Torquay

Quick facts

• Population 8,000
• 95 kilometres south-west of Melbourne
• Victoria’s surfing capital
• Rip Curl Pro World Surfing Titles
• Official start of the Great Ocean Road.

Torquay is Victoria’s surfing capital and a major holiday resort town, where the beach-based culture is at its strongest.

Some of the biggest names in surfwear and accessories are headquartered here, with huge retail outlets at Surf City Plaza selling everything connected with the sport. The Surfworld Museum captures the spirit of the popular pursuit in words, pictures and hands-on displays.

Torquay has the both protected family beaches, and the action of the surging surf. Nearby Jan Juc is a little wilder. Bells Beach is next stop on the coast where the big swells are definitely for experienced surfers. This world famous beach is the venue for the Rip Curl Pro, one of the most sought after titles on the World Championship Tour, which is held every Easter. Just a short drive away, Point Addis provides breathtaking views out to sea and back to the gently arching bay from high up on the point. The dense bush and towering yellow cliffs contrast with the ocean’s wide blue expanse through to Anglesea and beyond.While at its busiest in the hot summer months, Torquay is a year-round destination offering more than just amazing beaches. There are great walks, shops, eateries and excellent accommodation.In any weather a walk around the Surf Coast is spectacular. The Surf Coast Walk, an established track stretching more than 35 kilometres from Jan Juc, near Torquay, to Moggs Creek and past Anglesea, brims with fantastic coastal views, thick forest, colourful heath, native birds – many rare and endangered – and kangaroos.

Activities and attractions

• Wander along the world-famous Bells Beach surfing venue
• Browse Torquay’s excellent surf shops for some of the latest clothing and other surf accessories
• Learn more about surfing at Torquay’s Surfworld Museum, Australia’s largest surfing museum
• Explore potteries, galleries and craft shops
• Try the unique cafés and restaurants, some with colourful surfing décor, serving local produce
• Take to the air in a Tiger Moth for spectacular Great Ocean Road views
• Try the Surf Coast Walk for spectacular beach views from towering cliff tops
• Go surf fishing off the beach
• Have a picnic or barbecue on the foreshore or beside Spring Creek
• Learn to surf
• Play golf overlooking the ocean.

Events

• Cowrie Community Market – third Sunday of every month (Sep - Apr) 
• Danger 1000 Swim – January
• Surf Coast International Triathlon – February
• Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, Bells Beach – Easter
• Surf Coast Living Green Festival – October
• High Tide Festival – December

How to get there
Torquay is located 95 kilometres south west of Melbourne. Travel by car via the Surf Coast Highway.Daily rail services are available from Melbourne to Geelong. Local bus services are available from Geelong.