Torquay

Torquay is a place I’ve been meaning to write about for years. Every time I roll into this relaxed Surf Coast town — the unofficial front door to the Great Ocean Road — something memorable happens. I’m Oleksandr Honcharenko, and after years exploring Victoria’s coastline, I’ve realised Torquay isn’t just a stopover. It’s where Australian surf culture truly lives.
Spend a day here and you’ll quickly see why it’s known as Australia’s surfing capital. There’s salt in the air, sandy footpaths underfoot, and a rhythm that makes you slow down whether you planned to or not.

Getting Your Bearings

From above, Torquay looks compact. On the ground, it unfolds between Spring Creek, the beachfront caravan parks, world-class surf breaks and the cafés clustered around Gilbert Street. Understanding the local rhythm — tides, wind direction, and weekend crowds — makes a real difference, especially when parking near the foreshore.
Key landmarks include the residential stretch near the Spring Creek bridge, the lively hub around the Post Office, and Beachfront Park for an easy coastal stroll.
Accommodation options range from luxury at Wyndham Resort Torquay and RACV Torquay Resort to relaxed stays at The Sands Torquay, Torquay Boutique Guesthouse, Bells Beach Cottages, Chianti Cottages, Coastal Comfort and Zeally Bay Stay Deep Ocean.

Orientation Tips From the Road

Torquay sits about 105 kilometres from Melbourne, making it a popular weekend escape. The Traditional Owners are the Wadawurrung People, who have cared for this coastline long before modern surfboards appeared.

Foreshore parking fills quickly on long weekends
That sea breeze can turn cold fast — pack a jumper
Telstra mobile coverage is generally strongest along the Surf Coast Walk, though reception can drop near Jan Juc
Torquay College makes a handy navigation landmark

Top Coastal Experiences

Torquay’s coastline offers a bit of everything — laid-back swimming spots, world-famous surf breaks, and cliff-top lookouts perfect for sunset views with an ice cream in hand. Whether you’re learning to surf, taking a coastal stroll, sunbathing, or simply watching other surfers wipe out, the ocean shapes every part of your day.

Bells Beach: The Iconic Wave of the Surf Coast

Bells Beach is the spiritual home of Australian surfing — the site of the legendary Rip Curl Pro held every Easter. Standing on the cliff edge watching waves roll into the bowl, it’s easy to understand why this break holds such status in global surf culture. Spring swells bring particularly powerful conditions, and even non-surfers can feel the energy in the air.

Some Handy Facts:

Bells faces the open Southern Ocean, bringing large swells and cold water
Best visiting period: March to May
Limited parking during weekends and major surf events

According to Surf Coast Tourism visitor data from 2023, more than 400,000 visitors head to Bells Beach annually — impressive for a rugged stretch of coastline tucked just outside town.

Torquay Surf Beach & Torquay Back Beach

Located right in town, Torquay Surf Beach and Torquay Back Beach are ideal for beginner surfers and casual ocean sessions. Surf schools operate here regularly, and early mornings are perfect for a peaceful beach walk.

You can expect:

Safer swimming areas within the bay
Friendly waves suitable for learning
Wide sandy stretches ideal for sunrise walks

Fisherman’s Beach

When the surf’s not too wild, Fisherman’s Beach is where locals with their dogs, kayaks and lattes go to chill out. I’ve lost count of how many fish and chips I’ve devoured there, while watching the seagulls try to steal bits off my plate.

Australian National Surfing Museum

If you really want to get a feel for Torquay, pop into the Australian National Surfing Museum. From old-school boards to the history of surfing culture, it’s the nearest you’ll get to catching a wave without getting wet.

Walking, Hiking & Outdoor Tracks

Torquay’s got trails pouring out of it, some hugging the coast and others snaking into the bush. Don’t need to be some super fit athlete to enjoy them – just need a good pair of shoes & the willpower to pull over every little while to grab another snap.

