Torquay Holiday Houses & Accommodation

Holiday rentals with sea views are available along the coast in the seaside town of Torquay, southwest of Melbourne. Typical accommodation in this laid-back beach town will be modern and spacious, and have everything you will need for a comfortable stay.

Getting to Your Torquay Accommodations

Torquay, set at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, is less than two hours' drive from Melbourne. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you follow the winding mostly dual-lane Surf Coast Highway from Geelong. You'll find yourself in the heart of Torquay before you know it.

Trains and coach services run regularly from Melbourne and all towns in between. And if you wish to fly, Torquay's Avalon Airport offers flights with many carriers to cities all over Australia. Once in Torquay, you'll have a range of buses and taxis to choose from. Leave your car at your holiday cottage and enjoy everything Torquay has to offer.

What to Eat While Visiting Torquay

With the coast stretching in both direction in Torquay, it's easy to see why seafood starts on many of Torquay's menus, especially during the annual Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. But the area is also full of lush, fertile farmland – you'll be treated to some of the best produce on Australia's South Coast at nearby restaurants such as Dan Hunter's 'Brae' in Otway.

Head for the market stalls for the freshest fruit, berries, and homemade ice cream from independant producers, or grab a seat at one of the street cafés for snacks washed down with a great local beer. For more fantastic brew, grab your mountain bike and follow the trail to Forrest Brewing Company, whose great menu complements their beer brewed using Otway rainforest water.

Check out Torquay's surf culture

The Australian National Surfing Museum has an interesting collection of boards that shows how surfboard design has progressed over the decades. The museum also displays other surfing paraphernalia, houses a hall of fame, and shows surfing movies.

Holidays with kids in Torquay

Torquay Foreshore offers a fantastic play park which the kids will love, with a lot of space to run around, climb, slide, and swing. There is also plenty of seating for the adults and there are many cafes nearby if you want to grab a coffee.

Just down the coast, enjoy swimming and outdoor sightseeing at Point Addis Marine National Park. Take the kids for swimming in clear water and playing in natural rock pools, and then stroll together as a family on the park's cliffs.

Hit the beach or take a drive along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is a must-see when you book a holiday house in Torquay. Hire a car and have a family day out. The drive should be done slowly as there are many scenic lookouts along the way. Alternately, you can join one of the many tours available. The main highlights are Apollo Bay and the twelve apostles.

There are many beaches to choose from in the area, from Bells Beach, which is long and sandy, to Fisherman's Beach right in town, which is great for a stroll or, as the name suggests, a spot of fishing. This beach is serene, very picturesque, and clean. It is a great place to have a picnic and watch the world go by.

Visiting Torquay on a Budget

Self-catering holiday houses offer great value and set you close to the surf scene, and it doesn't cost a thing to see Torquay's famous coastline and beaches. Stop for great cheap eats at the Salty Dog Café or the surfer favourite, the Third Wave Kiosk, on the beach at Point Impossible. Alternatively, stop at a supermarket to stock up on quick picnic-friendly meals.

If you fancy a day away from the beach, check out Tower Hill Nature Reserve. At the ancient extinct volcano, you'll see a variety of waterbirds in their natural habitat, as well as koalas, emus, and kangaroos. To explore the Surf Coast on the cheap, rent a bicycle or use public transport.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse and you need to find a place inside, the Australian National Surfing Museum on Beach Road is a great place to visit. Walk around the exhibits and watch the short movies to find out about the early pioneers of the surfing movement. And don't forget to climb aboard the interactive surfboard and snap a photo to amaze your friends back home!

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