Things to Do in Torquay: A Local Photographer's Guide to Victoria's Surf Capital
I grew up watching Torquay change seasons. From the flat, glassy summer mornings when the car parks are full before 8am, to the wild mid-winter swells that roll through when the beach is almost empty. This is a town I know well, and one I keep coming back to with my camera. It's the kind of place that rewards you differently every time you show up.
If you're planning a trip, or you just love this stretch of coast and want to keep it on your wall year-round, here's my honest guide to what makes Torquay worth the visit.
Hit the Beach Early (Any Beach)
Torquay has more than one beach and they all have different personalities. Torquay Front Beach is the classic family spot, calm and sheltered, with the esplanade running along it. Cosy Corner is a local favourite for a reason. And if you head south a bit, Jan Juc offers a rawer, rockier feel that most visitors skip entirely.
I've shot this coastline from above with my drone on still autumn mornings when the water looks almost unreal. The colour of the ocean here, those deep blues and greens, photographs differently depending on the season and the light. Early morning is always worth it.
If Jan Juc is your kind of place, I've written a full guide over at Things to Do in Jan Juc: A Local's Guide to the Surf Coast's Most Underrated Break.
Surf, Surf, Surf
You can't talk about things to do in Torquay without talking about surfing. This is the birthplace of Rip Curl and Quiksilver. Surf culture isn't just the vibe here, it's the whole reason the town exists in the shape it does today.
Beginners can book a lesson at one of the many surf schools on the main beach. Experienced surfers usually head straight to Bells Beach, just a few minutes down the road. Bells is one of the most famous waves in the world and it earns that reputation every single time the swell lines up.
I've spent a lot of time at Bells with my camera. Bells Beach Art Print I is one of my most popular prints and it's not hard to see why. That cliff-lined amphitheatre of a beach is like nothing else on the coast.
Walk the Surf Coast Walk
The Surf Coast Walk starts right in Torquay and runs all the way to Fairhaven. It follows clifftops, beach tracks and heathland. Some sections are easy, some are surprisingly challenging. All of it has great views.
The stretch between Torquay and Jan Juc gives you elevated views back over the town and out to the horizon. If you do the section from Jan Juc down toward Point Addis, you'll understand why that beach gets people. The colour of the water through that stretch is something else entirely. You can read more about it in my guide, Things to Do at Point Addis: A Local Photographer's Guide to the Surf Coast's Most Breathtaking Hidden Beach.
Browse the Surf Shops and Factory Outlets
Torquay's main strip has more surf brand stores than anywhere else in Australia. Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, Patagonia. If you need a wetsuit or a new board, you'll find it here, often cheaper than city prices. The factory outlets along Surf Coast Highway are worth the stop.
It's a good town for a wander. Grab a coffee at one of the cafes on Gilbert Street, pick up something from the bakery, have a look around. It doesn't rush you.
Stay for Sunset
Torquay's west-facing beaches are good for sunset. The light comes in low over the water and the colours change fast. I've shot some of my favourite Torquay images in that last hour of the day, when the crowd has thinned out and the sky does something worth sticking around for.
Bring Torquay Home With You
A lot of people who buy my Torquay prints aren't buying a generic beach photo. They're buying a specific memory. The morning they surfed out at Front Beach. The weekend they hired a house nearby. The trip they keep meaning to do again.
Torquay Art Print I is one of my strongest sellers and it works in a lot of different spaces. I also shoot multiple angles and conditions, so if you want something a little different, Torquay Art Print IV is worth a look too.
All prints are available from $89 and come in sizes from XS right up to EPIC at 100x150cm. I print and ship from Victoria, free anywhere in Australia. Each print is made to order on archival materials, and if you want it ready to hang straight away, the classic framed print is my most popular option. Solid FSC certified timber frame, 10-year warranty, metal wire hanging system. No assembly required.
If you're not sure what size suits your wall, the size guide is a good place to start. And if you're weighing up framed versus canvas, the product guide breaks it all down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Torquay for a first-time visitor?
Start at Torquay Front Beach, then head down to Bells Beach even if you're not surfing. The cliffs above Bells are worth the short walk on their own. The Surf Coast Walk between Torquay and Jan Juc is easy enough for most people and gives you great elevated views. Round it out with a coffee and a browse through the surf shops on Gilbert Street.
Is Torquay worth visiting outside of summer?
Absolutely. Torquay in autumn and winter is quieter, the surf is often better, and the light for photography is incredible. The Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach happens in autumn and draws a good crowd. Winter swells can be serious, so if you surf, that's your season.
Where can I find Torquay wall art to buy online?
Local Breaks has a full range of Torquay art prints shot by a local Surf Coast photographer, with multiple images covering different angles, conditions and times of day. Prints start from $89 for an unframed print, with classic framed, canvas and shadow box options available. All come with free shipping anywhere in Australia.
What size print works best for a Torquay beach house or holiday rental?
For a main living area, most people go with a Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print. These sizes hold the wall without being overwhelming. If you've got a big feature wall, the EPIC size at 100x150cm makes a real statement. The Local Breaks size guide can help you match the print to your specific wall dimensions.
Torquay's one of those places that gets into you.