Surf Coast Walk

This 44km slog from Torquay to Aireys Inlet packs in a fair bit – you’ll see coastal cliffs, forests, lookouts that’ll have you checking the surf, and even some wildlife. I’ve walked bits near Jan Juc loads of times, and you often see other hikers taking a rest at places like Tree House Jan Juc or Surfcoast Soul – draws ’em in with sunrises over the ocean.

Safety Notes:

Snakes love the sunshine from October to March and tend to hang out on the track edges.
If you’re walking near cliffs, watch out for strong gusts of wind – they might catch you off guard, so keep your hat tied down.
Don’t forget to carry at least 2L of water – the sun really brings the heat here.

Best Times to go:

I reckon autumn and spring are your best bets – the weather’s pretty mild, nice and colourful and pretty stable.

Food, Coffee & Local Eats

Torquay’s got a foodie vibe running through it, almost as strong as its love of good surf. After a session at Bells or a long hike, you’ll be ready to eat, and food becomes a competition in its own right.

Where I Refuel (Often Too Much)

Category	Local Favourite Types	Why It Works
Coffee	Coastal cafés near the foreshore	Strong brews + warm cups after freezing surf sessions
Fish & Chips	Beachside shops near Fisherman’s Beach	Best eaten straight from the paper
Dinner	Bistros & gastropubs near Surf Coast Plaza	Hearty meals with sea breeze ambience
Sweet Stops	Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is nearby	Sugar hit for the drive

ABS retail food data (2024) puts the average Victorian café coffee between $4.50–$6, which aligns well with what you’ll find here.

Planning Tools for a Smooth Trip

Torquay rewards people who get organised in advance. A bit of advance thinking means you’ll have more time in the water and less time stuck trying to find that sunscreen that’s probably been packed and forgotten at the bottom of the bag.

Packing Essentials

Jumper or windcheater — coastal winds can change quickly
SPF 50 sunscreen — anything less risks serious sunburn
Hat with a secure strap to handle strong sea breezes
Swimmers and towel for beach time
Wetsuit — ocean temperatures stay cold year-round
Camera with spare battery for coastal views and sunsets
Walking shoes for exploring tracks and headlands
Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste

Getting To Torquay

Most visitors drive to Torquay, but public transport is possible. Travellers typically disembark at South Geelong Station or Geelong Train Station, then transfer to a bus service heading toward the Surf Coast.

Where To Lay Your Head

Torquay offers a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique stays to family-friendly caravan parks:

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park — dog-friendly sites and scenic cabins
The Sands Torquay — beachfront hotel stay
Wyndham Resort Torquay — ideal for larger groups
Torquay Boutique Guesthouse — intimate, hidden gem
RACV Torquay Resort — one of the region’s most popular premium stays
Bells Beach Cottages, Chianti Cottages, and Coastal Comfort — eco-style retreat options

Medical Services

Torquay has several medical centres and pharmacies for minor needs. For more serious treatment, Geelong Hospital is approximately a 20-minute drive away.

A Town That Gets Under Your Skin

Torquay has this beautiful way of slowing you down. One minute you’re rushing through your itinerary, and the next you’re parked beside Spring Creek, listening to the water and watching the surfers rinse off after a long morning of catching waves. This town doesn’t try to blow its own trumpet – it just exists, beautiful and raw and real – and that’s what makes it so unforgettable. Travellers with Australia Tours always rave about how much choice this region gives you – surfing in the morning, trails by lunch, and chocolate and ice cream in the afternoon. A good problem to have.

FAQ

What's the best time of year to visit Torquay?

Autumn’s the way to go – the swell at Bells Beach is pretty reliable, and the weather’s mild enough for a day out on the trails.

Is Torquay good for beginners trying to catch a wave?

Absolutely – Torquay Surf Beach, Fisherman’s Beach, and Torquay Back Beach are all perfect for learning.

How do I get to Torquay without a car?

Catch the train to either South Geelong Station or Geelong Train Station, then grab a connecting bus to get down to town.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, you can – Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park has some dog-friendly sites, but there are some seasonal rules to keep an eye out for.

What should I make sure to check out when I get there?

You’ve got to see the Australian National Surfing Museum, Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Surf Coast Plaza, and the coastal trail near Jan Juc – just for starters.