Rip Curl Pro

The Rip Curl Pro (formerly the Bells Beach Surf Classic) is held annually in Victoria and is a professional surfing competition that attracts visitors to Bells Beach every Easter.

Commonly known as the “Rip Curl Pro”, this event is the longest-running professional surfing contest in the world and is one of the best competitions on the pro circuit due to the giant swells produced by the Southern Ocean.

The longest-running event in competitive surfing, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is an iconic stop on The World Surf League Championship Tour. As the legend goes, “You’ve got to win it to ring it!” And in 2025, the best surfers in the world will once again have their chance to ring their way into history.

It’s also held in Torquay, the birthplace of Rip Curl. The storied list of former champions includes Rip Curl athletes such as Tyler Wright and Mick Fanning. Suffice it to say that the event holds a special place in our hearts and is part of the brand’s zeitgeist.

In celebrating over 60 years of competition, the Rip Curl Pro brings together the best professional surfers worldwide in one major competition.

There are plenty of activities for visitors at sea and on the sand. The popular Bells contest site draws many visitors, as the dunes create a natural amphitheatre that gives spectators a great view of the competition.

For those who want to relax, the scenic view of the hanging red cliffs against the turquoise blue waters of the ocean makes a magnificent background in which to unwind and enjoy the sun and sea.

Facilities available on-site include a kiosk and a first aid centre. Toilets, showers, and parking spaces are located nearby. However, travellers should arrive early to get a parking spot, as they will fill up fast.

Getting There

Get on the Surf Coast Highway to reach Bells Beach from the Rip Curl Flagship Store in Torquay. Drive all the way down past the footy oval. Then, take the second exit, heading up the hill towards Jan Juc. You’re now on the Great Ocean Road. Stay on the Great Ocean Road, and take a left down Bells Boulevard. Soon enough you’ll hit a T-intersection at Bones Road, turn left! By now, you’ll see the official car park, Bells-adjacent, a perfectly groomed 8-10ft swell, and many others like yourself eager to watch the action. Follow the bouncing ball from here into the car park. The staff will collect a parking fee and usher you to the best available spot. You made it!

If you prefer to stretch your legs, take the Bells Track! This scenic stroll runs from Jan Juc, where there’s ample free parking, to Bells Beach, where the competition is held. It’s relatively low intensity and beautifully scenic, with local vegetation and ocean views for most of the trek. There are a few benches along the way for those keen to stop and take it all in or catch their breath. Spanning a little over 3kms long (or 2 miles), the Bells Track is also part of a larger network of Surf Coast Walks that connect from Point Impossible to Aireys Inlet, if you want more.

The shuttle bus is a great way to get into the event with the whole crew. There are hourly services from the Rip Curl Car Park (on the half hour). Make sure you’re checking the Rip Curl socials for The Call. The daily bus service may stop running earlier if the event is called off for the day.

Due to capacity limitations at Bells Beach, Festival Passes do not guarantee entry on the day. Capacity limitations are implemented to ensure the continued preservation of the Bells Beach surfing reserve. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on site unless they are a qualified, accredited assistance dog and serving the person they are with.