The main attraction in the Torquay area is of course the beaches and the great surfing in the area. There are lots of things to see here though.
Torquay is the start of the Great Ocean Road that winds its way west as far as Warrnambool and along the way are many fascinating rock formations that have been carved and weathered from the limestone cliffs.
The best known of these are the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks standing just offshore about 170 kilometres west of Torquay — allow three hours each way, more with stops. Despite the name there were never twelve, and some have since collapsed into the sea. London Bridge and the Loch Ard Gorge are on the same stretch of coast.
At the plaza in Torquay is the Surf World Museum which contains the world’s largest collection of surf equipment and memorabilia. There are also interactive displays and lots of beach culture for you to absorb.
Tiger Moth World still flies vintage open-cockpit biplanes and modern scenic hops from the Torquay airfield, including runs along the Great Ocean Road. Tandem skydiving also operates from the same field. Check current flights and prices before you go — the old adventure-park rides are no longer the main draw.
The links course at RACV Torquay Resort (formerly The Sands) was rebuilt by Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Clayton's design firm and is open to visitors. Anglesea Golf Club, known for the kangaroos on its fairways, is fifteen minutes further down the Great Ocean Road.
Every Australia Day, 26th January there is a thong challenge at Torquay, the aim of which is to raise money for charity and to see how many people can get into the water at the same time while floating on a giant blow up thong.
Closer in, Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, on the headland between Torquay and Jan Juc, is good for snorkelling and rockpooling when the sea is calm; low tide is best, and watch that the tide does not cut you off on the reef.
Divers can go further afield to the Ships' Graveyard outside Port Phillip Heads, where dozens of vessels were deliberately scuttled in Bass Strait — tugs, freighters, a paddle steamer, dredges and four First World War J-class submarines lying in 26 to 40 metres of water. Charters leave from Queenscliff and Portsea, under an hour's drive from Torquay, and the deeper wrecks need wreck and depth qualifications.
Another attraction of the area is learning to surf. Lessons run from Torquay's sheltered front beach through the warmer months — see surfing for where to start and the surf schools.