{"id":3043,"date":"2023-04-28T02:07:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T02:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/?p=3043"},"modified":"2024-01-23T05:01:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T05:01:06","slug":"things-to-do-torquay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everythingvictoria.com.au\/things-to-do-torquay\/","title":{"rendered":"23 Phenomenal Things to Do in Torquay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nestled along the picturesque Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a quaint coastal town that has become a beloved destination for travelers seeking out that perfect blend of sun, surf, and sand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marking the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is home to some of the most impressive coastal scenery in the state, with its long stretches of pristine beaches, rolling hills, and rugged cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Torquay is much more than just a pretty face. The town has a rich history, from its Indigenous inhabitants to the surfers who helped shape its modern identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of, one of the main draws of Torquay is its reputation as a surfing mecca. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town’s famous surf breaks have been attracting surfers from around the world for decades<\/em>. Bells Beach is home to the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition, which draws some of the biggest names in the sport. But even if you’re not a surfer, you can still soak up the culture in Torquay by browsing the many shops and cafes that line the town’s streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its surfing scene, Torquay is a great destination for beach lovers. The town is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including the family-friendly Front Beach, wild Point Impossible Beach, and rugged Jan Juc Beach. You can can spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming in the clear waters, or exploring the nearby cliffs and rock pools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Torquay is not just a summertime destination. The town’s mild climate makes it a great place to visit year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the Surf Coast Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline, or exploring the nearby Great Otway National Park, which is home to some of the region’s most impressive waterfalls and wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s no doubt about it: we can’t get enough of this beautiful coastal town. Today, we’re excited to share exactly what it is about Torquay we love and what exactly there is to do there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Kick Off Your Time in Torquay With Brunch at Pond Cafe<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dave went for the smashed avo at Pond Cafe; it was just as good as any we’ve had in Melbourne!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now, if there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m a disciple of all things brunch. I often tell friends, in fact, that the main reason why I moved to Melbourne is because it’s home to the best brunches in the world. I can’t get enough of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever I travel, then, I find myself lowering my brunch-based expectations, as there isn’t much that can live up to the excellent meals I regularly eat in Melbourne’s Inner North. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is, except for Pond Cafe in Torquay. I adore<\/em> this bustling cafe! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s one of the most popular spots in town; always busy, but there’s usually a table or two free, so you don’t often have to wait for a space. It’s located on the town’s esplanade, overlooking the beach, and on a sunny day, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pond Cafe offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. They use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, too, which helps make their meals so delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One of the highlights of Pond Cafe is its coffee, made with Seven Seed Roasters beans and prepared by skilled baristas. Dave was seriously impressed with his oat flat white — and he knows<\/em> his coffee<\/a> — while I opted for one of their delicious cold-pressed juices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dave ordered the smashed avocado for brunch: the perfectly-ripened avocado was topped with creamy turmeric hummus, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy Meredith goat cheese, and roasted soy pepita seeds. It made for a delicious blend of flavours and has quickly become his go-to order whenever we’re in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m always delighted by the breaky burger, which is filled with smoky bacon, fried eggs, melted cheese, pickled onion, jalape\u00f1o mayo, and served in a soft brioche bun. It’s a fantastic version of a breakfast burger and I’d highly recommend trying it out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of all the brunch spots in Torquay, this is easily mine and Dave’s favourite, so if you’re going to go to just one, make it Pond Cafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address:<\/strong> 39 The Esplanade, Torquay, VIC 3228.
Opening times:<\/strong> 6:30 a.m. \u2013 3 p.m., seven days a week.
Prices:<\/strong> The cheapest dish on the menu is the jam on sourdough toast for $10, while everything else is between $14 and $24. The smashed avo is $22, while the breaky burger is $18.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Relax on Front Beach: the Main Beach in Town<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Beautiful Front Beach is one of our favourite spots in Torquay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Torquay is home to quite a few beaches, and we’ll be mentioning the very best of them throughout this post. But if you’re planning on spending time on just one, odds are it’s going to be Front Beach. This is the main beach in Torquay, located in the heart of town with the esplanade running right alongside it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a wonderful place to while away a sunny afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we love most about Front Beach is its vast, grassy embankment. I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite things about going to the beach is dealing with the sand that inevitably ends up blanketing my sticky, sunscreen-covered skin. At Front Beach, though, you can simply lay your towel down on the grass, indulge in being 15 metres from the ocean, but not feel as though you need to shower every five minutes to get the sand off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a sheltered beach (especially in comparison to the nearby surf mecca of Bells Beach) which makes it particularly kid-friendly. The water is clean, clear, and not too rough, so it’s excellent for swimming, too. Throw in a pristine stretch of golden sand and you’ve got yourself a pretty wonderful place to spend a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the waterfront, you’ll find tons<\/em> of amenities. You’ve got a playground, BBQs, public toilets, drinking fountains, and even showers, along with a walking-and-cycling path that runs the full length of the beach. (This trail is officially part of the Surf Coast Walk, which we’ll be talking about later.) The esplanade is alive with cafes, restaurants, and bars, including the previously-mentioned Pond Cafe, so grabbing a meal involves very little movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the