Torquay

Torquay is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, and the starting post for one of Australia’s most important surfing hubs aptly named the Surf Coast.

This engaging section of coastline stretches from Torquay to Lorne – another delightful seaside town that has been a popular Aussie holiday spot for over a century.

Along the way is a string of swimming and surfing beaches, as well as the famous Bells Beach, venue for the Rip Curl Pro, Australia’s longest running and most prestigious professional surfing event. More on Bells Beach in Wikipedia

And there’s plenty for non-surfies to do along this stretch of coastline too, including some gorgeous bush and coastal walks.

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

Being just over an hour from Melbourne – such an easy journey for a weekend or mid-week break that you’d never believe the big smoke was so close.

BOOK ONLINE 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, 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.

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 as the water is shallow and protected by a headland.

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 main beach is great for swimmers and surf beginners.

The Low-down for Surfers

Torquay is considered the spiritual home of Australia’s surf life, so it’s only right that it should house the world’s largest surf and beach culture museum – Surf World. This is a fascinating journey for surfers and non-surfers alike, celebrating the Rip Curl Pro, and the history, technology and art of surfing.

There are several excellent surf schools along the Surf Coast too, such as the Torquay Surfing Academy who will provide not only real surfers as instructors but also all the gear you will need if you are traveling light or a beginner testing the waters.

As well as Jan Juc, intermediates also enjoy Torquay’s Point Danger and Point Impossible (the names are an impressive exaggeration), while from Bird Rock, at the west end of Jan Juc, all the way to Bells Beach are a series of breaks suitable for advanced surfers.

Beyond Bells Beach, Anglesea, Airey’s Inlet and Fairhaven are good for beginners and body surfers.

Some beaches are patrolled during summer months, although surfers ride the waves along the Surf Coast all year round. Dedication is a wonderful thing to see! In fact, we know that Bells Beach’s two breaks – the Bowl and Rincon – are at their best during autumn and winter, and autumn is in general the best time for surfing this region. So don that thick wetsuit and get down here!

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 and cafes for that essential coffee stop to choose from with a current list available here. If you interest is in tasting the fruit of the grape the Geelong wine area has many fine choices. We can also recommend Big Stick Adventures if you want a guided tour without the hassle of counting your drinks.

If you want fine dining just ask Yvonne or check out the reviews in her BLOG.

Bushwalking and Coastal Trails

The Surf Coast Walk extends for 27 km from Jan Juc to Angahook Lorne State Park near Aireys Inlet, passing through coastal bushland, and along beaches and cliff-tops.

There are subsections for those with more modest ambitions. From Jan Juc to Bells Beach is 3 km; to Point Addis is another 5 km; on to Anglesea is 7 km; to Aireys Inlet is a further 10 km; and from Boundary Rd to the Distillery Creek Picnic Area is a final 2 km.

The trail is well marked, but you can download more detailed information here, and Surfworld Museum has a useful pamphlet for extra help.

After Lorne you will enter into Otway Ranges country on the way to Apollo Bay and beyond, so venture inland for some beautiful walks through Victoria’s temperate rainforest, with waterfalls to cool the brow and ocean vistas to warm the heart. When it’s hot on the coast the inland hills can be a welcome respite.
Call us biased but we believe Torquay is THE ideal seaside getaway for tired Melburnians and other Aussies wanting a quiet, stress-free escape.