Tempting Torquay

Author: Darren Stones
Word Count: 647
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Tempting Torquay

Tempting Torquay belongs to the following groups:

Australia! You're Standing In it...., Australian Travel Photography and Writing - 1 per 24hrs, Geelong Throng and Otway National Park / Great Ocean Road (1/day)

By Darren Stones

Torquay is famous for surfing and as the starting point of the world-renowned Great Ocean Road. Being only 97kms from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, it’s the ideal daytrip option for those wanting a much-needed taste of the south-west coast. Local, interstate and overseas tourists arrive in droves during holiday times; however quieter times are more conducive to a relaxed atmosphere and ideal for exploring coastal features and attractions.

Strolling along the main beach at Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

Rocky Point, Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

If you’re a keen walker, there are various tracks catering to different levels of fitness. The cliff top walk at nearby Jan Juc has constructed lookouts offering spectacular panoramic views of the ocean, beach and rocky outcrops. Rocky Point, at the eastern end of Jan Juc beach is a favourite area with a lookout providing a view of the Torquay Surf Club, main beach, and Point Danger. It’s a brilliant vista, so bring your camera.

Steps at Rocky Point leading down to Jan Juc Beach
Photo: Darren Stones

Walking path at Point Danger, Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

Interested in learning to surf? The main surf beach at Torquay is where qualified surfing instructors provide instruction for a fee. Learn to surf school Go Ride A Wave provides the equipment to get you started and bookings can be made on the phone or online.

Learning to surf at Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

Lifesavers training at Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

Surfworld Museum honours the champions of the world’s surfing fraternity, and is also where enthusiasts can purchase the gear needed to ride the waves of Bells Beach. It’s common to see local tradesmen head for the iconic Bells Beach after work to catch a few waves, and it is clear evidence that the beach culture is alive and well amongst locals.

Surfer at Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

The world-famous Bells Beach
Photo: Darren Stones

Keep an eye out for whales during June-September as numbers are increasing and sightings are becoming more frequent along this stretch of coast. Kite surfing is popular on weekends with the Zeally Bay/Point Danger area being the perfect spot to witness the skill and athleticism on display.

Point Danger is where most tourists travelling by car get their first glimpse of the glorious coastline along the Great Ocean Road. A war memorial dedicated to those brave souls who fought in World War I and II, along with a black granite memorial honouring the Anzacs is located on the point.

War memorial at Point Danger, Torquay
Photo: Darren Stones

Things to do:

Go Ride A Wave
Surfing instruction
Shop 1 15 Bell Street
Torquay, Victoria, Australia 3228
Phone: 1300 132 441
www.gorideawave.com.au

Surfworld
World’s largest surfing museum
Beach Road
Torquay, Victoria, 3228
Phone: 03 5261 4606
www.surfworld.org.au

Johnsart

Great story and photo’s Darren. Do I mis a photo of the livesavers? Story goes into the archive. There are walking tracks I saw.
Darren Stones replied

Thanks John. I hope all the pics are displaying okay.

Yes, good walking opportunities around this area, with well-constructed paths leading to lookouts along the coast. The Great Ocean Walk may be of interest.
Darryl SANT

Excellent photos Darren. We have many great beaches around this beautiful country of ours. There are many beautiful beaches around Torquay. There are some great walking tracks all over the place down there. I have also walked around many of the tracks with the family all along shipwreck coast. From Torquay around to Port Fairy. Such a beautiful part of the world. We are extremely lucky in this country, to have what we have. Keep up the good work promoting different locations Darren. Well done mate.
Darren Stones replied

Have to agree, Darryl, we have beaut regions to explore that provide excellent recreation opportunities. The south-west coast can be calm and sunny one day, stormy and windy the next. Weather like that makes for an interesting trip over a few days. But, it’s beautiful in any conditions.
Claire Farley

Never heard of this place, thank you for sharing excellent photos of it. I particularly like Bells Beach. If I am ever down that way again…a definite must see place. Thank you Darren.
Darren Stones replied

My pleasure, Claire. Torquay is a beaut spot for people watching – particularly when the weather is warm. There’s something to please everyone. :)
dazgwen

Hey bud long time no hear. Get up here to QLD you’ll love it
Darren Stones replied

Hi Darren, trust you’re well and QLD is treating you okay.

The humidity and sun rising at 4am is something that deters me from moving to QLD. However, I realise the rain is warmer in QLD compared to VIC. :)

Cheers.
Puggs

That is fantastic, so good that i opened Journals on the group, would love it in there
Darren Stones replied

Thanks, Dion. The colours along the coast at Torquay are attractive, and I enjoy experiencing the area and finding something new to explore. It’s a good sign that more whales are being sighted, and one of the locals commented that it’s great for the area. Cheers.
John Conway

Excellent article Mr Stones and accompanied by tempting photographs of the region you describe.
Darren Stones replied

Appreciate your feedback, Mr Conway. Just love getting down there from time-to-time to simply chill out. Nice area around there. Cheers.
vonderzenn

well done Darren enjoyed reading and looking
Darren Stones replied

Glad you enjoyed reading this, Margaret, and your comments are much appreciated. The little nooks and crannies around Torquay fascinate me, and the fresh air clears the cobwebs nicely. :)
LeanneNelson

Great piece on a wonderful part of Victoria, Darren
EarthGipsy

Sounds like a fun place ot visit – great pics too.
LeanneNelson

Congratulations! You have been featured in the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group 23 Nov 2009.

Great piece, Darren, outlining some of the many attractions of Torquay.
Darren Stones replied

Thanks Leanne. I like spending some relaxation time in Torquay – the sea air is nice. :)
georgieboy98

An all round excellent piece of photo journalism Darren. It’s brought back a heap of long forgotten memories and set the old wanderlust juices flowing again! Regards, Peter