Torquay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Located along the Great Ocean Road, many of Torquay’s beaches are great for surfing and swimming, while others are dog or nudist-friendly.
Whether you’re looking for epic waves or a more secluded spot, our guide is here to help you decide which Torquay beach to visit.
The Best Torquay Beaches, Australia
Torquay is home to plenty of stunning, natural attractions which makes it worth staying a few days to explore the surf coast and all there is to offer in this cute coastal town.
The 8 Best Beaches in Torquay, Australia are:
- Torquay Surf Beach
- Torquay Front Beach
- Bells Beach
- Jan Juc Beach
- Whites Beach
- Point Impossible Beach
- Addiscot Beach
- Point Addis Beach
The beaches in Torquay are varied, so whether you plan on spending your holiday surfing, sunbathing or just admiring the views from the sand and cliffs there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Torquay Surf Beach
For those in search of great waves, easy swimming and a relaxed vibe, Torquay Surf Beach is the ideal spot. It is conveniently located close to town and has parking available. The waves are perfect for beginners and intermediate level surfers, and boards can be rented from the nearby Surf Academy.
Torquay Surf Beach is located near the Rocky Point Lookout which offers great views. It also has some grassy areas with space for children to play, making it easy to spend the day before embarking on the Great Ocean Road.
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: Yes
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Showers
- BBQ area
- Car Park
Places to eat and drink: For a quick coffee and beach food, check out the Third Wave Coffee kiosk just a couple minutes walk from the beach. There’s also Blackman’s Brewery Bar and Restaurant, a great spot to try a local brew or indulge in a plate of nachos. It is located a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Torquay Front Beach
Known for its calm waters, Torquay Front Beach is a lovely spot along the Torquay beaches map. The beach is perfect for swimmers and is well equipped for families to have a picnic or try out paddleboarding.
Snorkeling can be done nearby at the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary and the town center is located directly behind the beach making it one of the most accessible beaches in Torquay.
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: No
Facilities:
- Toilets
- BBQ areas/Picnic tables
- Changing rooms
- Playgrounds
- Car Park
Places to eat and drink: There are a number of great Torquay restaurants located along The Esplanade. Many of which have fantastic sea views of Torquay Beach, Victoria. We love Frontbeach Taphouse & Restaurant for sweeping vistas or Growlers Pub for a laid-back vibe.
Bells Beach
Just 300-meters long, encompassed between limestone headlands at either end, Bells Beach in Torquay is a global icon. Bells has gained an international reputation as one of the best places to surf in the world. More experienced surfers will love the huge swells here, while non-surfers can take in the ocean scenery from the viewing platform above the beach.
As one of the best beaches near Torquay, tours of the Great Ocean Road region often stop here. However, we don’t recommend swimming as there is a strong undercurrent.
Swimming: No
Surfing: Yes
Facilities:
- Car Park
- Toilets
- Viewing areas
Places to eat and drink: You won’t find any eateries at Bells Beach. Luckily, there are plenty of great food options just a quick 10-minutes drive into Torquay!
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Bells Beach, Australia
Jan Juc Beach
Jan Juc Beach is one of the best beaches in Torquay to surf but better suited for experienced surfers as the sea here can be prone to high waves and persistent rips.
Jan Juc is more quiet than other beaches close to town. It’s a good spot to escape the crowds and watch the fishermen and surfers or to just take in the stunning coastline and towering yellow cliffs from the beach.
Swimming: No
Surfing: Yes
Facilities:
- Parking
- Toilets
- Bicycle paths
Places to eat and drink: A couple of restaurants are located south of the beach near the Bird Rock Lookout. Jan Juc Fish and Chips and The Cave Wood Fired Pizza are both just a 15-minute walk from the beach.
Whites Beach Torquay
Situated along the Surf Coast Walk between Point Impossible and Fishermans Beac, you’ll find Whites Beach. This beautiful, tranquil beach lies away from the tourists and is a great spot for a long stroll or a jog.
This dog-friendly Torquay beach is an excellent spot to let your fur babies off-leash. Swimming is generally quite safe here, though one should be careful to consider the wave and tide conditions as the beach is unpatrolled.
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: No
Facilities:
- Public toilets
- Shelters
- Picnic/BBQ area
- Parking
- Dog friendly Torquay beach
Places to eat and drink: Hanners Restaurant at the golf course is an upscale eatery located 10 minutes’ walk from the beach.
Point Impossible Torquay Beach
Point Impossible Torquay Beach Location
Point Impossible is a clothing-optional beach Torquay offers. It is also one of the most popular beaches in Torquay for long-boarding.
Families and young travelers alike can enjoy the stunning stretch of sand, however, we don’t recommend swimming. The water is better suited to surf and onlookers can get a great view of the ocean from the viewing platforms above.
Swimming: No
Surfing: Yes
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Parking
- Viewing platforms
Places to eat and drink: No, you’ll have to pack food and drink for the day or head back into Torquay town proper for something to eat.
Addiscot Beach
Stretching 1.8 km, this curved beach along the Surf Coast is backed by impressive yellow limestone seen along the Great Ocean Road. It’s a great place to surf with waves averaging 1-1.5 m.
Though the beach is nudist-friendly, is it still suitable for families who want to admire the sweeping vistas and go fossil hunting. Swimming can be enjoyed in the southern part of the beach however it should be avoided near the rocky areas in the northern part of the beach.
Swimming: In the southern part of the beach
Surfing: Yes
Facilities:
- Car Park
- No toilets – nearest located on Ellimatta Road or Bells Beach
Places to eat and drink: There are no nearby restaurants nearby. You’ll have to head back into Torquay town.
Point Addis Beach
Point Addis is one of the best beaches in Torquay for beginner surfers and scenery. Sheltered from large swells and strong winds, it’s waters are relatively safe to surf.
Many people enjoy walking from Bells Beach to Point Addis, as it offers a quieter, more tranquil place to sunbathe and enjoy the views. If you want to get away from the main beaches frequented by other Great Ocean Road travelers, Point Addis is a great starting point.
Swimming: Not recommended due to strong rip current
Surfing: Yes
Facilities:
- Nearest toilets located at Bells Beach
- Viewing platform
- Car park
Places to eat and drink: No, pack everything you will need for a day at the beach.
Read Next: The Best Torquay Accommodations
If you’re looking for the best beach in Torquay, you will be spoiled for choice! In Torquay, Australia, beach activities are a great way to cool down in the heat of summer while in the winter, waves are bigger for surfing and afternoon walks are a great way to see the Great Ocean Road coastline.
Whichever season you decide to come, there’s plenty of beaches to suit your interests in Torquay, Victoria.
Which are your favourite Torquay beaches?
Read Next: The 10 Best Great Ocean Road Beaches
