Renowned for its surfing culture, Torquay is a seaside town at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road. It’s the birthplace of iconic surf brands like Rip Curl and Quicksilver and is home to one of Australia’s only museums dedicated to the sport.
Things to do in Torquay
Stroll along the Surf Coast Walk, a trail that extends 44 kilometres along the coast surrounding Torquay. Discover the indigenous heritage of the area along the Wadawurrung Country trail and learn about the evolution of surf culture on the Surf Coasting section near Juc Juc Beach.
Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum, which celebrates the country’s much-loved beach culture and surfing heritage. There’s a range of vintage surfboards and surf memorabilia on display and hands-on exhibits that illustrate how the sport has transformed over the years.
Visit Bells Beach, one of Australia’s most famous surf spots that ignites over the Easter weekend with the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition. The high cliffs overlooking the beach offer fantastic views as experienced surfers tackle the challenging right-hand breaks.
Torquay also offers exceptional snorkelling around the large limestone reef platform of Point Danger Marine Sanctuary. It’s home to a diverse array of marine creatures, including 96 species of sea slugs, as well as the fascinating Joseph H. Scammell shipwreck.
Getting around Torquay
Torquay is around 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne and just 30 minutes from Geelong and the nearby Avalon Airport. The town can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle, but having your own vehicle is best for visiting the surrounding sights along the Great Ocean Road.