Bells Beach Lookout

Bells Beach lies below sandstone cliffs on the Surf Coast, near the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road. A reef runs out from the shore and shapes the waves, which is why the surfing here is so consistent. This whole stretch is a surfing recreation reserve. This beach is most photogenic from the top so you can see the whole curve of the beach and the long waves as they roll in. Car parks and boardwalks run along the clifftop and give you incredible options to experiment with looking straight down onto the break, so bring the longest lens you own. A steep timber staircase drops to the sand if you'd rather work at water level. This lets you get closer the the waves and be able to add surfers to your compositions. Morning is the better half of the day here, with light coming in off the water and onto the cliffs. The Winkipop surf break sits just off the eastern end of the beach and gives you a second angle without moving the car. Easter brings the Rip Curl Pro, the longest running event in professional surfing, and the crowds that come with it. During this event you will need a ticket to access the beach and the numbers are capped to protect the reserve's ecosytem. The rest of the year it's free and open all the time. (Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia)