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Before you go
Your trip to Torquay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Torquay – Victoria Destination Great Ocean Road about 100 km from Melbourne
How to get there
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Avalon Airport (AVV) Avalon · 50 km
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Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL) Tullamarine · 120 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Melbourne, about 100 km via the Princes Freeway and Geelong, in just over 1 hour. Avalon Airport is about 50 km away. Regional buses connect Geelong to Torquay.
How many days
Half a day or a day: Bells Beach, the surfing museum and the beach, before continuing along the road.
When to go
Summer is beach season; spring and autumn are less busy. At Easter, Bells Beach hosts the surfing competition and the town gets crowded.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Tip: Bells Beach is a few kilometres from town and the drive follows the coastal road. In Australia you drive on the left.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Torquay
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Morning
Bells Beach
Start at the Bells Beach lookout to watch surfers on the waves and walk the coastal trail.
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Afternoon
Surfing museum and beach
Visit the surfing museum in town and finish at Torquay’s lifesaved beach before heading to Lorne.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How far is Torquay from Melbourne?
About 100 km, a little over 1 hour by car via the Princes Freeway.
Where can you swim in Torquay?
At Torquay’s main beach, which has a lifesaved area in summer. Bells Beach is more suited to surfers.
When is the Bells Beach surf competition?
It usually takes place at Easter, when the town becomes crowded. Check the dates for the year.
Is Torquay the start of the Great Ocean Road?
Yes. The road starts in Torquay and follows the coast to the Warrnambool region.