Australian National Surfing Museum - the stuff of legends

OVER the past 50 years, Torquay has become internationally synonymous with all that surfing has grown to be.

Torquay’s extraordinary impact on surfing is unique in Australia, thanks to our community’s passionate, creative and industrious surfers. From this passion has grown the Australian National Surfing Museum.

The ANSM is one of the largest museums of its kind in the world, and the only accredited surfing museum by the International Surfing Association. It celebrates a unique heritage that has developed over a century in Australia, and charts our significant contribution to the development of surfing worldwide.

Keep your eye out for Dicko making boards live in the shaping bay.

Through engaging themed exhibition spaces that showcase diverse collections of surfcraft, interactive displays and films, visitors can discover the intimate link between surfers and the power of breaking waves – as a hobby, sport, and a dynamic subculture.

With an incredible 150-plus surfboards in its collection, the most significant examples are presented throughout to share the story of passion and ingenuity – and for many, a magnificent trip down memory lane. From century-old solid wood slabs, hollow plywood “toothpicks”, balsa and fibreglass Malibu-style to modern water-rockets.

The museum has more than 150 surfboards in its collection. Discover the history of the iconic Bells trophy, first presented in 1968.

A treasured feature located inside the entrance is the imposing solid timber surfboards purchased from Duke Kahanamoku in Hawaii by Geelong local Louis Whyte in 1919. The boards were brought to Australia and ridden with pride at Surf Coast beaches in Lorne and Anglesea.

Move on to discover the history of the iconic Bells trophy, first presented in 1968. The ANSM also holds the Woorrangalook Victorian Indigenous Surf Titles Past Winners perpetual trophy board and Bells Beach Australian Indigenous Surfing Tiles honour board, thanks to Surfing Victoria.

Visitors can also learn about the first contest at Bells Beach, the beginnings of the local surf industry, the thrill of big wave riding, and the many elements that make up surf culture – design, fashion, art, movies and music. Stay longer to relax in the theatre; lose time in Grommetville, which has been created especially for children and the young at heart, and you may even catch Dicko making boards live in the shaping bay.

The museum has more than 150 surfboards in its collection.

The ANSM is a hidden gem that continues to gain appreciation and attract new audiences. Work has begun on a staged refresh that will see the facility introduce immersive experiences and reflect contemporary narratives including women in surfing and industry sustainability. One of the first areas to receive an upgrade is the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame that honours industry legends.

Whether you are eight or 88, at the ANSM you can ride a groundswell of history and discover how awesome and inspirational surfing can be.

The ANSM is at 77 Beach Road, Torquay, and is open 9am to 5pm every day (closed Christmas Day).

For more information, head to australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au