Torquay: The Birthplace of Australian Surf Culture
Torquay marks the start of the Great Ocean Road, and it's widely considered the birthplace of Australia's surf industry — both Rip Curl and Quiksilver were founded here, and the town is home to the Australian National Surfing Museum. The main surf beach, known locally as the Back Beach, faces open Bass Strait and is separated by the Point Danger headland from the calmer, more sheltered Front Beach, which suits swimmers and beginners better.
Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, one of Victoria's oldest, has patrolled these beaches since the 1940s. Bells Beach is only a few minutes' drive further down the coast, so Torquay's own beach break is often the first stop locals check before deciding whether to head on to Bells. This stream covers the main surf beach.