Torquay

Torquay on the Great Ocean Road

Torquay, Victoria 3228

Great Ocean Road Tours takes you into the very heart of a surfer’s paradise close to the rolling white capped waves of Torquay.

Torquay

If you have ever been fascinated by those who dance on water or if you adore duck diving through the breakers to find a quiet spot on the back line then you are sure to fall head over heels with the surf culture of salt sprayed Torquay.

The History of Torquay

Back Before the Europeans made the Victorian coast their home, the region was inhabited by the local aboriginal people. The Wathaurong community populated the Torquay area, living there for centuries until the Europeans invaded in the early 1800s.

When the Europeans came to Australia’s shore, Torquay was nothing more than a great picnic spot. However, in the 1870s a settlement started, with the newcomers settling by Spring Creek. The name Torquay didn’t come until 1892, named after the popular holiday resort town in Devonshire, England.

Why Torquay is so popular?

It grew in size over the years, with bridges, schools, churches, and more built around the beach town. Its tourism popularity didn’t get big until the 1920s when car travel became a popular activity. Marking Torquay on the map as the perfect day trip or weekend hot spot.

  • The Gateway to the Great Ocean Road

    Torquay is nestled right on the starting point of the Great Ocean Road, is the entry to the fantastic sites and attractions this coast holds. Being around 104 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, and only 22 kilometres from Geelong. It takes only about an hour and a half to drive from the centre of Melbourne City to this beach paradise. Start here for your Great Ocean Road Adventure.

  • Birth Place of the Biggest Names in Surfing

    Great Ocean Road Tours takes you through a startling world of diversity, from the deep dense rainforests of the Daintree to the soft silk sand beaches and the winding coastal road. Surf lovers will want to stop in Torquay, birth place of big brand names like Rip Curl and Quicksilver and home to the truly inspiring Surf World Museum.

  • The Surf World Museum

    The Surf World Museum is a cultural tour into the controversial world of surfing with a special emphasis on the history of how Australia helped shape the modern adrenaline sport as we know it. With an incredible collection of memorabilia, visual art, video collections and of course the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, visitors will be bowled over with what the museum has to offer.

  • Stroll Along the Surf Coast Walk

    Surf Coast Walk

    Have the sea breeze whip through your hair as you walk along the coastal shores. The 44-kilometre Surf Coast Walk weaves through the sand and bush of Victoria’s coast. Connecting the towns of Torquay to Anglesea and finally to Aireys Inlet. The entire walk takes around an hour, depending on your speed. Letting you fully immerse in the scenic surrounds of the beach and native wildlife. With clifftop lookouts, leafy green forests, and plenty of history and culture throughout.

  • Pick up Goodies at the Farmers Market

    No matter the weather, rain or shine, every Saturday throughout the year the town holds a Farmers’ Market. The Torquay Farmers Market offers an array of fantastic fresh food, all from around the coastal region. It is a European style market with delicious cheeses and loaves of bread, fresh veggies and fruits, as well as homemade honey and spreads. Wander from stall to stall, sampling on all the goodies offered and purchasing your favourites. Located nearby the Surf Coast Shire offices at Merrijig Drive, it is well worth the stop in!

  • Thrills and Spills at Tiger Moth World Adventure Park

    If you craving some adrenaline-inducing activities, no place is better than the Tiger Moth World. It is a theme park which focuses’ on the 1930s Tiger Moth biplane. This airfield is an open-air museum, all dedicated to the country’s aircraft. Either watch the Moths in action, join a scenic ride up in the clouds, or even do an aerobatics activity. With mini-golf, paddle boats, and mini soccer all on offer.

  • Surf Fashion for Outside the Swell

    Keen surfers who fancy thinking about fashion more than getting pumped upon the sands can head to the Surf City Plaza, a glorious shopping mall dedicated to many of the most beloved brands of the surf industry. Whether you want a super warm hoodie from Quicksilver, a new ankle leash or a year’s worth of sex wax for your board, you can find it all under one roof.

  • The Iconic Rollers of Bells Beach

    Finally it’s time to hit the rollers of the famous Bells Beach. These sands are big news in the world of Australian surfing, tempting short boards from across the globe to come and tackle the power and the prowess of the surging white water, dreamy clean lines, perfect offshore breezes and magnificent barrels. Experienced surfers can take to the waters whereas novices and newbies can book in for a lesson and learn to have some fun mastering the ankle snappers that nip at the shore.

  • Silky Sands and Cold Beer

    Of course you wouldn’t be embracing the art of Torquay’s surf culture without shaking the salt water from your hair and sitting down on the sands with an ice cold beer in hand as you watch others rip it up on the back line. Let Great Ocean Road Tours show you the delights of Torquay and indulge in the mesmerizing world of surf culture.

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