Talking Torquay

Often described as “Australia’s surfing capital”, you only need to spend a few days in Torquay to realise that’s both a fair appraisal and merely the tip of the iceberg. There are so many world class breaks around different bends, that if it’s flat where you’re standing, chances are it’s pumping around the corner. Not interested in surfing? That’s no worries, there’s just about everything else you could hope for too.

I had previously only stopped for a day in Torquay and left wondering what all the hype was about. Sure, it was 40 degrees and a Monday, so everything was closed, but it is funny how these factors can be ignored when you’re taking your first impressions. I take it all back now though. After spending a week, my wife and I even considered the practicalities of moving there (it’s impractical). For now, we’ll just have to settle for another holiday.

Whereas Mornington Peninsula has, for lack of a better word, a bit of a yuppie vibe, Torquay is a more laid back, surfie town. Sure, most of the holiday makers probably still have plenty of money, they just don’t flaunt it as much. They certainly spend it though and that could be why there are so many nice places to eat.

After blowing our budget in Yarra Valley, we were trying to tighten the belts a little, but a few of the local haunts proved too alluring. Growlers, on the Esplanade, was one of them. They somehow feel fancy and laid back at the same time, which is probably a fair summation of all Torquay. Rocky Point was recommended by a friend and do exceptional burgers – I did feel a bit sick afterwards, but that was my bad for eating a huge burger and then continuing onto the abandoned kid’s meal. Blackman’s Brewery do some nice food as well, but I’m not ashamed to admit I wasn’t really there for the meal. If it hadn’t been for the budget, I would have been stowing their IPAs into every nook and cranny of the caravan.

Speaking of IPAs, if you’re young and carefree, the Torquay Hotel would not be out of place in Sydney’s eastern beaches. They have some huge music acts play there and the whole place exudes a very Instagram worthy vibe. We are not young and carefree, however, so The Beach Hotel in Jan Juc was much more in line with our needs. They have nice pub-grub, at a reasonable price, and even have a kid’s play area.

Finally, there is, of course, the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is officially the start of it and while it would be a long journey, it is not unfeasible that you could stay in Torquay and get to Twelve Apostles and back in one day. It’s definitely not recommended for those with kids, but if you don’t mind spending six hours in a car, with plenty of stunning stops along the way, there are worse ways to spend a Saturday.

Words by Alasdair McClintock (@aldothewriter)