The mouth of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is known globally for its beaches including Jan Juc and the Point Break famed surf spot Bells Beach, along with spearheading the surf brand wave with iconic names Ripcurl and Quicksilver born on the shore. It is home to major international sporting events and a destination of distilleries and craft breweries. Whilst once quaint and cosy, Torquay has continued to draw attention from homebuyers and visitors alike. Here’s your guide to the seaside spot this summer season.
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WHERE: 1 GREAT OCEAN RD, TORQUAY
An award-winning, architecturally grandiose resort situated near the Great Ocean Road’s world-famous beaches, RACV Torquay Resort pulls out all of the stops when it comes to staying experience. RACV Torquay Resort offers the ultimate holiday package with each room overlooking the stunning coastline, whilst the onsite luxuries include a day spa, golf course, gym, pool, tennis courts, restaurants and bars.
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WHERE: JAN JUC TOWNSHIP
A retreat in the heart of Jan Juc where the ocean breeze wakes you, Sun Set Jan Juc may be a tiny house but it’s mighty in make. Located 100m from the shops, 200m to the coastal track, 250m from the beaches and a 5 minutes from the Torquay township via car or the provided free bikes, Sun Set Jan Juc is all about immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the location. With artistic touches and an indulgent deep Japanese soaking tub, Sun Set Jan Juc is built for bliss.
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WHERE: TORQUAY MAIN BEACH
The Hideaway is a beach cabin located a 200m walk from Torquay main beach with a track that leads through to Bells Beach. This light-filled three bedroom home leans into the nature of the coast in summer where doors are optional. With a design that seamlessly extends the indoors outdoors, this elegantly decorated home comes with cosy comforts including rattan furniture, swinging chairs, a bar, a floating lounge under the palm trees, a woodfire pizza oven, a fire pit, BBQ, dartboard, outdoor games and an all-round restful atmosphere.
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WHERE: SHED 2/22 BAINES CRES, TORQUAY
Bells Beach Brewing Co are small batch, big footprint frothie makers bringing the spirit of the coast into their bottles and their laid-back Torquay location. The taproom encourages sandy feet, fur-babies and fun times shared together over a crisp cold beer. They host regular live music sessions and frequently partner with food trucks to create a lively catch up and chill out spot.
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WHERE: 37 THE ESPLANADE, TORQUAY
This beach side cafe, restaurant and bar has become a hot spot of the Surf Coast. Overlooking the sweeping coastline, soak in the oceanic views whilst sipping on signature cocktails and treating yourself to a platter of oysters. Bomboras is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks with an elevated menu that offers something for everyone. Adding to the atmosphere are live musicians, taking the easy-breezy vibes of the day up a notch to be a lively evening spot.
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WHERE: SHOP 9/4-6 GILBERT ST, TORQUAY
A cafeteria, a grocer and a catering business, Mortadeli shot to fame across the country thanks to their drool-worthy sandwiches. From a hole-in-the-wall sandwich bar to a classic Italian bar, where espresso, pastries, panino pocketed with fresh, local meat cuts and produce and aperitivo and cicchetti to cap the day, Mortadeli brings a slice of Italy to the coast. The deli and grocer allow you to take home the ingredients to keep the Italian long after the meatball sandwich is finished.
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WHERE: 2 SAWMILLS WAY, TORQUAY
Ocean Grind is Torquay’s coastal caffeine sanctuary — part roastery, part café, all heart. Specialty beans are roasted on-site for brews that are ethical, smooth and seriously good, served in a bright, industrial space with that unmistakable Surf Coast ease. The menu keeps things sharp and wholesome with toasties, wraps (vegan options included), Ket Baker pastries, Leah Bakes treats and the occasional cinnamon scroll drop. With no single-use cups, a BYO mug culture and even a mug library, Ocean Grind is where great coffee meets a gentler footprint. Open weekdays 7–2 and Saturdays till 1, it’s a local ritual worth joining.
