Torquay Surf Beach

Torquay Vic 3228 (Pop 8 200)

Torquay is an attractive seaside resort on the spectacular Great Ocean Road. It is also a residential satellite of nearby Geelong (24 km north) with Melbourne just 96 km n-e. Torquay is one of Victoria’s first seaside resorts and is today known as the ‘Surf Capital of Australia’ due to the number of surfboard, wetsuit etc manufacturers and surfing businesses founded here in 1960s and 70s. First settled in 1880s, it soon became a popular weekend and holiday destination and was named after the famous English resort town. Markets 3^rd Sun each month. Danger 1000 Ocean Swim (Jan), Surf for Life Surfing Contest (Jan), Hightide Festival (Dec).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Beaches include Front Beach, Torquay Surf Beach. Zeally Bay or Fishermans Beach is known for its excellent fishing and swimming. 

Nearby:
The Surf Coast has a number of sunken reefs and excellent surfing beaches including Bells Beach (5 km s-w) as well as Jan Juc, Anglesea and Fairhaven. Walks include the Surf Coast Walk (30 km) from Torquay to Moggs Creek and the shorter Point Impossible Walk, Deep Creek Walk and Spring Creek Walk (4 km). Bellbrae (5 km west) picturesque small town with an interesting museum featuring historic carriages and other artifacts.

Accommodation:
Torquay has two motels, one hotel, over a dozen B&Bs, many holiday apartments/cottages, 4 caravan parks and a backpackers. Visitor Information Centre: Surfworld Australia, Surf City Plaza, cnr Surfocast Hwy & Beach Rd. Tel (03) 5261 4219.