Town by Town Snapshot: Torquay

THE size of Torquay is approximately 34.5sqkm, with 13.6 per cent of the total area dedicated to green space across 24 parks.

The population of Torquay in 2016 was 13,258 people. By 2021, the population was 18,534 showing a population growth of 39.8 per cent in the area during that time.

Positioned at the edge of Victoria’s Surf Coast, Torquay marks the beginning of the Great Ocean Road and offers a lifestyle that blends seaside charm with modern vitality. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Geelong, it has long been both a holiday escape and a thriving community in its own right.

Originally known as Spring Creek, Torquay’s early years were shaped by fishing, farming and modest holiday cottages. By the late 19th century, improved access from Melbourne and Geelong drew more visitors, laying the foundations for the bustling coastal town it is today.

Torquay’s identity is inseparable from its surf culture. Alongside the legendary Bells Beach, the region’s surf history is celebrated at the Australian National Surfing Museum, which showcases boards, memorabilia and the stories of the athletes who shaped the sport. This legacy continues to ripple through the town, from surfboard factories to grassroots surf clubs that nurture the next generation.

Beyond the waves, Torquay offers a variety of experiences for locals and visitors alike. The town is framed by natural reserves such as Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, a haven for marine life, and Spring Creek, which meanders through lush vegetation before reaching the sea. Parks, walking trails and bike paths weave through the community, highlighting the town’s strong connection to its environment.

Torquay’s landmarks range from its traditional foreshore caravan parks, which have hosted generations of holidaymakers, to new coastal estates that provide modern housing options. The town has become a base for exploring the Surf Coast hinterland, where rolling farmland meets forested ridges, adding to its appeal as both a residential hub and a visitor destination.

With its blend of history, natural assets and contemporary growth, Torquay continues to evolve while holding fast to its surfside character – a place where heritage, lifestyle and landscape are intertwined.

The predominant age group in Torquay is 40-49 years.

Households in Torquay are primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying $1,800-$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments.

In general, people in Torquay work in a professional occupation. In 2021, 75.7 per cent of the homes in Torquay were owner-occupied compared with 73.4 per cent in 2016.

Quick Stats

Population: 18,534

Male: 48.8%

Female: 51.2%

Median age: 39

5 Year Population Change: 39.8%

Median House Value: $1,247,061

Change in Median House Price (5 Years): 1.9%

Median Asking Rent Per Week: $700

Average Length of Ownership (Years): 12

Median House Price Over Time:

July 2025: $1,247,061