Bek's guidebook for Torquay & surrounding areas
Food Scene
Our favourite restaurants and cafes
TORQUAY - Excellent range of fruit; vegetables; cheeses; organic meat and flowers... unique variety and deliciously fresh. 132 Surfcoast Highway
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Peachs Torquay
132 Surf Coast HwyTORQUAY - Excellent range of fruit; vegetables; cheeses; organic meat and flowers... unique variety and deliciously fresh. 132 Surfcoast Highway
TORQUAY - Located in Bell street; just five minutes from Saltbush.
Very popular with locals.
Our MOST favourite restaurant of them all!
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Roku Den
34 Bell StTORQUAY - Located in Bell street; just five minutes from Saltbush.
Very popular with locals.
Our MOST favourite restaurant of them all!
TORQUAY - A Middle Eastern inspired menu designed to share.
The Kyn is your perfect venue for lunch, dinner or an afternoon drink in the sun overlooking the iconic Esplanade’s beachfront.
41 The Esplanade
Torquay, VIC 3228
Monday - Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday - Thursday 5pm - late
Friday - Sunday 11.30am - late
The Kyn
TORQUAY - A Middle Eastern inspired menu designed to share.
The Kyn is your perfect venue for lunch, dinner or an afternoon drink in the sun overlooking the iconic Esplanade’s beachfront.
41 The Esplanade
Torquay, VIC 3228
Monday - Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday - Thursday 5pm - late
Friday - Sunday 11.30am - late
TORQUAY - Great Italian; freshest seasonal and local ingredients; have vegetarian and vegan options and have gluten free pasta available on request
Open Wed - Sun evenings from 5.30pm
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Pearl Torquay
8 Pearl StTORQUAY - Great Italian; freshest seasonal and local ingredients; have vegetarian and vegan options and have gluten free pasta available on request
Open Wed - Sun evenings from 5.30pm
TORQUAY - Authentic Italian; wood fired pizzas are particularly scrummy!
3/15 Bell Street Torquay
7 days - 8.30am - 10.30pm
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Il Matto
15 Bell StTORQUAY - Authentic Italian; wood fired pizzas are particularly scrummy!
3/15 Bell Street Torquay
7 days - 8.30am - 10.30pm
TORQUAY - 47 The Esplanade (a walk away)
Great coffee; perfect to walk on the beach then drop in here. Our last guests tried coffee all over Torquay and they voted the Salty Dog as the best. During summer, Bomboras Beach Bar opens upstairs for afternoons with live music and cool mixes overlooking the ocean. What's not to love.
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The Salty Dog Cafe
47 The EsplanadeTORQUAY - 47 The Esplanade (a walk away)
Great coffee; perfect to walk on the beach then drop in here. Our last guests tried coffee all over Torquay and they voted the Salty Dog as the best. During summer, Bomboras Beach Bar opens upstairs for afternoons with live music and cool mixes overlooking the ocean. What's not to love.
TORQUAY - Very popular Vietnamese Restaurant. No bookings - walk in only.
38 The Esplanade
Open Mon-Thurs 5-9pm
Fri-Sun 12 - 9pm
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Pholklore
38 The EsplanadeTORQUAY - Very popular Vietnamese Restaurant. No bookings - walk in only.
38 The Esplanade
Open Mon-Thurs 5-9pm
Fri-Sun 12 - 9pm
TORQUAY - Delicious Thai food - we've only managed to get takeaway rather than dine-in as so very popular.
12-14 Pearl Street
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HugSiam Thai
12-14 Pearl StTORQUAY - Delicious Thai food - we've only managed to get takeaway rather than dine-in as so very popular.
12-14 Pearl Street
TORQUAY - Right on the Esplanade overlooking the beach - always popular.
23 The Esplanade
Open everyday in Summer 8am - 10pm
Doc Hughes
TORQUAY - Right on the Esplanade overlooking the beach - always popular.
23 The Esplanade
Open everyday in Summer 8am - 10pm
TORQUAY - Popular Indian food; dine in, takeaway or delivery
1 Cliff Street, Torquay
Lentils indian cuisine
TORQUAY - Popular Indian food; dine in, takeaway or delivery
1 Cliff Street, Torquay
TORQUAY - on the Esplanade.
Not your average fish-and-chip shop, this oceanfront (DINE IN ONLY) joint does original takes on the classics, such as gummy-shark tacos, sticky-fried-snapper wings and sweet-potato cakes. Local beer and cider on tap.
