If you’re contemplating a trip to Torquay, a wealth of entertaining pursuits await in Victoria. Figuring out how to best use your time here can be a puzzle.
Situated 95 kilometres southwest of Melbourne, Torquay is renowned as Australia’s surfing heartland.
This locale is celebrated for its tranquil beaches, distinctive stores, and artisan coffee establishments.
Due to its easy-going and embracing ambience, Torquay stands as a favoured vacation spot among Australians and international tourists alike.
In this community, there’s no necessity for formal dressing; board shorts are universally acknowledged and seen as typical.
The Great Ocean Road remains the standout tourist highlight in Torquay, being the acknowledged commencement of the journey.
Yet, there are multiple other sites in Torquay that merit contemplation when drafting a one to three-day Great Ocean Road tour.
Torquay provides various activities, from trekking the Surf Coast to sipping at a hometown brewery to indulging in the local gastronomic wonders.
Torquay Beach is in Australia
Torquay Beach is located next to Taylor Park, which provides ample community space for barbecues and meetups.
Torquay has a play park with a playground, a barbecue area, and even a liberty swing.
There are numerous activities here, and it is possible to dedicate an entire day solely to this particular beach.
Bomboras Beach Bar and the Salty Dog Cafe are located on the esplanade and are open from 6 a.m. – to 3 p.m., seven days a week. They offer specialty coffee and a delicious Avo and Eggs dish.
Torquay's Beaches Revealed
Many beaches in Torquay beckon visitors, presenting more than mere surfing experiences.
Comparable to the Bellarine Peninsula, they cater to swimming, snorkelling, observing passersby, unwinding, and exploring rock pools.
Multiple motivations exist for thinking about a visit to a beach in Torquay.
Discover Point Impossible Beach
Point Impossible hosts a unique beach where attire is discretionary.
It boasts a pristine sandy shoreline with a marked naturist stretch spanning approximately 1 kilometre.
The beach provides an ample expanse between the dunes and the ocean, and numerous patrons remain fully clothed.
It’s prudent to be aware of this detail, especially if you’d rather avoid detailing it to youngsters.
When contemplating a dip along the Great Ocean Road tour, ensuring the beaches have lifeguard surveillance is paramount.
Explore Cosy Corner Beach
Nestled between Front Beach and the boulders of Point Danger is Cosy Corner Beach.
With lifeguards on duty, this beautiful beach also boasts a play zone for kids and a grassy field for sports.
The locale features stepped grass terraces and a promenade skirting the sand, serving as an excellent choice for guests, especially during the bustling summer days.
Discover Front Beach Torquay
Front Beach Torquay stands as a favoured spot among tourists, celebrated for its welcoming family vibe and its proximity to top-tier eateries and cafes in the township.
At its heart lies an expansive green space apt for grilling, outdoor meals, and recreational activities. The adjacent waters are overseen and ensure a serene and delightful dip.
On either extremity, the waters can get lively, luring surfers keen on tackling the “Escalator“, a potent stream formed by the stones flanking the beach.
At ebb tide, youngsters often enjoy scrutinising the tidal pools around them.
Travelers might spot a myriad of marine life, including the likes of stingrays, starfish, crabs, and cephalopods.
Discover Point Danger Marine Sanctuary
The stretch bridging Torquay’s Back and Front beaches teem with a rich diversity of fauna.
Eroding limestone layers and stony prominences underpin an expansive reef ecosystem.
The optimal way to behold the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary is through snorkelling or SCUBA diving, especially during the most receded summer tides.
An average depth of less than 7 meters facilitates easy viewing of many residing species.
The limestone-based reef is a haven for aquatic life, including expansive seaweed expanses.
The protected zone boasts 26 marine plant varieties and 96 sea slug species, some exclusive to this vicinity.
Other notable marine inhabitants include Eagle Rays, Weedy Sea Dragons, and playful dolphins.
Spanning 21.7 hectares, the sanctuary stretches roughly 600 meters eastward and 400 meters southward from the shoreline.
Adventurous souls can also delve into the Joseph H. Scammell shipwreck within the reserve’s bounds.
Sampling in Torquay Brew Houses
Breweries in Torquay have become sought-after tourist stops, celebrated for delivering top-tier drinks along the Great Ocean Road.
Tasting a regional brew or two during your stay is advised, given the locals’ pronounced passion for their beers.
Each brewery in Torquay presents its unique appeal, making them all worthy of exploration.
Blackmans Brewery
Frequently acknowledged as one of Victoria’s premier microbreweries, Blackmans Brewery in Torquay has garnered multiple accolades.
