Celebrating 53 years of Bells Beach/Djarrak land management

Published on 15 April 2024

After 53 years of managing the Bells Beach/Djarrak area alongside the Surf Coast community, Surf Coast Shire Council is preparing to transfer this land to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) later in the year.

Bells Beach is one of the many land parcels that Council is progressively transferring to the Authority, which is the dedicated Crown land and sea manager for the Great Ocean Road's coast and parks.  

For the preceding 65,000 years this very special place has been cared for and managed by Wadawurrung People, the Traditional Custodians. It is known as Djarrak, which means ‘bended arm’ and describes the distinctive shape of the cliffs surrounding this iconic beach.

In preparation for the handover, historical photos and stories have been unearthed illustrating the recent history of Council management from 1971 to the present day. This pictorial history demonstrates the progress in restoring and protecting both the natural and cultural heritage of this important place.

Council will be sharing these photos and some interesting stories that have been unearthed, on Facebook and Instagram. Join us as we travel down memory lane to a time when parking and spectators were allowed anywhere on the cliffs of Bells Beach/Djarrak, wetsuits were non-existent and people warmed themselves by lighting fires using the clifftop vegetation, and we venture back to the beginnings of the Rip Curl Pro or the Surfboard Rally as it was known in 1961.

“Bells Beach/Djarrak is a special place not just for the surfing community but for all the community of the Surf Coast. It has been great to see Djarrak shine recently during the Rip Curl Pro,” Surf Coast Shire Cr Mike Bodsworth said.

“Looking back through the years and these photos, has reminded me about how far we have come since 1971. There has been such significant involvement from the community and groups like Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE). It has been great to see the progress and I know the Authority will continue to look after it,” he said.

Council and the Authority are committed to ensuring current community uses and experiences are protected and/or enhanced on any reserves transferred to the Authority and through this process ensure the Great Ocean Road can be enjoyed now and for generations to come. 

Follow the posts on Surf Coast Shire Council’s Facebook and Instagram page. For more information about Bells Beach/Djarrak: surfcoast.vic.gov.au/BellsBeachSurfingRecreationReserve