Torquay & the Surf Coast
Where the Great Ocean Road begins and Australian surf culture was born — Bells Beach, the surf brands and museum, and beaches from beginner bays to world-class breaks.
Torquay & the Surf Coast
Torquay is where the Great Ocean Road begins — and where Australian surf culture was born. This is the home of Bells Beach, the surf giants Rip Curl and Quiksilver, and the national surfing museum, wrapped around a string of beaches from beginner-friendly bays to world-class breaks. About 1.5 hours from Melbourne via Geelong, it’s the natural first stop on the drive.
What to Do
Bells Beach
The legendary reef break south of town, home of the Easter Rip Curl Pro — a must-see.
Surfing Museum
The Australian National Surfing Museum tells the story of the sport and the coast.
Anglesea
Family beaches and the golf course famous for its resident kangaroos.
Aireys & Split Point
Aireys Inlet and the Split Point Lighthouse mark the way to the Memorial Arch.
Torquay Tips
- Start here — it’s the eastern gateway to the drive, ~1.5 hrs from Melbourne
- Watch the surf at Bells Beach; the Rip Curl Pro is at Easter — see events
- Beginners can take a lesson at gentler Torquay and Anglesea beaches — see surfing
- Detour to Anglesea for kangaroos and to Aireys Inlet for the lighthouse
- Continue to Lorne & Aireys Inlet and the Memorial Arch
Torquay & the Surf Coast — FAQ
What is Torquay known for?
Torquay is the surf capital of Australia and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road — home of Bells Beach, the surf brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver, and the Australian National Surfing Museum. It sits about 1.5 hours south-west of Melbourne.
Where is Bells Beach?
Just south of Torquay — a world-famous reef break that hosts the Rip Curl Pro each Easter (the world’s longest-running surf contest). It’s spectacular to watch even if you don’t surf. See events.
Does the Great Ocean Road start at Torquay?
Yes — Torquay marks the eastern start of the drive; the official Memorial Arch is a little further along at Eastern View, near Aireys Inlet. See Lorne & Aireys Inlet.
Can beginners surf on the Surf Coast?
Yes — gentler beaches around Torquay and Anglesea suit lessons and beginners, while Bells and Winkipop are for experienced surfers. See surfing.
What else is there to do around Torquay?
Beaches and coastal walks, the surfing museum, Anglesea (with kangaroos on the golf course) and Aireys Inlet’s Split Point Lighthouse just down the road.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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