Geelong to Torquay: Distance, driving time and attractions
The short drive from Geelong to Torquay in Victoria, Australia, covers a distance of 20km. Expect a driving time of around 21 minutes. The Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre is the best attraction along the route.
The drive from Geelong to Torquay takes you from Victoria’s second biggest city to Australia’s surfing capital – and the start of the Great Ocean Road.
It’s not a long drive, as Torquay is effectively a suburb of Geelong.
3 Geelong experiences to book in advance
- A water bike tour along the coast.
- A sunrise balloon flight – see the bay, hills and river from above.
- Rent an electric picnic boat on the Waterfront.
The best places to stay in Geelong
The top Geelong accommodation options are:
- For an affordably-priced, good quality motel: Parkside Motel.
- For fabulous apartments near the beach: Vue Apartments Geelong.
- For a family-friendly hotel with an indoor pool and balconies in each room: Novotel Geelong.
- For a facility-packed holiday park: Tasman Holiday Parks Geelong.
Geelong to Torquay distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Geelong to Torquay is 20km. The quickest route heads along the Surf Coast Highway, past the GMHBA Stadium and Barwon Valley Golf Club.
Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne
- For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
- To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
- For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
- For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
- For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
- For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.
Best attraction on the Geelong to Torquay drive
Perhaps the best stop on the Geelong to Torquay drive, however, is the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This hosts an Indigenous art gallery, café, playground and native plants garden.
If that doesn’t grab you, head straight on into Torquay. Here, the Australian National Surfing Museum looks at how surfing became a multi-million dollar industry in Australia.
Your Torquay checklist
- Skydive from 15,000ft – see the Great Ocean Road from above and get the thrill of your life.
- Learn to surf – get standing on your board by the end of a beginner’s surfing lesson.
- Book your Torquay accommodation.
It is possible to book learn to surf lessons in Torquay online. If the small group sessions don’t suit your tastes, there are also private surfing lessons here. And, if you’d just prefer to watch, Torquay is the closest town to Bells Beach.
7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.
Torquay accommodation
Torquay accommodation options include the family-focused Ingenia holiday park, the fun-loving Torquay Tropicana Motel and the more luxurious Wyndham Resort.
More Victoria travel
Play by the river at the Bright Splash Park in Bright.
Can I do a shark dive in Melbourne?
Test your race driving skills at Phillip Island Go Karts.
What is the best value Mildura accommodation?
Visit Silverband Falls in the Grampians.