Torquay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Torquay which includes a bay or harbour and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Torquay
Torquay
Torquay featuring 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 AU$204 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$204
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Overall the experience was perfect, its a shame there is no restaurant on site but otherwise fantastic! If there was anything i could fault it was a senior staff member addressing issues with bar/cafe staff in front of guests ...whilst there were not many of us around i think those conversations ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay

4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$202 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$202
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (505 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and attentive. The room was clean and spacious. We initially planned to stay one night, but decided to stay another night, luckily the room was available and the staff arranged so that we didn’t have to move out and in again."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

The Sands Torquay
Ingenia Holidays Torquay

Ingenia Holidays Torquay

2 out of 5
55 Surf Coast Highway, Torquay, VIC
The price is AU$86 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$86
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly holiday park in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Surf World Museum and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (494 reviews)
"Great stay, only downfall was the traffic noise with our cabin being close to the road but it was fine between 11pm - 5am."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Ingenia Holidays 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! (663 reviews)
"I had a 6 bed cabin for one person. Bit of a dodgy door lock but everything sorted when the maintenance man promptly helped me. Property very clean and fresh. Extremely convenient area. I really enjoyed my stay. Thank you Torquay 😊"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
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 WiFi, 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
PARKSIDE BEACH HOUSE DOG FRIENDLY 450m BEACH

PARKSIDE BEACH HOUSE DOG FRIENDLY 450m BEACH

Torquay
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Torquay. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Surf World Museum and Torquay ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (109 reviews)
"Tucked away..Great back yard for pupSoo cosy with the fire Close to beachAwesome walks & The Salty Dog Cafe!!!Gotta be a 10"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

PARKSIDE BEACH HOUSE DOG FRIENDLY 450m BEACH
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.

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Activities

Reviews of Torquay

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
118
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
76
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

All one needs for a good holiday can be found in Torquay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great small town. Plenty to do and lots of shopping. Many options for eating out and beaches were really good!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Room super uncomfortable bed and couch were horrible

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Done the PARC run on Saturday morning in Torquay. Played golf in Torquay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Awesome food options need to spend more time here to take it all in.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Visited Torquay and Lorne over two days. As family we all enjoyed both beaches.

Cities near Torquay

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