We have all heard of “Bell’s Beach” but John Cavert Bell also left his name on the hillside and hamlet behind it, “Bell’s Brae”. Hidden between the Torquay surf shops, the Anglesea holiday crowds and the Lorne eateries is a small coastal hamlet with a thriving community and a more relaxed approach to life.
Bellbrae evolved as a small service centre for a rural hinterland to the west. Home to Jan Juc’s original primary school since 1861, the now named Bellbrae Primary School still forms a strong hub for the community.
In more recent times, however, the township has felt a slow and steady adoption by a more lifestyle aware resident.
Minutes from the beaches of Bells, Southside and Point Addis and easily catering to many working in Torquay and Geelong, Bellbrae offers the benefits of a coastal town, but retains the space and quiet of its rural heritage.
While the major towns of Torquay, Jan Juc and Anglesea, which surround Bellbrae, have expanded rapidly over the past decade, Bellbrae has retained an identity that is aligned with a more relaxed time.
The basic town amenities include the Primary School (Don’t miss the May Fair on the first Sunday in May), a town hall (hosting dance lessons, singing groups, African drumming and any number of community get-togethers), the quiet Bellbrae motel, well maintained sporting facilities, and a letter box!
What you can’t see are the web-based community noticeboard, the social street gatherings, and a community who has fiercely protected its more sustainable way of life.
In the surrounding National Park you will find Mountain Bikers revelling in the Jarosite Basin, Bush walkers and indigenous flora enthusiasts enjoying the unique offerings on trails through bushland that lead to the beaches between Jarosite and Winki Pop.
So next time you are heading down the Coast, out of Torquay, stop and check out what life is bubbling away amongst the Manna Gums of Surf Coast’s hidden hamlet.
Now, actually finding a property to purchase in Bellbrae is of course a challenging task. However, Great Ocean Road Real Estate Torquay are pleased to be handling the sale of 54 Cunningham Drive, a stunning home on a treed allotment of about three quarter acres that epitomises the unique lifestyle options that Bellbrae Village offers. Full particulars for this property can be viewed here or by contacting the selling agents, Great Ocean Road Real Estate, 114 Surf Coast Highway, Torquay or by phoning 5261 5088 or 0458 513 860
Open Houses this weekend
AIREYS INLET
Saturday 13th March
12:00pm – 12:30pm 9 Narani Way, Fairhaven
1:00pm – 1:30pm 2 Yarringa Road, Fairhaven
2:00pm – 2:30pm 30 She Oak Crescent, Fairhaven
3:00pm – 3:30pm 53 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
Sunday 14th March
12:00pm – 12:30pm 9 Narani Way, Fairhaven
1:00pm – 1:30pm 2 Yarringa Road, Fairhaven
2:00pm – 2:30pm 30 She Oak Crescent, Fairhaven
3:00pm – 3:30pm 53 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
LORNE
Saturday 13th March
1:00pm – 1:45pm 181 Great Ocean Road
2:00pm – 2:45pm 1/21 Smith Street
TORQUAY
Saturday 13th March
11:00am – 11:30am 6 Charles Lane, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 14 Rosedale Drive, Torquay
1:00pm – 1:30pm 31 Rocklea Drive, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 11 Seaview Rise, Jan Juc
2:00pm – 2:30pm 54 Cunningham Drive, Bellbrae
Sunday 14th March
11:00am – 11:30am 26 Koomeela Drive, Torquay
12:00pm – 12:30pm 36/105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
12:00pm – 12:30pm 22/105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea
1:00pm – 1:30pm 2/45 Boston Road, Torquay
2:00pm – 2:30pm 1/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc
2:00pm – 2:30pm 2/3 Hoylake Avenue, Jan Juc
See you down the Great Ocean Road.