The establishment boasts of its 100% independent ownership and presents an extensive selection of specialty and seasonal brews.
Their ethos of cherishing quality beer is infectious, and the location is a mere 500 meters from the seashore.
Complement your visit by opting for a tasting platter with classic pub fare.
They welcome patrons from Wednesday to Sunday between noon and 11 p.m
Bells Beach Brewing Details
Nestled in a section of its bustling Torquay establishment, the Bells Beach Brewing taproom greets visitors.
Their food truck offers a genuine local vibe, serving burgers alongside live entertainment.
Strategically placed in the town’s industrial zone, its location facilitates repeat visits if one so wishes.
They operate on Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday between noon and 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m.
Observation at Rocky Point
Situated on the side opposite Spring Creek from Torquay Surf Beach lies the Rocky Point Lookout.
Boasting panoramic views of Zeally Bay and Torquay, it is an ideal spot for either gaining a sense of direction or simply unwinding.
The location is cherished for its tranquillity and is a prime vantage point for observing expert surfers in action below.
Allocate some moments to gaze over the vastness of the Bass Strait.
With abundant space and various seating options, it’s a fitting locale to organise a sunset picnic.
A timber deck stretches from the walkway towards the ocean, providing a sweeping view of the Southern Ocean, conveniently located a brief stroll away from the main parking area.
Sou'West Brewery Details
The establishment was a gastronomic centre to rejuvenate the local populace.
This brewery earns recognition for its genuine craft beers, diligently brewed by the esteemed local brewer, Luke Scott.
Located on Bains Crescent, Southwest Brewery Torquay boasts a modern and clean dining space, presenting an array of beer choices.
To taste a diverse range, opt for the Sou’West Brewery Beer Paddle.
They open their doors on Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday to Sunday.
Torquay Vintners
While in Torquay, a visit to the local wineries comes highly recommended.
The region boasts a perfect climate combined with the refreshing ocean breeze, culminating in the production of superior wines. It’s a destination for some of the most esteemed wineries on the Great Ocean Road.
Wolseley Wines
Wolseley Winery in Torquay is an organic vineyard that operates on off-grid solar power.
The location is on the sloping hills of Paraparap, only a 10-minute drive from the town.
They offer a variety of wines, including Pinot, Cabernet, Shiraz, Caf franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Botrytis Semillon from their cellar door.
These individuals focus solely on the vines, so do not anticipate any elaborate seating or food options. Arrive and inquire about the recommended choices for the day.
The operating hours are 11 am to 5 pm every day.
Bellbrae Vineyard
Bellbrae Vineyard holds a notable reputation amongst the wineries in Torquay.
Merely a short 5-minute journey from the famous Bells Beach, it offers a serene outdoor setting for guests to taste wines and meander through the grapevines.
Guests can either select their preferred tasting set or opt for the “Winkipop Wine Pairing Experience“, presenting five thoughtfully curated wines paired with tapas for an enhanced flavour experience.
For an additional $7.00, visitors can accompany their tasting with a cheese and cracker assortment, or they might want to sample the wood-fired pizza.
They’re open for visitors from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 5 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.
Bells Beach Surf Contest
Bells Beach can be found a mere 5 kilometres southwest of Torquay. It gained fame from its feature in the iconic ending of Point Break, with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze leading the cast.
Furthermore, every Easter, the venue hosts the Bell’s Beach Rip Curl Pro, giving enthusiasts another incentive to visit.
Initiated in 1962, this contest is the longest continuous professional surf competition globally.
Legends of Bells Beach surfing draw crowds from across the globe, many of whom also participate in this prestigious competition.
The Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro, an enduring fixture in Australia’s surf calendar, has been celebrated for over six decades.
The core of the contest revolves around the pursuit of the coveted Bells Trophy.
Only the Rip Curl Pro champions have the honour of ringing the bell, abiding by the trophy creator’s decree that it should be encircled solely by its victor.
This ritual remains significant to this day.
It’s advised that only seasoned surfers venture into Bells Beach waters. Novices are better suited to locations like Torquay Surf Beach.
Among the acclaimed surf spots are Winkipop, The Bowl, Outside Bells, Rincon, Southside, and Centreside.
Torquay Skydiving Adventures
Who could resist the allure of plummeting from an altitude of 15,000 feet?
Torquay Skydiving Adventures is highly recommended for those considering a dive in Australia. Skydiving over the Great Ocean Road is an experience that promises to leave an indelible mark.
Delight in a heart-racing freefall, clocking over 200km/hr for an unforgettable minute.