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Fishos Torquay
36 The EsplanadeTORQUAY - on the Esplanade.
Not your average fish-and-chip shop, this oceanfront (DINE IN ONLY) joint does original takes on the classics, such as gummy-shark tacos, sticky-fried-snapper wings and sweet-potato cakes. Local beer and cider on tap.
Gypsy Burger
TORQUAY - if you love burgers this is a must!
5 Zeally Bay Road
TORQUAY - Located in Bell Street, just 5 mins drive from Saltbush.
A must for meat-lovers.
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Squire's Loft
15 Bell StTORQUAY - Located in Bell Street, just 5 mins drive from Saltbush.
A must for meat-lovers.
TORQUAY - 5 mins drive from Saltbush.
One stop shop for all things organic, eco-friendly and healthy.
Shop 104, 41 Bristol Road (opposite Betty's Burgers)
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Surfcoast Wholefoods
41 Bristol RdTORQUAY - 5 mins drive from Saltbush.
One stop shop for all things organic, eco-friendly and healthy.
Shop 104, 41 Bristol Road (opposite Betty's Burgers)
TORQUAY - Located at 4 Baines Crescent - just five mins drive from Saltbush.
This rustic-chic cafe has the best vegetarian food in town, offering nasi goreng or mushroom ragout with poached egg for brekkie, and chunky homemade vegetarian 'sausage' rolls for lunch. If you're around Friday, head out to the car park for its famous paella cook-up ($15). It does fantastic coffee, too, using Proud Mary beans from Melbourne.
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Ginger Monkey Cafe
4 Baines CresTORQUAY - Located at 4 Baines Crescent - just five mins drive from Saltbush.
This rustic-chic cafe has the best vegetarian food in town, offering nasi goreng or mushroom ragout with poached egg for brekkie, and chunky homemade vegetarian 'sausage' rolls for lunch. If you're around Friday, head out to the car park for its famous paella cook-up ($15). It does fantastic coffee, too, using Proud Mary beans from Melbourne.
Located at Swan Bay near Queenscliffe; 40 mins drive from Saltbush.
My absolute favourite place!
Beautiful old house set on gorgeous property with fabulous gardens; locally grown produce; simple delicious menu and outstanding wine.
You can be assured that what isn’t pulled from the gardens here is sourced from very close by.
Booking advised to avoid disappointment. Indoor or out.
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Basils Farm
43-53 Nye RdLocated at Swan Bay near Queenscliffe; 40 mins drive from Saltbush.
My absolute favourite place!
Beautiful old house set on gorgeous property with fabulous gardens; locally grown produce; simple delicious menu and outstanding wine.
You can be assured that what isn’t pulled from the gardens here is sourced from very close by.
Booking advised to avoid disappointment. Indoor or out.
Drysdale - 40 mins drive from Saltbush.
Restaurant and cellar door; completely divine location and ample servings of delicious food. Spent my birthday lunch here this year and it was truly a memorable day. Oldest and largest winery situated at the highest point on the Bellarine Peninsula - breath taking views across Port Phillip Bay to Melb city skyline. Impeccable service. Go there.
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Scotchmans Hill
190 Scotchmans RdDrysdale - 40 mins drive from Saltbush.
Restaurant and cellar door; completely divine location and ample servings of delicious food. Spent my birthday lunch here this year and it was truly a memorable day. Oldest and largest winery situated at the highest point on the Bellarine Peninsula - breath taking views across Port Phillip Bay to Melb city skyline. Impeccable service. Go there.
Vegan and health heaven - perfect stop over in Anglesea when driving from Torquay to Lorne...(Anglesea is @20 mins drive from Torquay)
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Great Ocean Road Wellness
11 Inverlochy StVegan and health heaven - perfect stop over in Anglesea when driving from Torquay to Lorne...(Anglesea is @20 mins drive from Torquay)
Located at Barwon Heads: 15 mins drive from Saltbush.
Just ask the locals - it's where they all hang out.
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Starfish Bakery
78 Hitchcock AveLocated at Barwon Heads: 15 mins drive from Saltbush.
Just ask the locals - it's where they all hang out.
Located in Ocean Grove; 15 mins from Saltbush.
Eclectic interesting surrounds; good coffee.
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Kyosk Cafe
91 The ParadeLocated in Ocean Grove; 15 mins from Saltbush.
Eclectic interesting surrounds; good coffee.
30 minutes drive inland from Saltbush.
Great food; organic produce; lovely couple..
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Ravens Creek Farm
742 Hendy Main Rd30 minutes drive inland from Saltbush.
Great food; organic produce; lovely couple..