beach is spacious with plenty of parking, on a sunny day on a public holiday in the middle of summer, you may struggle to find a space if you don’t get there early. This won’t be a problem if you’re spending the night in Torquay — you can just walk to the beach instead — but if you are<\/em> day tripping, expect to spend 10 minutes driving up and down the esplanade in search of a space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Front Beach is a dog-friendly beach, so if you’re bringing your four-legged friend with you to Torquay, they’re going to love this spot as much as you do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Find Your Slice of Calm at Cosy Corner Beach<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The waves are even calmer at Cosy Corner Beach, making it perfect for swimming<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Continue walking southwest along Front Beach and you’ll eventually find yourself on the aptly-named Cosy Corner Beach. Located in a quiet cove, between Front Beach and Point Danger, this secluded stretch of sand is backed by grass verges and is home to some of the calmest waves in Torquay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The beach is particularly popular with families — both locals and visitors — as the ocean is perfect for swimming with little ones. Its sheltered location means it doesn’t get too windy, either, so if you’re a fan of stand-up paddleboarding, this is a great place from which to get out on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Lose Your Clothes at Point Impossible Beach<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The rocky parts of Point Impossible Beach are a delight for surfers. Less so for sunbathers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the main attractions of Point Impossible Beach is its excellent surf conditions, which make it a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels. The beach is home to several different breaks, with waves that are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced surfers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is also a infamous clothing-optional beach here in Torquay, so don’t be alarmed if you see your fellow beachgoers shimmying out of their bathers while you’re there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re going for sunbathing, make it a morning visit, as in the afternoon, the beach gets shaded by the surrounding sand dunes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the start point of the Surf Coast Walk, so do take some time to stroll along the dunes to get a taster for what this walk has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Jan Juc Beach<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Looking down on beautiful Jan Juc Beach: you can see why it’s another great surf beach!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jan Juc Beach is yet another popular surf beach, three kilometers south-west of Torquay’s Front Beach. It’s known for its wide stretch of sand, which is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach games. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, making it a safe and family-friendly destination for swimming and water activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main attractions of Jan Juc Beach is its world-class surfing conditions. The beach has several surf breaks that provide consistent and challenging waves for experienced surfers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jan Juc Beach is surrounded by beautiful coastal cliffs and rolling hills, which provide stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The beach is also located near several walking trails, including the Surf Coast Walk, which provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Grab a Coffee From Mikro Coffee Roasters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If you’re looking for the best coffee in Torquay, Mikro is the place to be<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If Dave and I aren’t swooning over brunches, you can guarantee we’re roaming the streets in search of a perfect flat white. One of our first ports of call whenever we arrive in Torquay, then, is Mikro Coffee Roasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mikro is a specialty micro-roastery, known for its high-quality coffee beans, which are roasted in-house to create a rich-yet-smooth-tasting cup of delight. They focus on bringing sustainably-produced coffee to Torquay, ensuring the farmers they work with are paid well for their work and that, in turn, we get to enjoy the best coffee in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s particularly interesting about Mikro is that they offer 100% Australian grown coffee as a single origin option; something that’s a real rarity in this country! Have a try: we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We drink oat flat whites and have to confess that Mikro’s would fit right in with some of the best cafes in our Extremely Coffee Focused neighbourhood. They have a small indoor and outdoor space for drinking your coffee, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and you can buy bags of their beans if you decide you want to have an attempt at recreating their offerings at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a Melburnian coffee snob like us, head to Mikro. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Hit up Surf City Plaza for Some New Fits<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Surf City Plaza is jam-packed with surf stores, selling everything you could need for a day at the beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In a town that’s so popular with surfers, it’s no surprise that a place like Surf City Plaza has managed to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shopping complex is dedicated to all things surfing. You’ve got your Rip Curl, your Billabong, your Quicksilver, Boardriders, Oakley, and more. In other words, this is the<\/em> place to come if you’re keen to pick up some new beachwear while you’re in town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love to stop by here and nearly always find myself picking up a couple of items from the Rip Curl store. Speaking of: note that Surf City Plaza isn’t marked on Google maps for some reason, so instead, set your GPS for the Rip Curl store, which is in the heart of the complex, then you can navigate from there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ll confess that these stores can be quite spendy, so if you’re finding the items a little out of your price range, walk around the corner to Baines Crescent, where you’ll find a series of factory outlets for the exact same stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s just say, while I<\/em> was blowing my travel budget on a whole new wardrobe from Rip Curl, Dave could be found in the outlet around the back, scoring plenty of better-value outfits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to clothing, you’ll also be able to pick up surfboards and wetsuits from many of the stores, along with thongs, towels, sunglasses, and anything else you might need for a day out at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Learn to Surf in One of the Best Places to Do So<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Learning to surf in Torquay? It’s one of the best places in the world to do so<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have a rule that every time I find myself in a surf destination, I sign myself up for a lesson. At this point, I’ve done so in countries as diverse as Indonesia, Mexico, and England. And so, as soon as I arrived in Torquay, I started hunting down a surf school; it was time to remind myself just how terrible I am at this sport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why is Torquay such a good place for learning how to surf?