- Surfing — breaks, wetsuits, rips and the Rip Curl Pro
- Attractions — beaches, the museum, walks and flights
- Shopping — Jan Juc shops and the Torquay surf outlets
The beaches and the surf are what usually bring people to Torquay, Bells Beach and Jan Juc, but there is a lot more to do here than surf or swim. There are designated walking tracks from Anglesea to Torquay and along the cliff tops at Bells Beach. The beaches themselves provide great spaces to walk and see the stunning scenery of the limestone cliffs and the views out across Bass Strait. The Surf Coast Walk takes advantage of the views down the coast and onto the beaches and out to sea.
The Surf World Surfing Museum at Surf City Plaza has many hands on displays and memorabilia of the area and its surfing history. Even if you aren't a surfer there is something here to interest everyone.
If you are interested in snorkelling and diving there is plenty to see. Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, on the headland between Torquay and Jan Juc, is a good place to snorkel when the sea is calm; its name refers to the danger the reef posed to ships, not swimmers. The sanctuary is known for its sea slugs, with nearly a hundred species recorded, and eagle rays are often seen over the sand.
Divers can head to the Ships' Graveyard outside Port Phillip Heads, where dozens of scuttled vessels lie in Bass Strait, including four J-class submarines. Charters leave from Queenscliff and Portsea; see attractions for more.
If you are after a bit of luxury and pampering visit the Saltair Spa nestled in a quiet setting with views to the sea and of the rolling hills surrounding Torquay. The products here are based on local indigenous flora, fruits, desert salts, ochres and sea plants. There are facials and body treatments, massages and hydrotherapy techniques for you to enjoy.
For the more adventurous, Torquay Skydivers (formerly Australian Skydive) runs tandem jumps from the Torquay airfield on Blackgate Road, with Bells Beach and the Great Ocean Road below.
A Maze'N Games, on the Bellarine Highway at Wallington (about a 25-minute drive), has a giant maze and mini golf if you want a day off the beach. Closer to town, Tiger Moth World still flies vintage biplanes and scenic hops along the Great Ocean Road from the same airfield.
Another museum is located at Bellbrae, just 6 kilometres away, with a display of horse-drawn carriages.
The beaches are good for beach fishing, especially on the rocky ends where fish tend to congregate to feed among the rocks. Fisherman's Beach is the best for fishing all year round.
Inland from Torquay and worth a visit are the local wineries that form the Surf Coast Wine Trail. Several have cellar-door sales; a few are by appointment only. See wineries for the listings we have.