Things to do in Torquay
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Top 10 attractions in Torquay
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most famous coastal drives, located in Victoria and stretching approximately 243 kilometers. It features numerous breathtaking natural attractions, the most famous being the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. The Great Ocean Road is not only a scenic drive but also an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Australia's southern coastline.Lavers Hill · 89.5 km from Torquay
Split Point Lighthouse
Split Point Lighthouse stands on a headland in the town of Aireys Inlet along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. It can be reached in less than two hours by driving along the coastal road from Melbourne. Built and commissioned in 1891, this lighthouse is pure white with a striking red lantern room at the top and stands 34m tall. Because of its classic white tower with a red hat appearance, it is nicknamed Little Red Riding Hood Lighthouse by tourists, while locals affectionately call it the White Queen. The lighthouse still guides ships traveling along the Bass Strait coast today. It is also the filming location for the classic Australian children's show *Round the Twist*; its silhouette standing on the cliff top appears repeatedly in the opening credits, and many tourists who have seen the show make a special trip to find the scene from their memories. At the foot of the lighthouse is a cliff coast eroded by waves over the years. Looking from the observation deck next to the tower, Eagle Rock stands about 20m tall on the sea—a volcanic rock pillar topped with a limestone cap. The rocky beach where it is located belongs to the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, where seaweed grows in clusters in tide pools, small fish and crabs appear, and a sea cave is hidden in the cliff wall below the tower. A cliff-top walking trail of about 2 km connects the lighthouse, Eagle Rock, and the stepped beach below. It winds through low coastal shrubs, and the terrain is flat and easy to walk, making it suitable for slowly experiencing the wild charm of this coastline. If you climb the tower, follow the more than 100 steps inside to the gallery outside the lantern room for a 360-degree view of the sea and the winding coastline. On a clear day, you can look east to Bells Beach and west to Cape Otway. The old photos displayed inside the tower also tell stories of the lighthouse keeper's life and early shipwrecks. The light is soft around dawn and dusk, making the white tower look particularly photogenic in the warm glow; some sections of the cliff-top trail have loose gravel, so wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is safer.Aireys Inlet · 24.2 km from Torquay
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is a beach near the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Every year during Easter, the annual RipCurlPro World Surfing Championship is held at Bells Beach, where surfers from all over the world gather to present a high-level competition for surfers and travelers from all over the world. . At other times, like other beaches along the Great Ocean Road, it's calm and laid back and a great place to unwind.Bells Beach · 6.2 km from Torquay
Anglesea
Anglesey is a seaside town about 2 hours' drive from Melbourne. You can practice surfing on the main beach. Point Roadknight Beach with this shelter is more suitable for children. The town's golf course is settled by kangaroos, and you can show off your skills in front of these Aboriginal spectators. Renting a boat to sail along the Anglesea River is also a good option.Anglesea · 14.4 km from Torquay
Torquay Front Beach
Torquay · 1.4 km from downtown
Eastern Beach
The eastern beach is located in the northeast of Jilang, not far from the town center. The beach is not large. The west is full of cruise ships. In the east, there are swimming pools built around the sea and a small children's pool. There are painted puppets standing on the lawn. There are also restaurants and hotels on the beach with complete supporting facilities. Driving from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, passing Geelong, in addition to supplying food and drink.Geelong · 20.6 km from Torquay
Geelong Baywall Bollards
The Geelong Painted Puppets are one of the most representative public art installations in the coastal area of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. They are distributed on the docks, seaside and beaches along the six-kilometer coastline. Each puppet has a special story and a distinct theme, with a total of 46 themes. Some represent the early people who lived here, as well as various characters such as well-known opera stars, nurses, sailors and captains, vividly witnessing the historical changes of Geelong. The Geelong Painted Puppets are not only artistic creations, but also carriers of urban memory. Visitors can stroll along the coastal trail, look for hidden puppets, and take photos with them. Under the light at night, the puppets add a fairy-tale atmosphere, and during the day, they can be combined with Geelong's Ferris wheel, green space, yacht wharf and other landscapes to visit together.Geelong · 20.6 km from Torquay
Penguin Parade
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Summerlands · 75.4 km from Torquay