Once the parachute unfurls, enjoy a calm and secure descent to terra firma.
While descending, soak in the breathtaking panoramas of Barwon Heads, Torquay, Bells Beach, and Geelong.
For those craving an extra adrenaline kick, one can opt for a swifter fall with intense twists and spins, which could induce dizziness.
Partaking in tandem skydiving in Torquay with a certified instructor from Barwon Heads typically spans about 3 hours.
Tiger Moth Adventures
Embark on a picturesque journey over Victoria’s coastal landscape aboard a classic World War 2 plane.
Feel the thrill of viewing the landscape from an open cockpit, with breezes tousling your hair, while you gaze at the azure waters and expansive beaches beneath.
Having operated in this region for over three decades, Tiger Moth Adventures provides a variety of aerial excursions, ranging from serene coastal voyages and thrilling aerobatic journeys to flights accommodating two passengers.
Additionally, there are choices for modern flight experiences to capture the iconic Twelve Apostles from a bird’s eye view or to engage in tandem skydives.
Entry to Tiger Moth Adventures kicks off at $270 per individual. They are open from Friday through Monday, between 9.30 am and 5 pm.
Surf Coast Trail
The Surf Coast Trail beckons nature fans, stretching from Torquay to Aireys Inlet.
This pathway extends for 44 kilometres, serving diverse activities, yet there’s no obligation to cover the entire length simultaneously.
The Surf Coast journey is segmented into 12 parts, facilitating brief strolls, extended bike adventures, or immersive multi-day outings.
Among Victoria’s numerous trails, this stands out as a top choice.
Digital maps aid in navigation and help with logistical decisions like pinpointing parking spots or choosing eateries.
Two of the highly recommended paths in Torquay are the Torquay Promenade and Anglesea River; they are level, kid-friendly, and feature clear markings.
Additionally, the clifftop route around Jan Juc in Torquay is another commendable choice.
Thoughtfully positioned viewing points offer an insight into the origin of the Surf Coast’s name.
Berry Gathering
A trip to a strawberry farm promises a delightful time for family members of all ages.
Several strawberry harvesting choices are available in Victoria, with Surf Coast Strawberry Fields being a prominent pick.
Young ones can get acquainted with the source of their sustenance and mingle with assorted farm creatures.
The onsite store features strawberry preserves, jams, and honey, allowing guests to unwind with a refreshing coffee during their visit.
In Torquay, the strawberry collection is accessible every day during the peak of the fruit season, though it might intermittently halt due to inclement weather or diminished yields.
The season for strawberry gathering typically spans from October or November until April.
Torquay Celebrations
Besides Nightjar, Torquay is home to several other noteworthy festivals. Various live events and celebrations occur throughout the year at Torquay Common.
Two festivals that come highly suggested are: The Drop Festival
Held annually, The Drop Festival showcases an eclectic mix of music genres. From Indie and alternative to Folk and blues, Electronic to Rock, Hip-Hop, and Pop, the festival brightens the spring season.
Coastal Jam
This festivity occurs in four coastal towns: Geelong, Warrnambool, Torquay and Barwon Heads.
Torquay Day Spa
Torquay Golf Haven
Galleries in Torquay
The art community in Torquay is thriving, with its dynamic galleries presenting an excellent chance to discover regional artists.
Stopping by a gallery is a perfect activity for a drizzly day or to acquire distinct artwork for your home in Torquay.
The Surfcoast Art Space
The Surfcoast Art Space presents a meticulously curated selection of creations from area artists.
Local artist Jacki Burke established this venue to display her pieces and promote other regional creators.
On Saturdays, it’s open from 10 am to 3 pm. You can also arrange a personal visit by calling ahead.
Hoop Art Venue
Hoop, a community-driven gallery, operates as a non-profit initiative, allowing artists to display and market their creations to residents and tourists.
It’s open from Thursday to Sunday, between 10 am and 4 pm.
To sum up
There are countless motivations to think about travelling to Torquay, Australia.
While it’s recognised as a surfing hub, the town presents a myriad of pursuits for everyone beyond just the beach enthusiasts and surfers.
Relish the tranquil tempo of life with a brew in the city centre, a vino amidst the highlands, and a lager beside the ocean.
Those venturing to Torquay can enrich their journey by exploring the neighbourhood markets, viewing the art in galleries, and participating in spirited events that energise the whole locality.
Whether on a brief tour or a prolonged expedition in Torquay, prioritising these prime spots is crucial.
While surfing and coastal vibes define Torquay, a vast array of other aspects are waiting to be uncovered.
