Torquay, VIC

The surfing capital of Australia — home to Rip Curl and Quiksilver, with Fishermans Beach for beginners and Jan Juc for power.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

It's Friday, 28 August, and we're kicking off the day with a beautiful coastal morning, the sun shining down on us with a temperature of 8C. The cloud cover is sitting at 24%, making it a mostly clear day, perfect for getting out and enjoying all the activities our stunning coastline has to offer. With the humidity at 85%, it's feeling a bit crisp, but that's just part of the charm of being by the ocean.



Out in the ocean, the wave height is looking great for surfers, sitting at 0.72m, which is knee to waist high, ideal for catching some fun longboard waves. The water temperature is 13.5C, so make sure you're wearing a 4/3 full wetsuit to stay warm and comfortable. We've got a high tide coming in at 12:01 pm, reaching 3.4m, and a low tide at 05:33 pm, dropping down to -2.1m, so plan your beach and water activities accordingly.



Whether you're a surfer, runner, cyclist, or paddleboarder, today is shaping up to be a fantastic day to get out and enjoy your favourite sport. The wind is blowing at 14 km/h from the WNW, with gusts up to 25 km/h, which might make for some interesting cycling conditions, but overall, it's a great day to be active. For anglers, the calm waters and gentle breeze could make for some excellent fishing conditions, and with the UV index being low, at 0.05, you don't need to worry about extra sun protection.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to remain steady, with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. It's going to be a beautiful day to soak up the sun, take a stroll along the beach, or try your hand at paddleboarding. With the air quality sitting at an AQI of 21, it's a great day to be outdoors, so why not grab your board, your bike, or your running shoes, and make the most of this stunning coastal day – we'll see you out there.

About This Coastline

Torquay is the recognised gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the centre of Victoria’s modern surf industry.

The location rewards attention to its details: the orientation of the shore, the form of the headlands and the way the town meets the water.

The Vibe

The town has an energetic but practical beach culture, with surf schools, board shops and coastal walks woven into everyday life.

Family beaches near the centre contrast with more challenging breaks farther west. Its appeal is strongest when the day is allowed to unfold naturally, following conditions rather than a rigid resort timetable.

The Local Anchor

Surf City Plaza and the headquarters history of brands such as Rip Curl and Quiksilver provide a commercial anchor, while the Australian National Surfing Museum documents the sport’s national story.

Bells Beach nearby gives the town international status. The landmark also acts as a bridge between the natural coast and the human stories that have accumulated around it.

The Landscape

Torquay Front Beach is relatively sheltered for swimming, while Jan Juc and the Surf Coast face stronger Southern Ocean swell.

Ochre cliffs, reefs and broad sandy beaches mark the beginning of the more dramatic Great Ocean Road landscape. These physical features influence everything from wave behaviour to wildlife habitat and the practical routes people take along the shore.

Together, these elements give Torquay a coastal identity shaped as much by local life as by the water itself.