Torquay
The starting point of the Great Ocean Road and the birthplace of Australian surf culture. Rip Curl and Quiksilver both began here, and the town has a surf museum and surf-brand outlet stores.
Torquay is about 1.5 hours from Melbourne and is the traditional starting point of the Great Ocean Road. Surf World Museum traces the history of surfing in Australia, and the Surf City shopping centre houses stores and outlets for major surf brands. The front beach suits swimming and surfing lessons, and beginners can sign up for a 2-hour trial lesson. The town has many cafés and fish-and-chip shops, making it a good place to stock up before heading off.
Opening hours
Open all day; surf museum about 09:00-17:00
Nearby sights
- Bells Beach
- Anglesea
- Split Point Lighthouse
- Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
- Lorne
- Teddy's Lookout
- Erskine Falls
- Kennett River Koala Walk