Torquay

Call us biased but we believe Torquay is THE ideal seaside getaway for tired Melburnians and other Aussies wanting a quiet, stress-free escape.

We’re just over an hour from Melbourne - an easy journey for a weekend or mid-week break. And yet you’d never know the big smoke was so close.

Torquay is the growth centre of the Surfcoast Shire, with a population of around 10,000 expected to reach the 20,000 mark in the next 10 years.

We came here as “sea changers” in 2001 to establish Wattle Court Retreat, and we’re thrilled that Torquay and surrounds has become such a vibrant community with so much for everyone, whether you’re young or young at heart.

Stay in accommodation reviewed by us, and you’re well placed to explore the best stretch of the Great Ocean Road, or just potter around the fantastic beaches, surf breaks, bush walks, galleries, craft shops and cafes of Torquay.

Australia’s Surfing Capital

Torquay is a surfing industry leader that continues to grow. Starting out more than 30 years ago, surf institutions Rip Curl and Quiksilver have grown neck and neck as the fore- runners of the surfing industry in Australia. Both companies manufacture surfboards, wetsuits and extensive ranges of leisure wear and fashion accessories for surfing, snow skiing or just hanging out on the beach.

Many other companies have now joined the trend, creating a surf clothing and equipment precinct in Torquay that’s definitely worth a visit for its quality, variety and value.

As for the surf breaks, there’s not only the world-famous Bells Beach, but many others too. If you’re not sure which to choose, the Winkipop Surf site is useful for checking out current breaks and surf ability.

For more on surfing this stretch of coastline, visit our Surf Coast page.

Beaches Beaches Everywhere

Everywhere you look there’s another beach. Whether you walk, bike or drive out of Torquay, you’re five minutes from beautiful beaches – some with surf and some more gentle. Cosy Corner is the best spot for surf kites for example, and also great for children.

Here in Jan Juc, we have a beautiful beach for swimmers and intermediate surfers, and we’re just a couple of minutes from Torquay’s other beaches. Fisherman’s Beach is ideal for boating, sailing and windsurfing, and the town’s back beach is great for swimmers and surf beginners.

Walk the Creeks and Coastline

The Surf Coast Walk starts here in Torquay - for more, visit our Surf Coast page.

Other walks from Torquay are:

The Point Impossible Walk
Takes you to the east from the foreshore at Torquay to the Thompson’s Creek estuary.

The Deep Creek Walk
Follows Deep Creek through a flora and fauna reserve with pockets of black boys.

The Spring Creek Walk
Starts at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and follows the creek for 4 km.

Arts, Crafts & Galleries

Bell Street Torquay has grown into an arts precinct with a number of funky galleries with local arts on show alongside of cafes, clothes shops and restaurants. you may also want to drop in to Narana Creations just outside of Geelong on your way to Torquay for an indigenous art and cultural experience.

Cafes, Restaurants & Wineries

There are many good restaurants to choose from Surfrider Restaurant in Bell Street offers modern Australian cuisine for all tastes. Pear Tree Cafe offers a casual Italian eating in the Gilbert Street arcade near the IGA supermarket. There are many cafes for that essential coffee stop. Take a look at our extras page.