, paths, toilets and viewing platforms. If anyone in your group needs them, check this year's details ahead of time.
Leave the dog at home base
Dogs have to be on a leash in the Bells Beach reserve, and most dogs don't love a packed clifftop anyway. They'll be happier in a fenced yard back at the house for the day. See our pet-friendly Torquay guide.
Use the off days
When the contest's off, the surf around Torquay is still worth checking. Jan Juc, Winki Pop and the beaches closer to town all have their days. Our surfing guide covers the main breaks, and the things to do guide has plenty for the non-surfers.
Book early for Easter
Contest week runs over the Easter long weekend and the school holidays, so it's one of the busiest times of year on the Surf Coast. The holiday houses in Torquay and Jan Juc that suit groups usually go first.
If you know you're coming, get in touch as soon as the contest dates are clear. Or earlier still: some people book a year out, around Easter the year before. Booking a longer stay across the waiting period also gives you the best shot at catching the finals, whatever day they end up on.
Why a house in Torquay works for a contest crew
Contest trips are usually group trips. A few mates who surf, a family with one die-hard fan, two families splitting the week. A whole house just works better than a few hotel rooms.
Room for everyone
Holyday House is all on one level, with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and it sleeps 8. There are two living rooms, so the heat-by-heat watchers and the people who'd rather read a book don't have to fight over a couch.
10 minutes to Bells
Close enough to head down the minute a day's called on, and to pop back for lunch if there's a long gap between heats.
Off-street parking
There's off-street parking for multiple vehicles. Useful when the group turns up in two or three cars full of boards.
Hot tub and outdoor shower
Rinse the sand off under the hot outdoor shower, then thaw out in the private hot tub after a cold day on the cliff. It's available year-round.
A proper kitchen and BBQ
Torquay's cafes and restaurants are packed over Easter. With a fully equipped kitchen and a BBQ, you can feed the crew at home on the big nights. If you'd rather book a table, see our restaurants guide.
Wood fires and fibre WiFi
Easter nights can get cool, so there are three wood fires and split-system air conditioning. The fibre WiFi is quick enough to stream the heats on the big screen when you're not up on the cliff.
Walk to Whites Beach
Torquay Whites Beach is a 400m walk, so you can fit in an early swim or a dog walk before the day's call. See our Whites Beach guide.
Thinking about a contest-week stay? Send Steve and Karen an enquiry with your dates and how many of you there are.
Rip Curl Pro FAQ
Where's the best place to stay for the Rip Curl Pro?
There's nowhere to stay at Bells Beach itself, so most people stay in Torquay or Jan Juc. Torquay's the biggest town nearby, with the most shops and places to eat, and it's about 10 minutes' drive from the contest.
When is the 2027 Rip Curl Pro?
25 March to 4 April 2027, according to Surfing Victoria. That's the waiting period. The World Surf League hasn't published its 2027 schedule yet, so check it before you book. Competition runs on the best days inside the window, so keep your plans loose.
How far is Holyday House from Bells Beach?
About 10 minutes in the car on a normal day. Allow extra in contest week, when the roads and car park are busier.
Is there a shuttle to the Rip Curl Pro?
The last few years, a shuttle has run from Rip Curl's Torquay flagship store to the event on competition days. Check this year's event information for routes and times.
Do I need a ticket to watch?
In 2026 you did. Passes were sold onsite once a day was called on, and kids 12 and under got in free. Entry details can change each year, so check before you go.
How many people does Holyday House sleep?
Up to 8, across 4 bedrooms. There are 3 bathrooms, two living rooms, a hot tub and a fully fenced backyard. See the house details.
For more on the area around the reef, have a read of our holiday house near Bells Beach guide.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 13 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Rip Curl Pro — Surfing Victoria
- The Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach — Rip Curl
- Rip Curl Pro — Wikipedia
- Bells Beach — Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
- Bells Beach Surfing Recreational Reserve — Surf Coast Shire
- Surf Coast Walk — Visit Great Ocean Road
- Surf Events — World Surf League