Torquay Like a Local: The Spots We Love and the Places Worth Adding to you Weekend To-Do List.

There’s so much more to Torquay than its famous surf beaches. While visitors come for the waves, the coastline and the laid-back seaside vibe, it’s the little local favourites that make this place so special.

From morning coffees and coastal walks to long lunches, sunset sprits & seltzers by the beach, a great surf and seriously good food, here’s our favourite spots to make you feel like a Torquay local.

Start Your Day with a Great Coffee - Always!

A good coffee is always a great place to start, and Torquay has plenty of spots worth adding to your morning routine.

Our favourite coffee spots are Pond, Mavis Mavis, Surf Coast Wholefoods or The Kiosk are all great options when you’re chasing your morning caffeine fix. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway before heading to the beach or taking your time and easing into the day, there’s no shortage of good coffee around town.

Get Outside and Explore the Coast

One of the best things about Torquay is having so many beautiful walking tracks and beaches right on your doorstep. You really don’t have to go far to find somewhere special.

Point Addis

Point Addis is one of our favourite places to head for a walk or a bit of beach time. The scenery is beautiful, with rugged coastline, sandy stretches and those incredible ocean views that never get old.

It’s the perfect spot to slow down, get some fresh air and experience a quieter side of the Surf Coast.

Jan Juc - Bells Beach Coastal Walking Track

You can’t talk about Torquay without mentioning Bells Beach. While it’s famous for its surf, the walking tracks are just as worth exploring. Take your time, soak up the coastal views and watch the surfers if the conditions are right.

It’s a beautiful way to experience one of the region’s most iconic locations.

Image via Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority 

Cosy Corner

For an easy beach walk, Cosy Corner is a favourite. There’s something about walking along the sand, listening to the waves and breathing in that salty air that makes even an ordinary day feel special.

If you’re keen for a surf, it’s also worth checking the conditions at Cosy Corner before paddling out.

Torquay Point

You can’t visit Australia’s surfing capital without getting in the water! Torquay Point is a great place to check out if you’re keen for a surf or to have a lesson, whether you’re a local regular or just visiting with your board. It's also the beginning of some great walking trails, so make sure you make time to walk the surf coast trial up to Torquay Point and along to Jan Juc. 

If your surfing, always check the surf conditions and choose a break that suits your ability before heading out.

Ironbark Basin

If you feel like swapping the coastline for a little bushland, Ironbark Basin is a beautiful place to wander. Only around 10 minutes from town, it’s an easy escape into nature without having to travel far.

With its peaceful bush tracks and natural surroundings, it’s a lovely reminder of just how much variety the Surf Coast has to offer.

Where the Locals Love to Eat

Torquay has some fantastic places to eat, whether you’re after a relaxed dinner, a casual bite or somewhere to settle in for the evening.

Pearl: A Local Favourite Worth Discovering

One of our favourite restaurants in Torquay is Pearl. It’s a great one to add to your list if you’re looking to discover somewhere a little beyond the obvious choices.

Bird Rock

Bird Rock is another favourite for food or a drink. It’s a great option when you want to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends or settle in for a relaxed evening.

Fishos

Sometimes, nothing beats good old-fashioned fish and chips by the coast. Fishos is our pick when you’re craving a casual meal and want to keep things simple.

Grab your fish and chips and enjoy the laid-back seaside atmosphere. It’s a classic Surf Coast experience for a reason.

 

Blackmans Brewery

If you’re after a relaxed afternoon drink or a casual meal, Blackman’s Brewery is another Torquay favourite worth checking out. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a locally brewed beer and soak up the laid-back Surf Coast atmosphere.

Whether you’re winding down after a surf or looking for somewhere to head with friends, Blackman’s is a great addition to your Torquay itinerary.

Image via Blackman's Brewery

Where to Enjoy a Wine or an Afternoon Drink

A day exploring Torquay deserves a relaxed finish, and there are a couple of local favourites worth knowing about.

Archer’s is a great spot for a wine or an afternoon knock-off. It’s ideal for a casual drink when you don’t feel like anything too formal.

If you’re after a relaxed afternoon drink or a casual meal, Blackman’s Brewery is another Torquay favourite worth checking out. With a great beer garden and fresh local beers on tap its a great place to catch up with friends, family and enjoy a locally brewed beer. 

And if you love browsing for a bottle to take home, make sure you pop into Torquay Wine Store.

A Few More Local Tips

If you’re visiting Torquay, our biggest tip is to leave yourself room to explore without planning every minute.

And don't feel like you have to squeeze everything into one day. Some of the best Torquay moments happen when you take the scenic route, discover a new favourite spot or simply sit and watch the ocean for a while.

Experience Torquay Like a Local

Torquay is a place that invites you to slow down. It’s morning coffees, salty hair, a surf before lunch, coastal walks, ice cream on a sunny afternoon, casual dinners and a glass of wine at the end of the day.

While the famous surf breaks will always be part of what makes this town special, it’s these little local rituals and favourite spots that make people fall in love with the area.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying a little longer, we hope this guide helps you discover a few new favourites of your own.

Grab your mixed pack and we'll see you down the coast!