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, it’s the surfing capital of Australia, home to some of the best surf breaks in the world. You’ve likely heard of Bells Beach, which is where the Rip Curl Pro surf tournament has been held for over 60 years, but don’t panic: that’s not where you’ll be surfing! Fortunately, there are plenty of beaches in Torquay that are well-suited for beginners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a handful of surf schools to choose from here; we’d recommend opting for Go Ride a Wave<\/a>, a well-respected provider that has been operating in Torquay since 1987. Their teachers are warm, patient, and excellent at providing thorough, clear instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surf lessons are a lot of fun, and even though you’ll likely find it frustrating at first, you’ll be filled with adrenaline after riding your first wave to shore. Go Ride a Wave provides you with a wetsuit and soft surfboard (these are best for beginners), then takes you down to the beach to run through the basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the class, you’ll be in waist-deep water at all times to keep you safe and your instructor will help you spot the perfect waves. Whenever they do, they’ll give your board a push to help you get started with riding. Once you’re racing off towards the shore, lying flat on your stomach, it’s time to try and stand! It might take you several (dozen) tries to get yourself upright and stable, but when it finally clicks, there’s no greater feeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing all of this in such an iconic surf destination? In our eyes, it’s an unforgettable experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>And, Of Course, Head to Bells Beach<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The iconic Bells Beach. Its viewpoint is particularly well-served for spectating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’re no beginner to surfing, you’ve probably already planned to carve out a significant chunk of time in which to tackle the waves at Bells Beach. This world-renowned surf spot is famous for its large swells and perfect right-handers, some of which reach as high as five metres when the conditions are right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most notably, Bells Beach has been the location of the Rip Curl Pro surf competition — one of the most prestigious surfing events in the world — for over 60 years now. The competition is held annually for 10 days over the Easter holiday period and attracts surfers and spectators in their thousands. We timed one of our Torquay visits with the event and had such a fun time watching the professionals show us how it’s done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it’s not just professionals who ride these waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time of year to surf here depends on how advanced you consider yourself to be. If you’re still a novice, you’ll encounter the gentlest waves and warmest water between November and March. But if you have your heart set on experiencing the most infamous of breaks, aim to visit between April to October. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just don’t forget your wetsuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The sign that greeted us at Bells Beach the day before the Rip Curl Pro competition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What about if you’re not a surfer? There’s still plenty to reasons to visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boardwalks and viewing platforms provide panoramic views over the beach, enabling you to admire the swells from above. From Bells Beach Lookout, steps lead you down to the sand, where you can check out the waves from a new perspective. Bring a towel and a book and settle in for an afternoon of sunbathing or, if the waves are particularly calm, have a cautious paddle in the shallows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the clifftops, the Surf Coast Walk winds its way along the length of the beach and onwards in both directions. You could walk to Bells Beach and back from Torquay if you fancied a 8 km round-trip stroll, or simply stretch your legs for a few hundred metres until you’re ready to turn back to the car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>There’s Even a Surf Museum in Torquay<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The entrance to the Australian National Surfing Museum, one of Torquay’s best hidden gems<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re going to hear the phrase “surf museum” and respond with a barely-concealed shrug of the shoulders. I mean, how impressive can such a niche museum be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, I’m hear to tell you that this is a fascinating museum, incredibly well done, and absolutely worth visiting — even if you’ve never surfed before and have no interest in doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, let’s face it: I’m barely a surfer myself — I’ve tried it half a dozen times over the years, but I’m far from a fanatic. And yet, I firmly believe this is one of the best museums on the entire Great Ocean Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The building is huge, for starters, and you could easily spend two or three hours exploring it all. Yes, really. There’s that much to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ve got a full timeline of the history of surfing, particularly within Australia, and an in-depth showcase of the evolution and transformation of surfboards over that time. You’ll learn about the surfers themselves, from the early trailblazers to the greatest of champions — and even get to see the boards they once used to use. Exhibits and videos share the history of surf competitions, as well as the technicalities involved when deciding how to ride different forms of waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s even a 90-minute feature film[!] in the theatre that we fully recommend watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The museum is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. It costs $12 to enter, with discounts available for children, seniors, and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Stroll the First Few Kilometres of the Surf Coast Walk<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You’ll see signs for the Surf Coast Walk dotted all over Torquay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you love to explore a new destination on foot, allow me to introduce you to the Surf Coast Walk. This 44 kilometre trail stretches along the coastline from Torquay to Aireys Inlet<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I love most about the Surf Coast Walk is that, as long as you’re not a completionist, it’s so easy to pick and choose the sections of the trail that appeal most to you. Perhaps you want to walk to Bells Beach, or start your stroll from Split Point Lighthouse — either is totally possible! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each section of the walk is well-marked and there are access points and car parks running alongside the vast majority of it. After all, this is<\/em> the Great Ocean Road; much of the coastline is accessible from the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the Torquay area, there are three different sections of the walk that I’d recommend. You could string all three together in a continuous line and rack up 13 kilometres for the day, or simply choose one or two parts to keep the walking a little easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n