Torquay, VIC
Surf Coast Bellarine Peninsula · Victoria · Population 24,181
Torquay is Victoria's surf capital on the Bellarine Peninsula, offering world-class breaks, coastal walks, and excellent caravan facilities for road trippe
Torquay is the surf town where the Great Ocean Road starts, with beaches, coastal walks and a beachfront caravan park.
Written by TG Crew, checked 28 October 2026
Surf · Beaches · Coastal walks · Caravan park
Key fact: Torquay is the closest Great Ocean Road town to Melbourne, about 90 minutes' drive, says Great Ocean Road Parks. It is also where the road starts.
About Torquay
Visit Great Ocean Road calls Torquay "Australia's surf capital". The parks authority puts it 90 minutes from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong.
That makes it an easy first stop. Surf beaches and coastal walks sit on the doorstep, and the road west to the Twelve Apostles starts here.
Top picks
Torquay Surf Beach and the foreshore
The Esplanade has cafes and restaurants opposite the beach, says the parks authority. When the crew visited in October there were walkers, bike riders, surfers and picnics at night.
Crew tip: The grassy hills on the foreshore are a good spot to sit and watch the surf.
Surf Coast Walk
The parks authority lists it for coastal cliffs, wildflower patches and sea breezes.
Point Danger Marine Sanctuary
The parks authority calls it ideal for snorkelling and exploring marine life at low tide.
Bells Beach
The parks authority lists "Surf the famous Bells Beach" among its top things to do in Torquay.
Australian National Surfing Museum
Visit Great Ocean Road lists the museum among the things to do in Torquay.
Touring essentials
- Where to stay: Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, which the park says is the only beachfront caravan park in Torquay. It is central, with a small strip of shops and a couple of eateries right outside, and the crew walked to everything.
- Sites: cabins, camping and glamping, with sites for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents, says the park.
- Dogs: welcome from 1 May to 31 October, except Melbourne Cup weekend, on designated areas only. Book a Surfside or Grove site. Dogs are not allowed in cabins.
- Fires: open fires are not permitted at any time, charcoal included, says the park.
Crew tip: The dunes section of the park has beach access and a cafe right behind the sites.
With kids
- The park lists a giant jumping pillow and a children's playground.
How many days
Great Ocean Road Parks calls Torquay the perfect destination for weekend or longer stays. It also suggests basing yourself here for a two-hour scenic drive to the rock formations of Port Campbell National Park.
Eating and shopping
Ela is a modern Greek restaurant at 17 The Esplanade, and the crew's favourite. Its page lists Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 to 11 pm and Friday to Sunday 12 to 11 pm. Gino, who runs it, was extremely friendly.
For gyros, Thelo Gyros & Bar is at 46 Bell Street. Turn left at the roundabout outside the park and it is 50 to 100 metres down on the right.
In the industrial area you will find the big surf brand shops, some warehouses and thrift shops. We went looking for a bike lock and Dave at Bair Bikes, whose showroom is at 26 Baines Crescent, couldn't help but sent us to another shop, which was friendly of him.
When to go
Every weekend in Torquay is busy. Mornings are quiet, and it is an evening town unless people are in the water. A northeaster brings warm weather: it was 30 degrees when we visited in October.
Crew tip: If crowds aren't your thing, go midweek and leave on a Friday.
Questions
How far is Melbourne from Torquay?
About 90 minutes by road, according to Great Ocean Road Parks. Geelong is about 30 minutes away.
What is Torquay best known for?
Surf. Visit Great Ocean Road calls it Australia's surf capital and the starting point of the Great Ocean Road.
Where next
Head back up to Victoria, or follow the road west to the Twelve Apostles.
About Torquay — Demographics
Based on postcode 3228 area (ABS Census 2021)Travel Info
Must See
- Bomboras Beach Bar — Right in town with beach views; ideal casual stop for visitors
- Blackman's Brewery — Local craft brewery and gathering spot for road trippers
- Torquay Hotel — Established pub with local character and dining
Must Do
- Bowman Track — Short nearby hiking trail; easy access from town centre
- Vic Tantau Walk — Coastal walking option close to accommodation areas
- Surf Coast Walk Bells Beach to Point Addis — Signature coastal hike linking iconic surfing beaches and Great Otway National Park
- Al Reid Walk — Another established hiking option within short driving distance
Travel Tips
- •Book caravan park accommodation in advance during school holidays and summer—Torquay fills quickly as a major coastal destination
- •Stock up on supplies before driving further along the Surf Coast; shops are concentrated in the town centre
- •Mobile coverage is reliable, but download offline maps for coastal trail navigation
- •Bring a light jacket year-round; ocean breezes are persistent even on warm days
- •Check swell forecasts and beach conditions before planning water activities
Nearby Suburbs
Armstrong Creek is a growing coastal suburb near Geelong with excellent walking trails and caravan parks, ideal for exploring Victoria's surfing regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is near Torquay?
There are 10 campsites near Torquay, including Torquay Holiday Park (1km), Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park (1.5km), Jan Juc Caravan Park (3.9km).
What walks and trails are near Torquay?
There are 10 walking trails near Torquay, including Bowman Track (1.5km), Vic Tantau Walk (2.3km), Al Reid Walk (3.7km).
Is there fuel near Torquay?
Yes, there are 5 fuel stations near Torquay, including 7-Eleven Torquay (0.9km), Ampol Torquay (1km), Shell Reddy Express Torquay (2.1km).
What attractions are near Torquay?
There are 2 attractions near Torquay, including Addiscot Beach (8.8km), Adventure Park (21km).