Point Addis and Bells Beach Loop

This loop starts at the Point Addis car park at the end of Point Addis Road, climbs to the Koorie Cultural Walk, crosses Ironbark Basin and follows Jarosite Track to Bells Beach, then returns by Southside and Addiscot beaches. The complete mapped route is about 14.5 km (9 mi); allow around four hours for short steep hills, steps, formed track and sand. The figure includes walking back from Bells Beach to Southside and the Point Addis Road access in both directions. Some published loop estimates are around 11 km; plan for the mapped distance.

The beach return is passable only about 2–3 hours either side of low tide. Check the tide before choosing a start time. If the low tide window comes first, start at Southside and walk the beach toward Point Addis before completing the inland route and Bells Beach.

From Point Addis, walk back up the road to the Koorie Cultural Walk and its timber viewing platforms. Heathland track drops into Ironbark Basin, with short steep rises and steps along the way. At the junction near the dam, take the branch signed for the Surf Coast Walk.

Jarosite Track passes through grass trees and stringybark forest near the old Red Ochre Mine, then leads downhill toward Southside. Cross the Southside entrance road for the formed path, stairs and bridge to Bells Beach, then retrace that stretch to Southside. Bells hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, a major surf competition held here since 1961.

From Southside, take the concrete beach access and walk the sand beneath Jarosite Headland and along Addiscot Beach to Point Addis. Cliff edges and their bases are unstable, especially after storms or high tides; keep well clear. Clothing is optional at the eastern end of Addiscot Beach.

The Koorie Cultural Walk is on Wadawurrung Country. Its signs share information about cultural practices, plants and animals. Grass trees are common in the basin; orchids, echidnas and reptiles may be seen, though sightings are never assured. Point Addis lookouts are a good place to scan for whales from May to September. Ironbark Basin Lookout faces a coast where 19 ships were lost.

A toilet block is on Point Addis Road near the upper trail access; no food or drinking-water stop along the route was identified. Dogs are prohibited on the national park sections; leashed dogs are allowed only in the Addiscot Beach day visitor area.