How better to spend your weekends than surfing in Torquay, Australia? I differentiate because if you’re planning on surfing in Torquay, Australia has much better conditions than the British alternative.
Given that I spent the majority of my time in Australia based in Melbourne, It’s easy to get to. A mere 21 kilometres from Geelong, it only makes sense that my favourite beach would be in Torquay. It’s in a pretty accessible place, and as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, you can make an excellent day trip out of it.
The easiest way to explain why Torquay is such a great place to visit is to consider it’s major assets.
There’s plenty to do, like visit the National Surfing Museum, or the Surf Coast Walks. You can get a few days worth of entertainment from this single point of the Great Ocean Road. If you’ve got a few days to spare, you can see all the important stuff and still have plenty of time to surf.
The Sun
A place known for its surfing has pretty nice weather to go with it. I added the point for effect, you should note that in the summer months the population of Torquay can swell. It’s noticeable, particularly around January/February. That’s when the number of people in Torquay can triple in conjunction with the school holidays.
It’s also one of the most popular destinations for Schoolies. Which is an Aussie celebration for school leavers. You need not confuse it with the common university theme of getting leathered dressed up in uniforms.
With this in mind, if you need any accommodation you should look for places to stay before you arrive. I’ve not spent a night in Torquay so I have no recommendations. However, a quick Google should be able to help. If you have stayed, and do have recommendations, please pass the word on in the comments!
The Surf
Torquay is up there with the best surf spots in the world, and some of the biggest surfing brands started here. It’s the home of Quicksilver and Rip Curl.
Torquay itself has a few tamer surf spots, but they’re fine for a day at the beach with a bit of surfing or bodyboarding with the family. There are plenty of great surfing spots. Including Point Impossible, Torquay Back Beach and Point Addis. The former and latter having nude beaches.
The best part is, the more experienced surfers can head down the road to Jan Juc, which is right next to Torquay. Or get their watersport fix at the world-famous Bells beach. Bells beach also happens to be the venue for Rip Curl Pro, formerly known as the Bells Beach Surf Classic.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty terrible at surfing after having learnt over at Manly beach in Sydney. But, that doesn’t stop me enjoying myself getting wiped out surfing in Torquay, Australia.
If you’re in the same boat as me, you can always get surfing lessons whilst you’re down here and enjoy the waves. Viator has a few options if you need inspiration.
As I mentioned before, the waves here are a little tamer and are ideal for beginners. You’ll be standing on your board within a few hours!
Regardless of your surfing stature, you should consider checking out BeachSafe first. It’s never worth taking unnecessary risks with surfing.
The Sand
One of the great things about Torquay is that it isn’t all about surfing. There are plenty of golden beaches around. Even at the busiest of times, you’ll be able to find somewhere to plonk down a beach towel to lay on. It’s not uncommon to head to the beach to be lazy and read a book.
The water is also shallow, and there’s a fair bit of a walk until you need to swim. If you don’t bring anything suitable to go for a dip, you can still get your feet wet without worrying too much. All in all, a beach is a beach, and the beaches at Torquay are amongst the best of them.
All this said, remember to bring your sunscreen. You’ll need it.
The Shopping
As many backpackers will tell you, you might bring sunscreen, a towel and sunglasses with you on a trip. Rarely will you think “I’ll bring my wetsuit and surfboard, you never know.” You don’t do it. Which is exactly why it’s important to have somewhere to do some shopping.
Whether you need to buy or hire either a wetsuit, surfboard, bodyboard, or all three, Torquay is the right place to do so. I mentioned before that Rip Curl and Quicksilver make their home here, so if you are surfing in Torquay, Australia, you’ll be able to get your hands on some gear.
Besides, Torquay happens to be the home of Surf City Plaza. The shopping centre dedicated to everything surfing. Exactly what you would expect, and exactly what the doctor ordered. Need I say more?
Surfboards and wetsuits aside, and forgetting about the surf brands, you might want some good old fashioned fish and chips. Well, ‘fish and chips’. Either way, Torquay has it.
If you’ve stayed in Torquay, or are planning to, don’t forget to share your stories and ideas in the comments!
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