Things to do in Torquay

A vibrant coastal town on the Great Ocean Road, Torquay offers everything from the natural beauty of the beaches and scenic coastal walks to cultural landmarks and activities. There are so many things to do in Torquay from surf beaches and breweries, to fabulous cafes, shopping and art. Make a weekend of it and enjoy one of the diverse range of surf coast  stays from luxury accommodation through Air Ready Torquay to family-friendly holiday parks along the foreshore.

Overview

Known as Australia’s surfing capital, the coastal town of Torquay is close to some of the best beaches in Victoria, including the world famous Bells Beach. It also marks the beginning of the Great Ocean Road with some of the most rugged and beautiful coastline in the country. A popular destination for surfers and tourists all year round, the township of Torquay boasts trendy cafes, surf shop outlets like Ripcurl and Quiksilver, the Australian National Surfing Museum, markets, and breweries. At the ultimate destination for winding down, enjoying nature and letting the worries of the world pass you by, Torquay is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate at wellness spas and bathhouses like About Time Bathhouse. Designed as a place of instinct and ritual, rhythm and release, this bathhouse is a space that cocoons and welcomes. The sprawling complex of magnesium pools and saunas, therapy rooms and secluded lounges provide the ultimate setting for languid, blissful peace. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Torquay can be easily accessed for a day trip, makes a fabulous weekend getaway or stay longer and immerse yourself in the laid back culture of this iconic coastal township.

Eat and Drink

Image: Mortadeli

Boasting a fabulous culinary scene from beachfront cafes to trendy restaurants and famous fish and chip eateries, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in Torquay. With options from fine dining to pub eating, Torquay is a foodies delight.

• The Fives Cafe - In the heart of Belbrae, The Fives Cafe is the perfect pit stop before the Great Ocean Road. Serving fabulous sweets, lunch and the best coffee on the coast, the Fives Cafe also has gluten free options and matcha. 
• The Pond Cafe - A vibrant cafe in the heart of Torquay, the Pond Cafe offers all day breakfast and lunch with no reservations required. This beachside cafe on the Esplanade boats coffee from Seven Seeds, breakfast and lunch menus including eggy choices, sandwiches, summer salads, toasties and waffles. 
• Samesyn - Opening as a low wasted dining experience, Samesyn cares about the community and the impact food has on the world. Samesyn has a diverse menu with house made sourdough and culture butter, chicken liver pate, grilled octopus and dried scallops and market fish with prawn sauce to name a few. The extensive wine list includes local wines and beers to national and international offerings for every palate. 
• The Kyn - Located on The Esplanade in Torquay, The Kyn offers middle-eastern inspired dining alongside a premium cocktail and wine selection list. Overlooking the beautiful Torquay waterfront, The Kyn is the perfect location for lunch, dinner, casual drinks, and any special occasions. 
• Mortadeli - For pasta, sandwiches and great coffee, Mortadeli is the place to go. Mortadeli is an authentic Mediterranean café, delicatessen, and pasta bar in Torquay, specialising in locally sourced, seasonal produce, and high-quality imported Italian DOC ingredients. It offers homemade fresh pasta daily, alongside gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and a curated selection of Italian wines and amaro.
  

Breweries and Wineries

Torquay has a couple of breweries to choose from while the wineries are located in nearby areas like the Belbrae Estate. For a relaxing beer, or local wine, you can’t go past these fabulous venues:

