A Local's Guide to Things to Do in Torquay: Victoria's Surf Capital Worth Exploring
I've spent a lot of time in Torquay over the years. It's one of those towns that's easy to drive through and hard to leave. Whether you're coming down for a surf weekend, a family holiday, or just a long lunch with an excuse to stretch it into dinner, Torquay has more going on than most people give it credit for. This is my honest rundown of what to do, where to go, and why it keeps pulling me back with my camera.
Hit the Water First
If you're visiting Torquay Victoria for the first time, start at the beach. Torquay Front Beach is the obvious one, and for good reason. It's protected, calm, and great for families or anyone who just wants to sit on the sand without getting smashed by a set. The patrolled section is reliable and the grassy foreshore makes it easy to set up for a few hours.
Once you've got your bearings, head south toward Jan Juc and then Bells Beach. Bells is only about ten minutes from the main strip but it feels like a completely different world. The cliffs, the bowl, the whole setup is iconic for a reason. Even if you're not a surfer, standing at the top of those cliffs and looking down at the break is worth the short walk. I've shot Bells in all kinds of light and it never gets old.
Point Addis is another one that doesn't get the attention it deserves. It's a short drive from town and the coastal views stretch for kilometres. I shot my Point Addis Art Print I from above on a still morning and the way the rock platforms meet the ocean at that angle is something you don't get from ground level. It's become my top-selling print, and once you visit, you'll get why.
Explore the Town Itself
Torquay's town centre has grown a lot in recent years. Surf Retail Avenue (yes, it's a real place) is home to the big surf brands, factory outlets and gear shops. If you're after a new wetsuit or board, you'll find it here for less than you'd pay in the city.
The Surf World Museum is genuinely worth an hour of your time. It traces the history of Australian surfing from the early days through to the present, with boards, photos and gear from across the decades. It's free to enter and sits right next to the Rip Curl factory. Good for a rainy afternoon or when the kids need a break from the beach.
For food, the strip along The Esplanade has plenty of options. Cafe Moby is a local favourite for breakfast. For something more relaxed, grab fish and chips and eat on the grass overlooking Front Beach. Simple, but hard to beat on a warm afternoon.
Surf Lessons and Board Hire
Torquay is one of the best places in Australia to learn to surf. There are several good surf schools operating out of town, most of them running lessons at Torquay Front Beach where the waves are manageable. If you've always wanted to try it, this is a pretty good place to start. The instructors know the beach well and the conditions are usually forgiving for beginners.
Board and wetsuit hire is easy to find in town and won't cost you a lot. Most shops are open early and close late in summer.
Drive the Surf Coast Stretch
One of the best things to do from Torquay is simply drive south along the Surf Coast. Stop at Bells Beach, then Anglesea, then keep going through Aireys Inlet and down toward Lorne. Every town along that stretch has something worth seeing. If you want more on that, I wrote a whole guide to Lorne that covers what to do once you get there.
Take Torquay Home With You
If Torquay is one of your favourite spots, a print is a genuinely nice way to keep that feeling going after the holiday ends. A few customers have told me they look at their print every day and it brings them straight back to the beach. That's exactly the kind of thing I'm going for when I'm out shooting.
My Torquay Art Print I starts from $89 and is one of the stronger sellers from the Surf Coast range. I also shoot multiple angles and conditions across the area, so if you want to browse the full range, the Torquay Art Print IV is another one worth looking at. All prints are available framed and ready to hang, with free shipping anywhere in Australia.
If you're fitting out a holiday house in the area, location-specific art is one of the best finishing touches you can add. Guests notice it. It makes the space feel considered rather than generic. I've had hosts tell me their guests comment on the prints constantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Torquay Victoria known for?
Torquay is considered the home of Australian surfing and the official start of the Great Ocean Road. It's known for Bells Beach, the Surf World Museum, and its concentration of surf brands and retailers. It's a popular base for exploring the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road.
Is Torquay good for families?
Torquay Front Beach is patrolled and well-suited to families with young kids, with calm water and a large grassy foreshore area. The town has plenty of cafes, playgrounds, and easy access to surf lessons for older children. It's one of the more family-friendly stops along the Surf Coast.
Where can I buy Torquay wall art in Australia?
Local Breaks sells a range of Torquay art prints shot by local Geelong photographer Sam Piasente, available as unframed prints or in a range of timber frames. Prints start from $89 and ship free anywhere in Australia. You can browse the full range at localbreaks.com.au.
What size wall art works best for a living room or holiday house?
For a living room or main wall in a holiday rental, an L or XL print tends to make the most impact. The L size is 59.4x84.1cm and the XL is 84.1x118.9cm, both large enough to hold their own on a feature wall without overwhelming a standard room. If you want more guidance, the size guide at localbreaks.com.au has everything you need to measure up before you order.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or have been coming to Torquay your whole life, it's one of those places that sticks with you. I hope this guide helps you get the most out of it.
