THE BELL: A Tale of triumph & tradition

Discover the fascinating history of the Bells trophy at the Australian National Surfing Museum’s latest exhibition. Celebrating the 61st running of the annual Easter surfing contest at Bells Beach, the exhibition showcases the most sought-after trophy in the surfing world.

Explore the origins of the trophy, how the idea of using a brass bell came about, the history of the place itself, as well as stories from the trophy makers makers Rod Brooks, Brian Butterworth, Joe Kirkham, Joe Sweeney and son Jeff who have built these iconic awards over the years.

With more than a dozen of these iconic trophies on display, you will see different eras represented including Gail Couper’s original Bell, Kelly Slater’s 2010 donation to the Wathaurong First Nations peoples and a detailed commemoration of this historic event.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Wonderful place to enrich your life and awareness of surfing.

Otieno Ogunah
13/07/2026

Great little museum giving information about Surfing.

Wahaj Meer
11/07/2026

What a great museum, I started surfing at 12 years of age in the late 60's. This museum is a true to life time capsule of the evolution and great times of surfing and its characters. Brilliant stuff and so good to have all the brand name surf shops nearby. A hop skip and a jump to Bells Beach after a great morning at the museum. Highly recommend for a day out. As Captain Goodvibes the surfing Pig of Steel would say. Hang low and a bit to the left, you'll be right son !

Barry Teitzel
08/07/2026
Mostly surfboard displays with minimal written information. The best section imo was the theatre, as it's mostly just boards on display. Worth a visit if in Torquay

Shan
16/04/2026

Some great stories about the beginning of surfing in Australia and the history of surf boards. Very interesting!

Eddie Groom
16/01/2026

Kleines, schönes Surfmuseum mit diversen Suftbretten und Equipment aus Ausstellungsstücke. Viele Geschichten über lokale Berühmtheiten und einer Filmvorführung.

Jan Belde
30/12/2025
A Memorable Visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum – Where History Meets the Ocean Spirit A friend and I recently visited the Australian National Surfing Museum, and it turned out to be far more than just a stop on our weekend itinerary, it was a journey through Australia’s deep connection with the ocean and the art of surfing. From the moment we stepped inside, we were immersed in an atmosphere that celebrated both sport and culture. The museum’s collection of vintage surfboards and memorabilia tells a powerful story of evolution, of how surfing shaped communities, lifestyles, and even attitudes toward the sea. We couldn’t help but laugh as we tried the interactive surfing simulators; balancing on those boards (without actual waves!) proved to be both humbling and hilarious. What truly stood out was the museum’s ability to blend education with emotion. Every exhibit seemed to honor not just the athletes, but the pioneers who turned surfing into a symbol of freedom and connection. The visuals, the storytelling, and even the soundtrack of rolling waves made the experience feel alive. As we left, we found ourselves reflecting on how surfing isn’t merely a sport, it’s a philosophy of movement, balance, and respect for nature. Visiting the Australian National Surfing Museum reminded me that great experiences don’t just teach us about history, they invite us to feel part of it.

Heidy Wandurraga
09/11/2025

Had a great morning looking back through the history of surfing very informative .

Karen Conyers
05/11/2025

A great museum where I learnt a lot about Australian surfing champions. Saw surfboards from the original wooden ones with no fins to the up to date lightweight boards with 3 fins. A tour guide took us around and his explanations were great, including a movie of surfers catching some huge waves.

Rosemarie Moore
04/11/2025