Torquay

Travel Guide

Torquay showing a beach and a bay or harbour 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 cozy 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 CA $176 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $176
CA $194 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Beautiful 3 bedroom apartment, kids loved the swimming pools, great location for exploring the Great Ocean Road and very friendly/helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
Torquay Tropicana Motel

Torquay Tropicana Motel

3.5 out of 5
2 Grossmans Road, Torquay, VIC
The price is CA $88 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $88
CA $98 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (918 reviews)
"Good value. Comfortable bed. A busy location but room was quiet for a restful sleep."

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Torquay Tropicana Motel
The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay

4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is CA $157 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $157
CA $174 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (471 reviews)
"Very comfortable and clean"

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 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! (658 reviews)
"Easy walk to the beach. Plenty of things to do within walking distance or a quick drive."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly  Families

Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly Families

Torquay Surfcoast
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Epic Surf School and Surf World Museum are ...
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 May 11, 2025

Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly Families
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! (104 reviews)
"Comfy and relaxing. A great spot to hang out - especially with dogs. Could walk to the beach along the creek. Torquay is lovely and Ian was very responsive. Only drawback was that the DVD player wasn't connected and we had managed to source and bring a whole lot of movies to watch, knowing that there ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 15, 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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