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WHERE: 9/61 SURF COAST HIGHWAY, TORQUAY
Perla Tacos is Torquay’s coastal love letter to good flavour and good vibes. Tucked just off the Surf Coast Highway, this bright, beach-kissed taqueria slings soft, gluten-free corn tortillas piled with punchy fillings — think slow-cooked beef, carnitas pork, and black-bean veg, all crowned with fresh slaw, pico, pickles and lime. With bowls, burritos, nachos, charred corn and vegan-friendly options in the mix, Perla keeps things fresh, local and sustainably minded. It’s vibrant, effortless and unmistakably Torquay.
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WHERE: 4/4 – 6 GILBERT STREET, TORQUAY
No one does giftware and homeware quite like Frankie Say Relax. Across four exquisitely merchandised stores including their Gilbert Street sanctuary, the team have curated a polished selection of products across a range of homeware, living, fashion, kids, skincare and wellness. Candles, socks, cushions, stationary, creams, scents, clothing, satchels: Frankie Say Relax take decor, self-care and living to the next level.
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WHERE: SHOP 1/3 CLIFF ST, TORQUAY
Your branded experience based on the beach, Torquay Merchant stocks a diverse range of apparel from renowned Australian names including Spell and the Gypsy, Alemais, Zulu and Zephyr, Oak Meadow, Rowie, Nagnata, Mountain & Moon, Assembly Label and many more. With a conscious commitment to sustainability and being environmentally responsible, Torquay Merchant is the go-to for wardrobe updates in the clothing, accessory and body department.
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WHERE: 1/1 HAYSTACKS DRIVE, TORQUAY
Light up your life with Socialight. Lighting design specialists, Socialight are stockists of the finest designer and architectural lighting Australia and the world have to offer. Their showroom is made up of some of the most exquisite pendants, sconces, wall lights, fans, lamps and more including collaboration with local ceramists. If you’re after a wow factor light fixture, Socialight has you covered.
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WHERE: 36 BELL STREET, TORQUAY
Not only a hospitality hub in the heart of Torquay, Torquay Hotel has become one of the state’s best live music venues. A must on bands touring circuits, the Torquay Hotel is your spot to witness world-class talent in an intimate setting. Between their newly redeveloped beer garden and their state-of-the-art indoor setup, the Torquay Hotel is your spot to witness the biggest names in music including international acts, emerging local talent and mainstay Australian artists.
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WHERE: DARIAN ROAD, TORQUAY
Analemmatic Sundial is a public artwork by local artists Claire Gittings and Glenn Romanics. Depicting the traditional indigenous motifs and telling the Wadawurrung oral story of Mindii, this artwork comprises more than 120,000 glass Tesserae tiles positioned using mosaic methods. The design features a central analemma and a number of hour markers (shells) in an elliptical pattern. The time is told through shadow when standing on the analemma.
WHERE: 77 BEACH ROAD, TORQUAY
Celebrate the rich surf culture of the region through seeing the Australian National Surfing Museum. Torquay is one of the world’s most significant contributors to surf culture and innovation, with leading brands, board developments and figures of the surfing community coming from this coastal location. The Australian National Surfing Museum takes you on a ride through the ocean sport, with the wall of boards being a highlight!
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WHERE: TORQUAY MAIN BEACH
Learn how to hang ten on one of the world’s most famed beaches with a two-hour surfing lesson by Go Ride A Wave. This softboard instructional session will take you from sand to surf with the aim of getting you up on your feet and rolling the waves into shore. With surf safety and positioning tips, this lesson is ideal for both first-timers and intermediate paddlers.
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WHERE: 47 The Esplanade, Torquay
Recreation in Torquay doesn’t just have to be water based, but you can enjoy the land and the epic oceanic views at Torquay Bowls Club. Established in Taylor Park in the early 1920s, the club has grown to become one of the state’s largest—with bowling for pros and beginners alike, full bistro and bar services, and a deck overlooking Fisherman’s Beach. Add to that live entertainment and the booming business of barefoot bowls and you have a winning experience.
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ROCKY POINT LOOKOUT
Let’s be honest, there are picturesque views and stunning coastal walks everywhere you go in Torquay but if you don’t head to Rocky Point Lookout you’re missing out! With a recent refurbishment, this lookout is both breathtaking in view and symbolism for the region. The wooden structure is strategically placed on a jut out point between Torquay Surf Beach and Jan Juc, capturing the true natural beauty of the town.
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