Barwon Heads - Classic old white federation timber jetty dwelling at the river mouth looking out to sea... Building is best known for the Australian mini-series "Sea Change" - great for a coffee or lunch with a view...
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At the Heads
1A Jetty RdBarwon Heads - Classic old white federation timber jetty dwelling at the river mouth looking out to sea... Building is best known for the Australian mini-series "Sea Change" - great for a coffee or lunch with a view...
Wellness
Massage, facials, yoga and pilates
A former nurse, Talitha is literally a block away from Saltbush - about 5 houses walk. Her home massage studio means you can wander down the street and get a soothing therapeutic massage anytime you like. Talk to me about her contact details.
State Of Ananda - Massage Therapy
A former nurse, Talitha is literally a block away from Saltbush - about 5 houses walk. Her home massage studio means you can wander down the street and get a soothing therapeutic massage anytime you like. Talk to me about her contact details.
Shopping
My favourite places to shop...
Surfing gear heaven...Several major outlets and DFOs in side street (ie Baines Cres)
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Rip Curl Torquay
101 Surf Coast HwySurfing gear heaven...Several major outlets and DFOs in side street (ie Baines Cres)
TORQUAY - great little gift/homewares store in Bell street just next to Il Matto Italian restaurant
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Frankie Say Relax
15 Bell StTORQUAY - great little gift/homewares store in Bell street just next to Il Matto Italian restaurant
TORQUAY - Fabulous homewares store. Shop 2, 3 Cliff Street Torquay. This light-filled store is a must see for all road-trippers, holiday makers and locals alike.
Open Wed - Sun 10am - 4pm
Jarvis + Jarvis Home
TORQUAY - Fabulous homewares store. Shop 2, 3 Cliff Street Torquay. This light-filled store is a must see for all road-trippers, holiday makers and locals alike.
Open Wed - Sun 10am - 4pm
TORQUAY - Lots of great homegrown goodies - every Saturday morning on the green outside the Surf Coast Shire council building. (opposite Bunnings)
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Torquay Farmers' Market
TORQUAY - Lots of great homegrown goodies - every Saturday morning on the green outside the Surf Coast Shire council building. (opposite Bunnings)
Armadi Boutique
89 Great Ocean RdAnglesea - Australian contemporary fashion
87 - 89 Great Ocean Road
Arts & Culture
TORQUAY - The perfect starting point for those embarking on a surfing safari, this superbly curated museum pays homage to Australian surfing. Here you'll see Simon Anderson's ground-breaking 1981 thruster, Mark Richard's awesome airbrushed board-art collection and, most notably, Australia's Surfing Hall of Fame. It's full of great memorabilia (including Duke Kahanamoku's wooden longboard), videos and displays on surf culture from the 1960s to the '80s. Its themed shows throughout the year are always quality too.
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Australian National Surfing Museum
77 Beach RdTORQUAY - The perfect starting point for those embarking on a surfing safari, this superbly curated museum pays homage to Australian surfing. Here you'll see Simon Anderson's ground-breaking 1981 thruster, Mark Richard's awesome airbrushed board-art collection and, most notably, Australia's Surfing Hall of Fame. It's full of great memorabilia (including Duke Kahanamoku's wooden longboard), videos and displays on surf culture from the 1960s to the '80s. Its themed shows throughout the year are always quality too.
Queenscliff - 45 mins drive from Saltbush. 33-35 Hess Street. Established in 2004 in Queenscliff, Victoria, Salt Contemporary Art exhibits the works of Contemporary Australian Painters, Sculptors and Ceramicists. Housed in a historically significant former drapery store, the gallery offers two spacious levels of exhibition space a private client viewing room and stunning water views.
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Salt Contemporary Art
33-35 Hesse StQueenscliff - 45 mins drive from Saltbush. 33-35 Hess Street. Established in 2004 in Queenscliff, Victoria, Salt Contemporary Art exhibits the works of Contemporary Australian Painters, Sculptors and Ceramicists. Housed in a historically significant former drapery store, the gallery offers two spacious levels of exhibition space a private client viewing room and stunning water views.
Queenscliff Gallery
81 Hesse StQueenscliff - 81 Hesse Street. Excellent stockroom of contemporary painters.
Queenscliff - 86 Hesse Street. Another fabulous old building with multiple rooms and diverse artworks.
