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 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 AU$199 per night from 2 June to 3 June
AU$199
includes taxes & fees
2 June - 3 June
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)
"Needs dinner options, treadmill requires belt to be tightned"

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
The Sands Torquay
The Sands Torquay
4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is AU$185 per night from 11 June to 12 June
AU$185
includes taxes & fees
11 June - 12 June
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! (451 reviews)
Beautiful hotel
"Beautiful hotel with gorgeous surroundings and exceptional customer service. Would happily stay there again."

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

The Sands Torquay
Torquay Tropicana Motel
Torquay Tropicana Motel
3.5 out of 5
2 Grossmans Road, Torquay, VIC
The price is AU$113 per night from 3 June to 4 June
AU$113
includes taxes & fees
3 June - 4 June
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! (899 reviews)
"A pleasant stay room large and clean."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Torquay Tropicana Motel
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! (649 reviews)
"Beautiful setting. Loveky cabjns."

Reviewed on 26 May 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 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 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
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.

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