Things to See & Do
What better place to learn to surf than in the birthplace of Australian surfing? There are several licensed tour operators and qualified instructors who run learn to surf classes on beaches close to Torquay. Catering for individuals or groups, often equipment hire and transport can be included in the price.
Torquay lives and breathes surfing, and the region has a global reputation as an amazing surf destination. Bells Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro, where the best surfers in the world compete each Easter.
Nearby Winkipop is also popular with experienced surfers. Torquay and Jan Juc offer good conditions for those wanting to learn to surf, and several schools operate classes at local beaches.
Surf conditions can vary greatly, check with the Visitor Information Centre or local Surf Life Saving Club.
There are several designated walking trails offering a different perspective on Torquay.
The foreshore trail, beginning at Deep Creek Reserve on the Esplanade, takes in spectacular coastal views, children’s playgrounds and public art.
The Surf Coast walk is a 30km long marked trail and individual sections can be completed depending on energy levels. It begins at Jan Juc and passes through Bells Beach, Point Addis, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Torquay. A complete guide is available from the Torquay Visitor Information Centre.
The Deep Creek Reserve is a strip of land extending along the watercourse between the Surf Coast Highway and The Esplanade. It is the last remnant of Torquay’s indigenous vegetation and there are walking tracks throughout the reserve.
For adrenalin junkies, aircraft nuts, thrill seekers and those who want to experience The Edge. Warbird Air Adventures offers everyone the chance to fly like the aces of yesteryear in the supercharged CJ-6A military aircraft. This is a seriously strong and powerful machine capable of speeds over 400 km/h and G force loading up to +6. Try and lift your arms!
All flights are tailored to your capabilities - starting off very gently with some big lazy turns and building up gradually until you are hurtling vertically upwards at full power. Between each manoeuvre your pilot will confer with you before entering the next. Think you will feel sick? Not likely! The mild to wild approach means over 98% of people complete all the manoeuvres.
All aerobatic flights include a high speed low level jaunt up the stunning coastline of the Bellarine Peninsular - enjoy the thrill of seeing the beaches and lighthouses flash by before you break off and start your climb to the aerobatic area.
High Definition widescreen DVD's of you experience are available, a must for those who simply will not believe you!
Non aerobatic sightseeing flights are available or those who would like to experience flight in a genuine ex military aircraft and take in the magnificent views of Port Philip Bay, Bellarine Peninsular and Great Ocean Rd. Bring your camera for the ride and take stunning photos as you smoothly cruise at a sedate 250 km/h.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime - few people get to experience anything like the power, speed and exhilaration of a Warbird Air Adventure, and the best part - it is affordable! Don't spend thousands on a Jet Fighter experience when for a few hundred you get the same G forces and manoeuvres in the incredible CJ-6A aircraft.
A series of flowing channels connected by bike paths and bridges make Anglesea River a popular destination for canoeing, fishing, walking & biking alike. Paddle boats and canoes are available to hire close by and make an interesting way to explore the area.
The river and its surroundings is also an important habitat for native wildlife including owls, possums, echidnas, kangaroo and wallabies, as well as native fish, eels and many species of waterbird.