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Seaview Gallery
86 Hesse StQueenscliff - 86 Hesse Street. Another fabulous old building with multiple rooms and diverse artworks.
Drinks & Nightlife
TORQUAY - This is just a lovely place to go for a glass of wine in luxurious armchairs and lounges (with an open fire in winter)...plus their Hamman bathing & Spa is superb! @$45 per person for 3 hours - Their best kept secret.
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RACV Torquay Resort
1 Great Ocean RdTORQUAY - This is just a lovely place to go for a glass of wine in luxurious armchairs and lounges (with an open fire in winter)...plus their Hamman bathing & Spa is superb! @$45 per person for 3 hours - Their best kept secret.
TORQUAY - Part of Quiksilver; cool venue; easy vibe... especially if you fancy a game of pool.
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Bar 61
61 Geelong RdTORQUAY - Part of Quiksilver; cool venue; easy vibe... especially if you fancy a game of pool.
Drysdale - After lunch at Scotchman's Hill I suggest you pop in here on your way back...
Located at 2102 - 2120 Portarlington Road.
Closed Tues & Wednesday. Open 11am - 5pm other days.
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The Whiskery
2 Scotchmans RdDrysdale - After lunch at Scotchman's Hill I suggest you pop in here on your way back...
Located at 2102 - 2120 Portarlington Road.
Closed Tues & Wednesday. Open 11am - 5pm other days.
Sightseeing
Pt Addis is a beautiful beach. Ask me about the Ironbark Basin walk there.
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Point Addis Beach
Point Addis BoardwalkPt Addis is a beautiful beach. Ask me about the Ironbark Basin walk there.
A tiger moth adventure is an unforgettable experience. Step back in time and climb aboard a vintage WWII open cockpit biplane. Be Biggles for a day and enjoy the magnificent views of the Great Ocean Road. Adventure flights form $250...
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Tiger Moth World Adventure Flights
325 Blackgate RdA tiger moth adventure is an unforgettable experience. Step back in time and climb aboard a vintage WWII open cockpit biplane. Be Biggles for a day and enjoy the magnificent views of the Great Ocean Road. Adventure flights form $250...
Driving over here to the ferry foreshore and to Point Lonsdale is a lovely drive; old architecture; shops and water views...
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Queenscliff
Driving over here to the ferry foreshore and to Point Lonsdale is a lovely drive; old architecture; shops and water views...
Port Campbell - Three hours (one way) trip from Saltbush. The 7 hour trip can be done in a day if you get up really early. I never tire of this view... Set out early to beat the crowds (and the wind)!
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Die Zwölf Apostel
Port Campbell - Three hours (one way) trip from Saltbush. The 7 hour trip can be done in a day if you get up really early. I never tire of this view... Set out early to beat the crowds (and the wind)!
Entertainment & Activities
Great fun - and a birds eye view/experience (3 hrs drive one way)
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Otway Fly Baumkronenabenteuer
Great fun - and a birds eye view/experience (3 hrs drive one way)
Whether it's a private lesson (2 hrs) with all equipment ($180) or hiring equipment (surf boards, paddle boards, kayaks, body boards and wetsuits) - these guys have it all...
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Torquay Surfing Academy
34A Bell StWhether it's a private lesson (2 hrs) with all equipment ($180) or hiring equipment (surf boards, paddle boards, kayaks, body boards and wetsuits) - these guys have it all...
Aireys Inlet - fabulous bookshop - worth the stop.
Nicole is the most delightful owner...
Shop 2/75 Great Ocean Road Aireys Inlet
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Great Escape Books
75 Great Ocean RdAireys Inlet - fabulous bookshop - worth the stop.
Nicole is the most delightful owner...
Shop 2/75 Great Ocean Road Aireys Inlet
Bellbrae - 1200 Great Ocean Road
All day cafe set on 15 acres of landscaped grounds - come, swim in chocolate. Tastings and workshops available.
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Chocolaterie und Eiscremery an der Great Ocean Road
1200 Great Ocean RdBellbrae - 1200 Great Ocean Road
All day cafe set on 15 acres of landscaped grounds - come, swim in chocolate. Tastings and workshops available.
Aireys Inlet - Great view from this lighthouse of the Shipwreck coast. There a tea house next door owned and run by a French pastry chef. Need I say more. After eating possibly the most delicious almond croissant of your life, dart just across the main road to Great Escape Books.
Split Point Leuchtturm
13 Federal StAireys Inlet - Great view from this lighthouse of the Shipwreck coast. There a tea house next door owned and run by a French pastry chef. Need I say more. After eating possibly the most delicious almond croissant of your life, dart just across the main road to Great Escape Books.