Torquay Travel Guide: Your Coastal Escape on Victoria’s Surf Coast

There is something about Torquay that makes people slow down the moment they arrive. Maybe it is the salty ocean air rolling in from Bass Strait, the long stretches of sand that seem to go on forever, or the laid back surf culture that has shaped the town for decades. Just over an hour from Melbourne, Torquay feels like a true escape from the city without requiring a long journey.

As the official start of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is the perfect base for exploring Victoria’s famous coastline. Whether you are visiting for a weekend away, a golf trip with friends, or a relaxing coastal retreat, this guide will help you discover the best of the region.

Aerial view of Torquay at sunrise.

Why Visit Torquay

Torquay sits on Victoria’s beautiful Surf Coast and has long been known as the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic surf beaches. The town blends coastal charm with plenty of things to see and do. Visitors can spend the morning walking along the cliffs overlooking the ocean, enjoy lunch at a local café, explore the beaches in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the water.

It is also one of the best places to begin a journey along the Great Ocean Road, giving travellers easy access to scenic coastal drives, small seaside towns, and spectacular natural landscapes.

Explore the Beaches

Torquay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches along Victoria’s Surf Coast, each offering a different way to experience the coastline.

One of the most iconic is Bells Beach, known around the world for its powerful waves and dramatic coastal cliffs. Even if you are not a surfer, it is worth visiting simply to stand at the lookout and watch the ocean roll in below.

Closer to town, Torquay Front Beach is a favourite for relaxed seaside days. The water is generally calmer, making it a popular spot for swimming, families, and anyone wanting to enjoy a slow walk along the shoreline.

Just along the coast you will find Whites Beach, a long open stretch of sand that is particularly loved by locals. As an off leash dog beach, it is the perfect place for a morning walk by the ocean with your four legged companion. The wide shoreline and coastal views make it an easy place to spend an hour simply wandering along the water’s edge.

For guests staying at The Sands Torquay, Whites Beach is only a short five minute walk away, making it an ideal spot to start the day with fresh sea air and the sound of the waves nearby.

Bells Beach. One of the world's most iconic surf breaks, right on our doorstep.

Discover the Surf Coast Lifestyle

Torquay has long been at the centre of Australian surf culture. Surf shops line the main streets and the town regularly hosts major surfing events that attract visitors from around the world.

Even if you have never stepped on a surfboard, the coastal energy is contagious. Spend some time exploring the town centre, grab a coffee from one of the local cafés, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere that makes Torquay so special.

Golf on the Coast

For many visitors, Torquay is also a destination for golf. Playing a round along the Surf Coast is a completely different experience from city courses. Wide open fairways, coastal winds, and views across the landscape make it both challenging and memorable.

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience this is by staying at The Sands Torquay, where the accommodation sits alongside a championship golf course set within the coastal landscape.

Waking up to views across the course and heading straight out for an early morning round is a highlight for many guests.

The Sands Torquay's 18-hole links-style golf course. A coastal course surrounded by wetlands and native bushland, and home to plenty of wildlife.

Begin Your Great Ocean Road Journey

Torquay marks the start of the famous Great Ocean Road, making it the ideal place to begin a coastal adventure.

From here you can follow the winding road along the cliffs and beaches of the Surf Coast, stopping at scenic lookouts, small towns, and hidden beaches along the way. Many travellers choose to spend a night or two in Torquay before continuing their journey further along the coast.

Having a comfortable base at the start of the drive allows visitors to relax, explore the area at their own pace, and start the road trip refreshed.

Relax and Recover

After a day exploring the coastline, there is something special about slowing down and taking time to recharge. Torquay has become a destination not only for surf and coastal adventures, but also for wellness and relaxation.

A beautiful place to unwind is About Time Bathhouse, a modern bathhouse experience designed to help visitors relax, recover, and reconnect. The space offers a series of hot and cold pools, saunas, and wellness experiences that encourage you to slow down and reset.

For guests staying at The Sands Torquay, it is an easy addition to a relaxing weekend itinerary. After a day on the golf course, exploring the beaches, or beginning a journey along the Great Ocean Road, spending time soaking and unwinding is the perfect way to end the day on the Surf Coast.

Just a short drive from The Sands Torquay, About Time Bathhouse is the perfect place to slow down and unwind after a big weekend on the Surf Coast.

Local Food and Dining

Torquay’s dining scene has grown steadily in recent years with a mix of casual cafés, coastal restaurants, and relaxed bars. Fresh seafood, locally roasted coffee, and seasonal produce all play a role in the region’s food culture.

After a day exploring the coastline, there is nothing better than settling in for dinner and enjoying the relaxed pace of a coastal evening.

Surf Hotel, a beachfront restaurant located on the Esplanade. Photo: Josh Robenstone

Where to Stay in Torquay

Accommodation options in Torquay range from holiday rentals to coastal apartments and boutique stays. For travellers looking for a relaxing base with space to unwind, a resort stay offers the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.

Set within the peaceful surrounds of the Surf Coast, The Sands Torquay provides modern accommodation just minutes from the town centre and local beaches. The setting allows guests to enjoy the best of Torquay while returning to a quiet and spacious environment at the end of the day.

For those travelling with their four legged companion, the resort also offers dog friendly rooms, making it easy to bring your dog along for a coastal escape. With Whites Beach only a short walk away and known locally as a popular off leash beach, guests can enjoy morning walks by the ocean before heading back to relax at the resort.

Whether you are planning a romantic weekend away, a golf escape, or a longer family coastal holiday, staying in Torquay allows you to experience the rhythm of the Surf Coast from morning to sunset.

Five minutes from the beach and perfectly placed to explore Torquay and the Great Ocean Road. There's no better base.

Torquay Travel Guide: Plan Your Torquay Escape

Torquay offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, surf culture, and relaxed coastal living. From world famous beaches to scenic drives and outdoor adventures, there is always something new to discover.

For travellers looking to explore the Surf Coast while enjoying a comfortable place to unwind, Torquay makes an ideal destination and a memorable starting point for any Great Ocean Road journey.