Torquay

Travel Guide

Torquay showing a sandy beach and a bay or harbor as well as a large group of people
Torquay
Torquay
Torquay featuring a bay or harbor 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 P7,339 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
P7,339
P8,073 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
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
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! (917 reviews)
"For the great price the property was adequate. Room quite small, bed was OK, we did not know it was a disabled room which meant the bathroom facilities were all to suit. The higher toilet with small children can be complicated. But it was clean enough and very comfortable for a one night stay. Would ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Torquay Tropicana Motel
The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay

4 out of 5
2 Sands Boulevarde, Torquay, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,953 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P6,953
P7,648 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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
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 Mar 30, 2025

Beachfront Cottages Torquay
Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong

4.5 out of 5
6 Bellerine St, Geelong, VIC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Geelong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,444 reviews)
"Apartments in excellent location close to everything."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Oaks Vue Suites Geelong
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do