Torquay

Travel Guide

Torquay showing a bay or harbor and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Torquay showing a beach, a sunset and general coastal views
Torquay featuring a sunset and general coastal views
Torquay featuring a bay or harbor as well as a large group of people
Torquay which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people

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 ¥19,768 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥19,768
¥21,745 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Happy with the staff service ."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Wyndham Resort Torquay
The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay

4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
The price is ¥17,545 per night from Sep 18 to Sep 19
¥17,545
¥19,339 total
Sep 18 - Sep 19
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! (478 reviews)
The Sands Torquay
"Excellent place to stay. The views are stunning and not far from Melbourne city and Geelong. Well worth a visit! I have been here 4 times now and love it. The staff are amazing and so helpful. Will visit again. I wish they had a loyalty program with some additional perks."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

The Sands Torquay
Torquay Tropicana Motel

Torquay Tropicana Motel

3.5 out of 5
2 Grossmans Road, Torquay, VIC
The price is ¥10,527 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
¥10,527
¥11,659 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
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! (924 reviews)
"Large room with separate room containing a queen bed. Large bathroom with spa bath. Good kitchenette Comfortable couch"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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! (660 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
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! (106 reviews)
Great beach coffee shop
"Fantastic coastline"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

PARKSIDE BEACH HOUSE DOG FRIENDLY 450m BEACH
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! (56 reviews)
Gem in Torquay
"Great spot in torquay."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Hillside Paradise Torquay - Sleeps 17 - Strictly Families
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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