Things to do in Torquay, Victoria

The best things to do in Torquay, Victoria, are surf-related. Try watching surfers from the lookout at Bells Beach, surfing lessons with the Torquay Surfing Academy and learning the history of the sport at the Australian National Surfing Museum.

For many, Torquay is somewhere to whizz through en route to the highlights of the Great Ocean Road. The 243km driving route starts in Torquay. Travellers are aiming for the waterfall walks of Lorne, the koalas of Kennett River and helicopter flights over the Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell.

But the Victorian town of Torquay is worth a look in its own right – and it makes an easy day trip from Melbourne. For surfers, Torquay is something of a high temple. This is partly because two of the world’s major surfwear brands – Rip Curl and Quiksilver – call Torquay home. Both have flagship stores on the Surf Coast Highway coming down from Melbourne.

Things to do in Torquay, Victoria: Surfing at Bells Beach

Torquay is also the closest town to Bells Beach, arguably the most famous surfing break in Australia. Bells is home to Australia’s most prestigious surfing event, the Rip Curl Pro, which is held over Easter every year.

Bells Beach can be found 7km south of Torquay, just after the official start of the Great Ocean Road. You’ll need to be experienced to attempt surfing at Bells Beach, but novices and interested onlookers can just watch from the clifftop viewing platform.

Surf lessons with Torquay Surfing Academy

If you want to get in the water yourself, there are plenty of less fearsome beaches in Torquay. The Torquay Surfing Academy runs surfing lessons at Torquay Point, which is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. Small group lessons cost $60, and the instructors should have complete beginners standing by the end of the first two hour Torquay surf lesson. The Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club is next to the beach and you can get a Torquay surf report from Swellnet.

Learn to surf lessons in Torquay can be booked online.

For non-surfers, Cosy Corner is generally regarded as the safest swimming beach in Torquay.

Things to do in Torquay, Victoria: Australian National Surfing Museum

If you’re more interested in the history of surfing than actually having a go yourself, get back to the Surf Coast Highway. This is where you’ll find the Australian National Surfing Museum. The museum traces back the sport’s origins to Hawaii, and shows how it developed in Australia. There are plenty of championship-winning boards on display, but the high tech, futuristic surf gear section is more engrossing.

What to do in Torquay, Victoria: Tiger Moth flights

While Torquay is first and foremost a surf town, there are other thrills available. At Tiger Moth World, you can take an aerobatic flight in a Tiger Moth plane – one of Australia’s top adrenalin experiences.

There are also a few good places to eat. Torquay restaurants worth investigating include Bombora’s, Fisho’s and Squires Loft.

Torquay is by no means the most attractive town on the Great Ocean Road. But it is a logical first stop on the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide – even if you’re just dropping into the museum for an hour. The next stop is Anglesea, via the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie.

Driving times to Torquay

Apollo Bay to Torquay: Distance 94km, driving time 1h50m.

Bendigo to Torquay: Distance 199km, driving time 2h27m.

Geelong to Torquay: Distance 20km, driving time 20m.

Lorne to Torquay: Distance 49km, driving time 46m.

Melbourne to Torquay: Distance 101km, driving time 1h13m.

Warrnambool to Torquay: Distance 180km, driving time 2h9m.

More Australian surf spots

Can I learn to surf at Bondi Beach in Sydney?

Why do surfers love Cactus Beach, South Australia?

Bilgola Beach in Sydney.

What are the best things to do in Mooloolaba, Queensland?

Washerwomans Beach in Bendalong, NSW.