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.
One of the more popular and well known of these is The 12 Apostles. Originally there were 12 rock formations standing just off shore. These are located 270 kms west of Torquay, about a 3 hour drive. Some of these formations have since tumbled into the sea. There is also a formation known as London Bridge along the same stretch of coastline.
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 Sands golf course has been designed by one of Australia’s best known golfers in Stuart Appleby and is located in Torquay. Other golf clubs are at Anglesea and Queenscliff which is closer to Bells Beach.
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.
From Jan Juc you can join a boat charter and dive on some of the ships that have been scuttled by the Commonwealth. Located just 7 kms east of Torquay is the Commonwealth ships graveyard number 3. Most of the ships are intact as they have been sunk intentionally be leaving cocks open to allow the water in and the ship to sink. The ships are between 8 and 82 metres deep and include some 40 ships that have been wrecked on the coast or sunk by adverse conditions in Bass Strait.
Scuttlebutt Scuba Charters can organise your diving experience and your gear for the dive. The wrecks to dive on include tugs, coastal freighters, a paddle steamer, barges, dredges and submarines.
Another attraction of the area is the surfing lessons that are available from Torquay beach. Come to one of the best surfing areas in the world and learn to surf from the professionals.