• Torquay Taphouse - Enjoy delicious food and great drinks at the home of Great Ocean Road Brewing in Torquay. The Torquay Taphouse is nestled at the start of the Great Ocean Road in Torquay, and the perfect place to relax and refuel. Featuring a great range of craft beer from the local brewery, choose from their pale ale, hazy mid, mexican cerveza or summer ale to name a few. There’s also plenty of wine, cocktails and fabulous dishes at the Torquay Taphouse.
• Blackman’s Brewery - Blackman’s Brewery began in Torquay in 2014 and now has over 22 rotating taps in Torquay with their own seltzer brand and a fabulous ginger beer as well. The family owned and operated brewery is obsessed with creating the perfect beer to suit all tastes. Situated in Bell Street, Torquay, enjoy a relaxing day at the Spritzville Cocktail bar and Euro Beer garden at the brewery. 
• Bellbrae Estate - Located just outside Torquay, Bellbrae Estate is a lovely stop when visiting the surf coast. The estate is just five minutes from Torquay and close to Bells Beach. A boutique, family owned vineyard, the estate boasts wines made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. The cellar door is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 12 to 5pm.
  

What’s on

• Great Ocean Road Running Festival - May 16 and 17, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival is back for 2026. The two day running event is held along the Great Ocean road and offers a variety of races for all ages and abilities. The festival includes a range from a 1.5km kid’s run to a 60km ultra marathon. The event takes place over two days and has eight distances to choose from. It closes off the road from cars so runners can safely run the famous trail. 
• Nightjar Festival - The two night festival is held in Torquay with entry gates located on the Great Ocean Road and Surf Beach Drive. Enjoy bold music, live arctic and a community energy that cannot be bottled. Australian musicians take to the stage with performers to surprise and delight. The Nightjar Festival boasts kids entertainment, bars and food trucks for all members of the family.
• Rip Curl Pro - The famous Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is back in April 2026. Spanning from April 1 to 11, enjoy the world Surf League Championship tour season featuring top surfers like Molly Picklum and Jack Robinson. The championship tour kicks off at Bells Beach, covering nine countries across nine months. Expect incredible world class surfing in a vibrant atmosphere at Australia’s home of surfing.
• Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race - The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race is Australia’s premier UCI World Tour cycling event. It features men's and women's one day races around Geelong and the surf coast. The event runs for 5 days and starts in Geelong. It began in 2015 in honour of Cadel Evans, the first Australian to win the Tour de France.
  

Art and Culture

Image: Australian National Surfing Museum

• Surfcoast Gallery - In the heart of Torquay, the Surfcoast Gallery provides a space to see renowned creators and artists with regular exhibitions. With a selection of fine art as well as unique gifts and jewellery, the gallery has something for everyone. Perfuse artworks and sculptures by well known and emerging artists. There is also a curated collection of exclusive works from local artists along with resident artist Jacki Burke. Surfcoast Gallery also holds art classes and workshops for the absolute beginner to the experienced artist. 
• The MAC Multi Arts Centre - The MAC Multi Arts Centre is a space created to give artists of all kinds a place to display and present their visual or theatrical works. Enjoy theatre and performance, visual artist exhibitions, literary readings and panel discussions at the MAC Multi Arts Centre.
• Australian National Surfing Museum - Discover the fun and colour of riding the waves in the world's largest surfing museum. Located in Torquay, it charts Australia's significant contribution to the surfing community. Through the colourful and exciting display is an extraordinary collection of surf culture, important surfing artefacts and memorabilia as the museum commemorates Australia's fantastic surfing heritage.
  

Top Attractions/Activities in Torquay

• Two-hour Surf Experience - Learn to surf on the famous, iconic, Torquay Beach. This two hour surf experience helps you develop confidence in the ocean with the assistance of qualified instructors. Learn about safety, board control and positioning. Ideal for those from first times to experienced intermediates.
  
• Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles from Melbourne - Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Great Ocean Road, and witness some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders and breathtaking coastal experiences. Meander along the rugged coastline, taking in stunning ocean views and exploring the unique natural landmarks along the way. Stand in awe at the magnificent 12 Apostles along the coastline.
• Geelong Ballooning Flight over Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula - Enjoy a one hour scenic flight over Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. After taking off from the launch field you’ll float over the city, the coastline, and the Bellarine Peninsula. Watch the sun rise and look out for landmarks of interest below.
  