Memorial Arch at Eastern View
The Memorial Arch at Eastern View is one of the iconic landmarks on the Great Ocean Road. It is not only a symbolic gateway to this world-famous coastal road, but also a war memorial commemorating the soldiers who served in the First World War. The design of the Eastern View Memorial Arch is simple and solemn. It adopts an imitation wood structure and is made of local wood and concrete. The words "GREAT OCEAN ROAD" are engraved on the top of the arch, and a memorial plaque is inlaid below. In the small square next to the arch, there is a bronze statue - a soldier wearing a military cap and holding a shovel, which vividly reproduces the scene of the soldiers who built the road at that time. In addition, the memorial stone on the square records in detail the experience of Australian soldiers in the First World War and the construction process of the Great Ocean Road, for tourists to stop and visit.Eastern View · 28.6 km from Torquay
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.Carlton · 81.6 km from Torquay
Experiences you can't miss in Torquay
Featured Food & drink in Torquay
View all Food & drink![Australia Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Winery Tasting 1-Day Tour [Including Lunch / Round-Trip from City]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351512000ratjlp91D58_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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Featured Day tours in Torquay
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Free things to do in Torquay
Great Ocean Road
Lavers Hill · 89.5 km from TorquaySplit Point Lighthouse
Aireys Inlet · 24.2 km from TorquayBells Beach
Bells Beach · 6.2 km from TorquayAnglesea
Anglesea · 14.4 km from TorquayTorquay Front Beach
Torquay · 1.4 km from downtownEastern Beach
Geelong · 20.6 km from TorquayGeelong Baywall Bollards
Geelong · 20.6 km from TorquayPenguin Parade
Summerlands · 75.4 km from TorquayBook now for tomorrowMemorial Arch at Eastern View
Eastern View · 28.6 km from TorquayCarlton Gardens
Carlton · 81.6 km from Torquay
What travelers say about Torquay
I•YMarch 11, 2025
5.0
The tour to Great Ocean Road was taken by the guide named Vance who is frequent with both English and Chinese. Since I only speak English and Japanese, it was helpful that guide can speak English too.The tour was operated quite strictly about time, so the tour went so smoothly than I expected.In the tour, you don’t need to worry about the problem of language because the guide always left the paper which show what time you should come back to bus.The guide Vance is kind and funny, and I really enjoyed his guide and recommendation.And I really enjoyed the beautiful view and it was stunning!!!!
Great Ocean Road
Exploring our one precious worldJanuary 7, 2025
5.0
Visiting Split Point Lighthouse was an unforgettable experience. The stunning views from the top made every step of the climb worthwhile. The modest entry fee is well-justified by the breathtaking panorama and the immersive experience.The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories and history about the lighthouse, which added depth to the visit. While there are quite a few stairs to climb, there are resting points along the way, making it manageable for most people.After enjoying the views, we treated ourselves to scones and a drink at the charming tearooms, set in the old stables—a delightful way to relax and reflect on the visit. The Reuben sandwich was also a highlight, highly recommended for anyone looking for a satisfying bite.Split Point Lighthouse is a must-visit for its incredible vistas, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a day out!
Split Point Lighthouse
D了个YMay 31, 2020
3.0
I'm here#
The most famous attraction in Torquay
It is known as one of the best surfing areas in Australia. Surfing must be based on natural conditions, so the wind must be strong and the waves must be high.
We don't know how to surf. We are very satisfied to go out and watch the sea occasionally. We envy those who know how to surf.
Bells Beach
Dr BPAugust 1, 2023
4.0
A pretty seaside town at the start of the Great Ocean Road. Nice beach. Excellent fish & chips, and the Anglesea Golf Course is a good place to see kangaroos .
Anglesea
Beth W JamesAugust 24, 2022
5.0
Beautiful beach front, close to cafes, shops, tourist attractions
Torquay Front Beach
🎀彡🐾May 3, 2020
5.0
Geelong East Beach is a very quiet bay. There are not many tourists here and it is very quiet. But the scenery here is very beautiful. There is a large green lawn beside the beach. There are many various statues on the lawn, which is very suitable for the scene. There are not many tourists here, which is very suitable for taking pictures.
Eastern Beach
ssdiabloMarch 8, 2020
4.0
Painted puppets are a major feature of the small town of Geelong. There are many painted puppets on the beach in the town. Although they are not very beautiful, taking a photo with these painted puppets is also a good way to check in when you come to Geelong.
Geelong Baywall Bollards
_FB***61October 1, 2026
5.0
Loved watching a group of little penguins head home! It was so sweet seeing them waddle and shake their tails
Penguin Parade
MandadadadaMay 30, 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.
Carlton Gardens
