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Local Attractions

More Than a Stay.

A Whole Coast to Explore.

Torquay sits at the top of the Great Ocean Road, right where Victoria's Surf Coast begins. From here, you're minutes from some of the best beaches, restaurants, wineries, and experiences the region has to offer. Whether you're after a slow morning in a woodfire sauna, a clifftop ride to Bells Beach, or a skydive above the coastline, it's all close. This is our pick of the best things to do near Torquay when you're staying at The Sands Torquay.

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Wine Country on Your Doorstep.

You don't have to go far from The Sands to find yourself in serious wine country. The Minya, Bellbrae Estate and Mount Duneed Estate are both nearby and some of the Surf Coast's standout producers worth a cellar door visit. And if you want to go deeper, the Bellarine Peninsula is just a short drive north, one of Victoria's most exciting cool-climate wine regions with dozens of cellar doors to explore.

Experience It All.

You don't have to go far from The Sands Torquay to find something extraordinary.


Torquay's own SKYONE skydiving centre puts you above the Surf Coast at 15,000 feet, while Tiger Moth World Adventure Flights sends you along the entire Great Ocean Road by air, from Torquay Airport all the way to the 12 Apostles and back in around 90 minutes.


If two wheels are more your thing, Southern Exposure runs guided mountain bike tours right from the Surf Coast. Their signature three-hour Surf Coast tour follows clifftop trails between Anglesea and Torquay, taking in Point Addis, Ironbark Basin, and the iconic stretch past Bells Beach and Winkipop before finishing at the Torquay Surf Club. For something more epic, they also run full-day tours through 60km of trails in the Otway Ranges. Bikes, guide, and a seriously good route all taken care of.
 

Back on the ground, or in the water, Go Ride A Wave has been running surf lessons on Torquay Beach since 1987.

 

One stay, four bucket-list experiences, all within a few kilometres of your room.

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Savour.

Savouring delicious food on the Surf Coast doesn't have to mean driving to Melbourne. These days, it barely means leaving Torquay.
 

Sabbia is right here at The Sands. Italian done properly, with local produce, a relaxed vibe, and views over the golf course that make every meal feel like a treat.
 

Down on the Esplanade, Ela brings Greek share plates and generous hospitality from a chef straight out of Melbourne's Tonka. Right next door, Surf Hotel is Torquay's most talked-about new opening, headed up by chef Jo Barrett with a produce-driven menu and a deck made for long afternoons. Further along the Esplanade, The Kyn does Middle Eastern-inspired dining with a serious cocktail list and one of the best fit-outs on the coast. And for something more casual, Fisho's is the go-to for fresh locally caught seafood, hand-cut chips, and a sun-drenched spot right on the waterfront

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And ten minutes down the Great Ocean Road, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is a chocolate wonderland on 15 acres, with free tastings and a licensed all-day café.

Rest, Restore, Repeat.

Two of the Surf Coast's best wellness spots are just minutes from The Sands Torquay.

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About Time Bathhouse is the first of its kind in the region, a full bathing and wellness sanctuary with indoor and outdoor magnesium pools, cold plunges, sauna, steam room, and private treatment spaces. It's the kind of place you block out a full afternoon for.

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Sana Recovery takes a more laid-back approach. Woodfire saunas, cold plunge, and a great cafe, all set in a garden space along the Surf Coast Highway. Come for a recovery session after golf or a long walk on the beach. Stay for the coffee.

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Drive the

Great Ocean Road.

Few drives in the world match it. The Great Ocean Road begins right here in Torquay, which means you're not just near one of Australia's most iconic road trips, you're at the start of it.
 

From The Sands, you can be winding along the clifftops above the Southern Ocean within minutes. Stop at Bells Beach, the spiritual home of Australian surfing. Push through Anglesea, and on to Lorne for lunch. Further along, Kennett River is one of the best spots on the coast to see wild koalas. And if you have a full day, keep going to the Twelve Apostles.
 

You don't have to do it all in one go. Even an hour or two down the road from The Sands Torquay will leave an impression.

Explore the Coast

Looking for more inspiration? The Sands Torquay has put together a collection of local guides to help you make the most of your time on the Surf Coast.

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