Torquay is the easternmost point on the Great Ocean Road and the start of this famous road-trip if you're coming from Melbourne.

However, with its extensive beaches, long pedestrian promenades and ideal surfing conditions, Torquay is also a popular holiday destination where many travellers stop for at least 1 night.

Find a hotel with a sea view

Surfer's Paradise

The obsession with surfing can be felt around every corner in Torquay. In fact, the local wide beaches and bays have absolutely ideal conditions for one of Australia's most popular sports.

That's why the section of the Great Ocean Road between Torquay and Anglesea is called the "Surf Coast".

The most famous surfing beach is located in the south of the city and there are several surf schools for beginners:

• Torquay Surfing Academy
• Go Ride A Wave
• Honu Honi Surf Camp
• Southern Exposure

We detail where other surf spots are and how much lessons cost in the What to do section.

Long beaches, long walks

Up to 5km of fine golden sand beaches stretch along the Torquay coastline, offering virtually unlimited space.

In addition, there are beautiful parks around the beaches in the town centre, with trees and grass to separate the beach from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resort.

There are beautiful pedestrian promenades all along Torquay, popular with tourists and locals alike.

The best hotels in Torquay

Where to stay near the beach?

• Torquay Hotel/Motel ***
• Wyndham Resort Torquay ****

Right on Torquay Surf Beach is also the popular Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.

How to get there

Torquay lies is the starting point of the Great Ocean Road in the direction from Melbourne.

• Melbourne
  • 102 km / 1.5 hours
  • Compare car rental prices - Melbourne Airport
  • Compare car rental prices - Avalon Airport
• Adelaide
  • 724 km / 8 hours fastest way across the outback
  • 871 km / 11 hours on the Great Ocean Road
  • Compare car rental prices - Adelaide Airport
• Mount Gambier
  • 456 km / 6.5 hours
  • Compare car rental prices - Mount Gambier Airport

The city is also accessible by regular V/Line bus services.

• 3 to 4 times a day to Apollo Bay, Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Lorne, Geelong (and onwards change to train to Melbourne)
• 3 times weekly bus service to Apollo Bay to 12 Apostles, Port Campbell, Warrnambool

For the current timetable, visit vline.com.au/Timetables.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Great Ocean Road.