Bells Beach

Bells Beach, on Victoria's Surf Coast near Torquay, is the starting point of the Coast Run — the classic advanced Australian coastal XC line, first flown to Apollo Bay in early 1990 and now regularly repeated in firm easterlies by hang gliders. Paragliders have not yet completed it, though the local distance record keeps falling each season. It's a demanding run with minimal landing options along much of the coast (and even less at high tide) — first attempts should be with someone already experienced with the line. Highly experienced inland XC pilots have come to grief here — treat with extreme caution.

Launch & conditions

Winkipop (E–SE) at 30 m / 100 ft ASL — Advanced rated, hang gliders only (local foreshore committee does not permit PG takeoff or landing at Winkipop). Vegetation is sensitive to trampling: hang gliders must set up on the west side of the road and carry across, NOT on launch itself, or the site is jeopardised. Close the gate behind you. Keep spectators out of the fenced area. Do not launch here in light wind — there is no beach, ever.

Getting there & local rules

Near Torquay, 90 km SW of Melbourne, overlooking the famous surf beach. PGs launch from Southside instead. Landings: PGs can top-land Southside; HGs can top-land Winkipop in an emergency (in front of the road and fence). Otherwise land on the beaches — Southside (past Bells to the right from Winkipop) is closest but can disappear at high tide. Jan Juc (surf life saving club, east) and Point Addis (west) offer larger beaches. HGs generally aim for at least Anglesea, often with sizeable unlandable sections on the way.

Local rules & hazards

Bells Beach launch is HG only — PGs must launch from Southside. Minimal landing options along the entire coast run, less at high tide; beaches are always populated regardless of weather. Instruments and UHF radio on channel 16 recommended for all pilots on the run. Vegetation on Winkipop is sensitive — do NOT set up on launch itself.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Bells Beach, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Bells Beach with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.