Nature and Wildlife

• Surf Coast Walk - The Surf Coast Walk is a 44.3 km point-to-point trail that runs from Torquay to Fairhaven along Victoria’s Surf Coast. The 12 sections offer a mix of coastal views, forest landscapes, and surf culture; it's popular with hikers, birdwatchers, and campers.
• Deep Creek Nature Reserve - The Deep Creek Nature Reserve is an expansive 51 acre park that offers tranquil ambience and diverse natural landscapes in Torquay. Whether you are wanting a peaceful stroll or an energetic hike, the nature reserve will capture the senses with its science trails and abundant wildlife. The nature reserve also offers a leisure playground, sports facilities and multiple running and walking paths.
• Taylor Park - In the centre of Torquay, Taylor Park is a beautiful green oasis and one of the few parcels of land that has never been subdivided. The parkland is a public space with a pond, piscine facilities and walking trails located right near the shops and beach. 
  

Beaches

• Great Ocean Road - The 243km scenic coastal highway, the Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay and winds through rainforests, across clifftops and past famous landmarks like Bells Beach and the Twelve Apostles. This coastal drive was built by WW1 soldiers and is the world’s longest war memorial. It is a world famous tourist destination and offers stunning views of cliffs, beaches and rainforests. 
• Jan Juc Surfbeach - Known for its stunning rugged scenery, Jan Juc Surfbeach has a reputation for powerful and consistent waves that are best for experienced surfers. A key part of the famous surf coast, Jan Juc Surf Beach is framed by impressive cliffs with stunning views. 
• Bells Beach - A globally renowned surf spot, Bells Beach is praised for its consistent and powerful waves. It has been home to the longest running surf event, the Rip Curl Pro, since 1961 and continues to attract top surfers from around the world. Bells Beach is known as Australia's spiritual home and is designated as the state and Australia's first surfing reserve.
• Front Beach - Torqual front beach is located in the town centre and offers calm shallow waters perfect for children and casual swimmers. It is close to cafes and playgrounds.
• Torquay Surf Beach - Situated at the southern end of Surf Beach Drive, the Torquay surf beach is the place for surfing. This back beach has waves for beginners and intermediate surfers.
• Point Impossible - Point Impossible beach is known for its consistent surf, sandy dunes and is a popular naturist beach. Located at the far northeastern end of town, near the mouth of Thompson Creek, it also has an off leash dog area, plenty of parking and toilet facilities.
• Fisherman’s Beach - Situated between the front beach and Point Impossible, Fisherman’s beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere, sandy shore and as a popular spot for walking, fishing and boating.
  

Places to Stay

• The Sands Torquay - Walking distance to the beach, the Sands Resort Torquay offers a premium golf resort accommodation experience with their 18 hole championship golf course designed by Australian Open winner Stuart Appleby. The resort features spacious rooms, cosy beds and serene views. Dining options include the Clubhouse Restaurant, bar and lounge. There is a heated pool and onsite health club for a full workout year round. 
• Air Ready Torquay - Air Ready offers an Airbnb 5 star experience for guests along the surf coast. They specialise in Airbnb and holiday rentals. 
• Wyndham Resort - This family friendly resort offers stylish and comfortable accommodation, showcasing sweeping views of the beach. Enjoy the luxury of the Wyndham with rooms that overlook the swimming pool, stunning gardens or the magnificent ocean. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool and spa, fully equipped gym facilities, tennis court and barbecue area. 
• Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park - The Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park is right on the beachfront in Torquay. Accommodation ranges from cabins with sea views ideal for couples and families to camp sites for those with tents and vans. Facilities include kids outdoor play equipment, picnic area, game room and barbecue facilities.
  

Whether you are chasing world class surfing, relaxed coastal works, family friendly beaches, or a relaxing retreat, Torquay offers something for everyone. As the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a vibrant sea-side town blending laid back coastal charm with outdoor adventures. Take the opportunity to slow down and breathe in Torquay where places like the About Time Bathhouse can help you discover a more restored, present and clearer version of yourself.