If you're heading to the Surf Coast these school holidays, you're in for a good time. I live and shoot along this stretch of coastline constantly, and honestly, it never gets old. Whether you're bringing the kids, coming down as a couple, or just escaping the city for a few days, there's plenty to keep everyone busy from Torquay all the way down to Anglesea and beyond.
Here's my honest local guide to the best things to do on the Surf Coast these school holidays, September and October 2026.
Torquay: Surf Lessons, Beach Walks and the Best Fish and Chips Going
Start in Torquay. It's the obvious first stop and for good reason. If the kids have never tried surfing, this is the place to do it. There are several surf schools operating out of Torquay and Jan Juc that run school holiday programs, and the instructors are genuinely good at getting beginners up on the board quickly. Even little kids walk away stoked.
When you're done in the water, walk along the front beach and grab food at one of the spots on The Esplanade. The strip gets busy in the holidays but it has a good energy. And if you're a surfer yourself, point your car toward Bells Beach for a look. The car park lookout alone is worth it, especially if there's swell running.
I've shot Torquay many times from the water and from above with my drone, and it's one of those places that always gives you something interesting. The Torquay Art Print I is one of my strongest sellers for a reason. If you're visiting and want to take a piece of it home, prints start from $89.
Anglesea: Kangaroos on the Golf Course and Rock Pools Worth Exploring
Anglesea is about 20 minutes south of Torquay and it's a favourite for families. The big drawcard for kids is the Anglesea Golf Club, where a mob of kangaroos basically live on the fairways. You can walk in and watch them from the path without playing a round of golf. The kids will lose their minds, and honestly so will most adults.
After that, head down to Point Roadknight. It's a sheltered bay with calm water, a sandy beach, and rock pools at the southern end that are perfect for exploring at low tide. It's one of Anglesea's best kept secrets and rarely as crowded as the main beach. I've spent a lot of time shooting here, and the Point Roadknight Art Print II is my second best-selling print across the whole store. People love this spot.
Aireys Inlet: The Lighthouse and a Decent Coffee
Keep driving and you'll hit Aireys Inlet. The Split Point Lighthouse is the main attraction and it's genuinely worth a visit, especially with kids. You can walk up close, and the views from the cliff tops around it are hard to beat. There's usually a kiosk nearby for ice creams and coffee, which helps when you've got restless little ones.
The walk along the cliff tops between Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet is also a good one if the weather plays ball. It's not too long or hard, and the coastal views the whole way make it feel worth the effort.
For anyone who loves this part of the coast, the Aireys Inlet Art Print I is a great way to bring it home. I love this corner of the coast and it shows in the shot.
Keep Going: Lorne, Wye River and Apollo Bay
If you've got a few days up your sleeve, push further along the Great Ocean Road. Lorne has great cafes, a good surf beach, and the Erskine Falls are worth the short drive inland. Wye River is tiny and quiet with a beautiful little beach that feels like it's stuck in 1985 in the best possible way.
Apollo Bay is perfect for a night or two if you want to properly slow down. The bay is calm, the food is good, and the drive there from Wye River through the rainforest canopy is unlike anything else in Victoria.
Take the Coast Home With You
One thing I hear from people all the time is that they come to the Surf Coast on holiday, fall in love with it, and then go home wishing they could keep that feeling going. A print is the easiest way to do that. I've personally shot every beach on this list, mostly at golden hour or first light when the colours are at their best.
Every print is made to order and shipped free anywhere in Australia from my studio in Victoria. Frames are solid FSC certified timber. If you want to explore the full range, have a look at the Torquay Art Print IV, the Anglesea prints, or check out the Surf Coast Wall Art guide for a closer look at what's available across the whole coastline.
You can also read more about things to do in Aireys Inlet if that part of the coast has caught your eye.
FAQs: Surf Coast School Holidays
What are the best things to do on the Surf Coast these school holidays with kids?
The kangaroos at Anglesea Golf Club are a must-do for families and completely free to visit. Surf lessons in Torquay are great for older kids, the rock pools at Point Roadknight are ideal for little ones, and the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet is an easy walk that keeps everyone happy. There's enough across this stretch to fill a full week without doubling up.
Is the Surf Coast worth visiting in September and October?
Yes, September and October are genuinely good months to visit. The crowds are smaller than summer, the weather is warming up, and the water can be surprisingly clear. Some of the best surf and the best light for photography happens in the shoulder season, and a lot of locals prefer it over Christmas.
Where can I buy Surf Coast wall art to remember the trip?
Local Breaks has a full range of coastal prints shot along the Surf Coast by local Geelong photographer Sam Piasente, covering Torquay, Bells Beach, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and more. Prints start from $89 and come unframed or in a choice of classic timber frames or canvas. Everything is printed to order and ships free across Australia.
What size wall art should I buy as a souvenir or holiday gift?
For a souvenir or gift, a medium or large print is the most popular choice. The M size (42x59.4cm) works well in most spaces and is easy to wrap and gift, while the L size (59.4x84.1cm) makes a real statement on a living room wall. You can check the full size breakdown at localbreaks.com.au/pages/size-guide-1 to find the right fit.
Have a great school holiday break. The Surf Coast is one of the best places in the country to spend it.
