Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2024

Bells Beach, VIC, Australia

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the oldest contest on the calendar

Bells is the 4th stop on the Men’s Championship Tour 2024 and the first of the Australian leg. Formerly known as the Bells Beach Classic, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia is the oldest contest on the schedule. In fact, it’s the longest-running pro event in the world.

Founded in 1973, they’ve been crowning champions at Bells for over 40 years. Every morning starts with AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” blaring over the sound system calling the competitors and spectators to the beach. The weather and ocean conditions can be temperamental, ranging from idyllic, six-foot bombs on the West Bowl to serious victory-at-sea storms.

The closest town is Torquay, which is considered the birthplace of Australia’s surfing industry. Both Rip Curl and Quiksilver got their start there back in the early ’70s. The Surf World Museum is located in Torquay and is Australia’s biggest surf museum.

And no trip to Bells would be complete without a jaunt down the always-impressive Great Ocean Road. As picturesque drive as you’re apt to find anywhere in the world, pull into coastal towns Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, and Lorne for a uniquely Aussie experience.

Things to do in Torquay

There are so many epic surf spots starting from north of Torquay all the way down the great ocean road to Lorne. Hop in a car and discover perfect points, reefs and beachies after watching the pros do their thing at the comp.

It’s worth checking out the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay not to mention the bars and restaurants in town. Check out the Easter Pilgrimage to Bell Beach Guide to keep you entertained.

Where to stay for the Rip Curl Pro

There are plenty of options to stay in Torquay from campsites to guest houses and apartments.

You can also stay close to Bells Beach in Jan Juc. Head to the map below for all the accommodation deals during the Rip Curl Pro.

How to get to Bells Beach

Head to the surf town mecca of Torquay about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive south from Melbourne (104 km’s) along the M1.

Once you get to Torquay follow the signs south out of town to the start of the Great Ocean Road and you’ll get to Bells Beach only 9 minutes out of town depending on traffic.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2024 Schedule

The 4th stop on the Championship Tour will take place over Easter on March 26 – April 5, 2024. 

Check out the previous event on the WSL 2024 championship tour – MEO Pro Portugal 2024