Top Things to do in Torquay
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What to do and see in Torquay, Australia: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Torquay, Australia including The Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Paragliding, Westcoast Adventure & Surf School, Bells Beach, Bird Rock Lookout, Bellbrae Estate Winery, Salt and Pepper Gallery, Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay Visitor Information Centre, Fisherman's Beach.
Restaurants in Torquay
1. The Great Ocean Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By AdrianS2403 - London
We hired a car from Melbourne airport and followed the Princes Highway to Torquay. We the meandered onwards stopping over night in Lorne, which was a pretty village. We the set off for 12 apostles via otway lighthouse which was a worthwhile detour. We stopped at Apollo Bay beforehand for a coffee.
If you can stop at Gibson steps before the twelve apostles I would do so to avoid the crowds and access the beach. Twelve apostles was very crowded with too many tourists for our liking. Also a shame that a snake minding its own business had stones thrown at it by ignorant tourists, pity it didn't bite them. Also saw a Wallaby.
Port Cambell was a pleasant quiet resort.
2. Great Ocean Road Paragliding
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Just a few steps is all it takes and you will glide with one of our highly experienced tandem pilots over the iconic Great Ocean Road. Experiencing this stunning part of Australia from the open air is truly a remarkable experience and something that you will remember for years to come! No prior knowledge is necessary and people of almost all ages and abilities are able to fly. We are located approximately 1 hours drive from Melbourne, and 20 minutes from Geelong and Avalon Airport. We offer a range of individual and group tandem flights at the best sites along the Great Ocean Road.
Reviewed By F155NVjanl - Greater Melbourne, Australia
I've taken a keen interest in birdwatching for years. The opportunity to ditch the binoculars and experience soaring like an Albatross, gliding like a Petrel, viewing land from an Eagle or Hawks perspective was awesome. Freedom, silence, exhilaration! I was well briefed, felt completely safe and relaxed in the knowledge that my pilot was experienced. A liberating experience to start 2018.
3. Westcoast Adventure & Surf School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
SeaEarth Adventures runs programs for corporate groups, youth groups, schools, tertiary institutions and the general public. Activities include Surfing, sit on top kayaking, snorkeling, mountain bike tours, team building and initiative programs, rock climbing and abseiling, adventure races, expeditions, marine and bush environmental education programs. Activities can vary from a one hour private surf lesson to a multi-day corporate adventure program. We cater for all ages and requirements, including groups with special needs. All programs are specifically tailored to the client’s requirements to best achieve your aims. We are a mobile operation, able to run programs at a wide range of venues throughout Victoria. We handle all facets of program organisation including the provision of specialist equipment, qualified instructors and facilitators, first aid, insurance, permits, etc. A range of accommodation and conference centres can also be recommended if required.
Reviewed By cassies1976 - Melbourne, Australia
Had a great time the teachers were fun and stood up for the first time!!! Great value for money would recommend west coast to everyone!!Thanks for your feedback, let us know if there is anything else we can can help you with and we look forward to seeing you again out in the water.
4. Bells Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
5. Bird Rock Lookout
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
6. Bellbrae Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By dixiepeach - Kansas City
There is a $5 fee for tasting which is refunded if you purchase. There are at least a half dozen wines to try. Staff was very helpful in explaining the wines to us. There was also a nice selection of cheeses. We sampled some and bought those as well!
7. Salt and Pepper Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Beck and Steven X - Melbourne, Australia
Sometimes we can visit a location, genuinely enjoy our time there yet forget about it not long after. On other occasions you will discover something new & what you find there delights, excites & makes such an indelible impression upon you that it rapidly becomes somewhere that you want to return to again & again. Well for me, The Salt & Pepper Gallery located in Bellbrae is definitely such a place.
Situated along the Great Ocean Road, the Gallery forms part of a mini complex if you will. Along with three other businesses the Gallery has been set up around a central courtyard where the various types of artwork & sculptures are cleverly displayed alongside the absolutely beautiful Gardens of the adjacent Nursery. Throw in some furniture from the homeware shop also on site & you have an absolutely stunning display that beckons guests to come on in and stay a while. And that was exactly what I did!
[ Working Artist in Residence - Catherine M. Brennan ]:
It is understood that the Salt & Pepper Gallery is owned & operated by the extremely talented Catherine M. Brennan whom I was fortunate enough to meet at the time of my visit. The range of her art & craft pieces is extensive. Vibrant, earthy & colourful, I love how her creations don't just draw upon the natural environment, but tend to absorb it - lending each piece to take on a character & life of its own.
[ The Workshop & The Scarves ]:
Among the many items available for purchase are Handmade, individually Designed Scarves, Mosaic Bowls, Fabric Baskets & Hanging Fish plus an assortment of jewellery. Workshops are held at reasonable prices where guests can learn how to make a number of these for themselves. Prices are very reasonable & include lunch.
Make sure to keep a look out for her 'Spiralling" range of sculptures, constructed from copper & wire these would undoubtedly be a focal point in any home.
[ And now a word about the wonderful "Junkette's" ]:
Ingenious & eye catching 'The Junkette's" are a fabulous family of figurines proudly presented at the Gallery. Designed & produced by another local artist they are made from all manner or recycled metal such as nuts, bolts, spanners & pliers just to name a few. Some have moveable eyes & others fabric & bike lights for body parts. The only problem I faced with them was I wanted to buy them all!
Instead I did manage to purchase two & am looking forward to the time when I can return & collect a few more. Their quirkiness & individuality lends them to being a perfect gift as you can match the "Junkette" to your loved one for whom it is intended.
[ Summary ]:
A trip to the Salt & Pepper Gallery is highly recommended. Catherine is very friendly & was generous with her time, answering my numerous questions about the different mixed media paintings patiently & with kindness.
It is clear that the people here absolutely love what they do & welcome all whom stop by to gain some inspiration. So when visiting the Gallery it is highly recommended that you allow ample time to browse because rest assured, just when you think you have seen it all, you discover yet another stunning sculpture that you won't be able to resist taking home!
Thank you for Reading this review, we hope that it is helpful. Please refer to the photographs as they form a part of this review and provide a great insight into the type of items you can buy.
8. Australian National Surfing Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
9. Torquay Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Debba16 - Canberra, Australia
Torquay really just feels like any suburb of Melbourne - it has none of the charm of the rest of the Great Ocean Rd as it is sadly being overdeveloped in the most tacky way and non-appealing way and is intensely commercial (the surf culture here has really been commodified to the extreme). Best just to pick up supplies here and move on to the quaint towns of the Great Ocean Red where you will find tranquility and natural beauty - generally what people are looking for when on vacation.
10. Fisherman's Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Nunngo - ACT
Could this be one of the best Beaches in Australia? Maybe but if not, it is still a magnificent beach. The beach is wide, long enough for a decent walk, soft rolling waves, fishermen trying their luck for fish, and even some brave swimmers on a perfect winters day with lots of Sunshine. What a great way to spend an afternoon.
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