Suburb Property Profile: Torquay, VIC 3228

Located approximately 78–97km southwest of Melbourne's CBD, Torquay sits within the Surf Coast Shire, facing Bass Strait as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Established in 1871, the town is bordered by Spring Creek and includes coastal features like Point Danger and Zeally Bay. Home to some of the world's most famous surf brands — including Rip Curl and Quiksilver — Torquay has earned a genuine claim to the title of Australia's surfing capital, with the nearby Bells Beach among the country's most iconic breaks. Here's our comprehensive guide to the area.

Location Demographics

The population of Torquay sits at 18,534 according to the 2021 Census, up 39.8% from 13,258 previously — a remarkable growth rate for a coastal town. The median age is 39, and the largest age group is 35–44. Notably, Torquay's population usually triples over the January–February school holiday period as visitors flood in.

Travel & Infrastructure

Torquay doesn't have its own train station; residents typically rely on local bus services or drive, with the trip to Melbourne's CBD taking around 55–90 minutes outside peak periods. The town sits 21km south of Geelong.

Shopping

Surf Coast Plaza anchors much of Torquay's retail and dining scene, home to the surf brands the town is famous for alongside the Surf World Museum. The plaza gives residents and visitors a genuine local hub without needing to travel into Geelong for everyday needs.

Schools & Recreation

Surf Coast Secondary College serves government secondary students with around 799 enrolled across Years 7–12. Torquay Coast Primary School, which opened in 2018, has grown to around 719 students and was purpose-built as a community gathering place alongside its educational role. Christian College Geelong's Surf Coast Campus adds a private option for Prep to Year 3 students, with GORCC (Great Ocean Road Coast Committee) running hands-on environmental education programs for local schools along the foreshore.

Local Amenities

Torquay's coastline is its defining asset, with direct access to Bells Beach — one of the world's most famous surf breaks and a listed site on the Victorian Heritage Register — just a short drive away. The Torquay foreshore, maintained by GORCC, supports beach clean-ups and dune preservation programs alongside its recreational use, and the town's role as the start of the Great Ocean Road brings a steady flow of visitors drawn to its coastal walks and surf culture.

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