Jan Juc Beach to Bells Beach

The Surf Coast Walk between Jan Juc and Bells Beach is 7.6 km of clifftop track above two of Victoria's best known surf breaks, and the deciding fact for dog owners is that the track and the sand play by different rules. Dogs are welcome on lead along the walking track year round. The beach below is a different question depending on the month and the hour.

The walk. Allow around two to two and a half hours one way for the full 7.6 km. Ratings put it at moderate, though the effort comes from the steady climbing between Bird Rock and Bells rather than any single hard section. The surface is formed clifftop path with steps in places, and you can turn back at any point, so it works as a shorter return walk if the whole distance is more than your dog wants. The views take in Bird Rock, Winki Pop and the main break at Bells.

The rules. The track is managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, with Surf Coast Shire dog regulations applying across the beaches. Dogs must be on lead on the Surf Coast Walk tracks between Jan Juc and Bells Beach. Summer timeshare rules ban dogs from parts of the beach from 1 December to 28 February between 9am and 7pm, so a January midday visit is a clifftop walk only. Dogs are also prohibited from the fenced dune and coastal vegetation zones at any time of year, which protect habitat for the vulnerable rufous bristlebird. The Bells competition reserve carries extra restrictions during the Easter surf contest, so read the signs if you are visiting that weekend.

Water. Bring your own. This is an exposed coastal track with little shade between the two ends, and the ocean below is no place for a dog to swim even where beach access is allowed, given the rips these breaks are famous for.

Getting there. There are car parks at both ends, at Jan Juc near Bird Rock and at Bells Beach. Bells fills early with surfers, so the Jan Juc end is usually the easier start. Walking it one way means leaving a car at each end.

Nearby with the dogs. The next section north is the Surf Coast Walk from Point Danger to Bird Rock, which joins this one at Bird Rock for a longer day. Sandbah Cafe in Torquay handles the coffee afterwards, and Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park takes dogs if you are staying the weekend.

When to go. Outside the December to February window, any time of day works, and the track is at its best in the low light of early morning. Through summer, walk before 9am or after 7pm if you want the beach as part of the day. Good for big runners who can handle the distance without needing to get wet.

Sources

• Dog regulations map: Torquay, Jan Juc and Bellbrae - Surf Coast Shire · www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au
• Bells Beach - Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority · www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au
• Dogs - Surf Coast Shire · www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au
• Jan Juc Beach to Bells Beach - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.