Torquay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Torquay showing a bay or harbour and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Torquay
Torquay
Torquay which includes a bay or harbour as well as a large group of people
Torquay

The Great Ocean Road gets straight down to business at its official starting point: the surfing capital of Victoria and its world-famous breaks, contests and museum.

Take the plunge in Torquay, the birthplace of Australian surf culture as we know it today. The town gained worldwide acclaim when it launched iconic surf brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver, and its barreling breaks set the scene for international surf championships every year. Check the swell for yourself or watch the professionals from the beach. Pick up the latest surfwear items at Torquay’s extensive shopping mall or learn about the history of Australian surfing at the museum. Explore the gorgeous coastline and find secret coves and wave-lashed bluffs on a foreshore hike or settle in at one of the town’s cosy pubs and cafés.

Torquay’s main draw is its trusty surf spot, Bells Beach. Renowned as the heartland of Australian surfing, seasoned surfers flock to its notorious right-hander and reef breaks. Watch the action from the cliff-top parking lot and enjoy panoramic coastal views. Every Easter, Bells Beach hosts the internationally prized Rip Curl Pro event.

If you’re feeling inspired, be sure to visit Surf City Plaza to check out a range of stores retailing top-of-the-range surf gear. Check out the Australian National Surfing Museum and learn about the history of the sport in Australia. You’ll see the National Surfing Hall of Fame, as well as a collection of interactive displays. Now that you’re ready to try out the waves for yourself, book a surfing lesson at one of the nearby beaches. Go swimming at the sheltered beach that fronts the town and enjoy views of the pretty pine-studded foreshore.

Follow Torquay’s stunning coastline via one of the foreshore walking tracks. Hike along the Surf Coast Walk or stroll up to Yellow Bluff and Point Danger. Near to Point Danger, you’ll find a selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the town pub.

Torquay is a 90-minute drive southwest of Melbourne and is the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road. Visit in summer for fantastic beach weather or in winter to watch the surfing pros at work. Experience Australian surf culture firsthand in the historic town of Torquay.

Wyndham Resort Torquay
Wyndham Resort Torquay
4 out of 5
100 The Esplanade, Torquay, VIC
The price is £100 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£100
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great Location and facilities!
"Great location and very good hotel."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
3 out of 5
35 Bell St, Torquay, VIC
The price is £83 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
£83
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Torquay. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Front Beach and Torquay Golf Club are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (653 reviews)
"Comfortable, clean and great location"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
The Sands Torquay
The Sands Torquay
4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is £99 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£99
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (458 reviews)
"Amazing venue and will be back. Great service, facilities and location."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

The Sands Torquay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
3 out of 5
35 Bell St, Torquay, VIC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Torquay. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Front Beach and Torquay Golf Club are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (653 reviews)
"Comfortable, clean and great location"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly  Families
Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly Families
Torquay Surfcoast, VIC
Stay at this golf holiday home in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Epic Surf School and Surf World Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Great stay
"The house was amazing and made for a great family stay. Very happy with our trip"

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly Families
Beachfront Cottages Torquay
Beachfront Cottages Torquay
4 out of 5
22 Pride Street, Torquay, VIC
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Torquay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Front Beach and Torquay Central Farmers Market ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"I absolutely love these beachfront cottages! This isn’t my first stay here, and it never disappoints. The cottages are always clean, comfortable, and pet-friendly, making it a great place to stay. Plus, everything you need is just a short walk away."

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Beachfront Cottages Torquay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Torquay

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Torquay is a beautiful resort at the start of the Great Ocean Road. If you’re after a relaxing holiday this is a great spot.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not alot of restaurants open at this time of year

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