Culture & History
The Surf Coast has a long Koori history with various Wathaurong tribe clans living in the area for more than 40,000 years. White settlement began around 170 years ago and soon overwhelmed the indigenous population. Commercial and agricultural pursuits helped establish settlements along the coast and inland. From a cultural point of view, the Surf Coast is active in all areas of the arts and boasts many galleries and public art works.
Art on Show
Many examples of public art are on display throughout the Surf Coast. Among those capturing the imagination are murals, streetscapes, mosaics, a ceramic compass, a huge foreshore sundial, toilet blocks and unique signs carved from recycled electricity poles. There are many examples of colourful, thought-provoking and easily accessible public art around the Surf Coast.
One that draws many visitors is the giant sundial on the Torquay foreshore. Streetscapes at Torquay and Anglesea have also had an artisict touch applied. At Anglesea, artists were commissioned to design ceramic tiles and street furniture as part of the Great Ocean Road shopping centre redevelopment.
Torquay’s Bell Street revamp had some help from local schoolchildren who painted pavers, while an artist was commissioned to produce the “Stingray” seat sculpture.
Coastal toilet blocks have come in for some special artistic attention. Following the success and acceptance of the Bells Beach block makeover, others to receive a revamp are located at Aireys Inlet (Great Ocean Road), Anglesea (Great Ocean Road), Jan Juc (Bird Rock car park, Ocean Boulevard) and Torquay (Gilbert Street).
At the hinterland town of Deans Marsh, the history of the area, local flora and fauna and rural industries are captured in textile stage curtains at the hall. You’ll find fascinating murals at the Fig Tree Community House, Lorne, the Anglesea Community House and Torquay’s Spring Creek Community House.
Flushed with colour
One of the most eye-catching works of public art is the mural on the toilet block at the famous Bells Beach surfing reserve. The well-used and conspicuous facility was regarded as an eyesore in such a beautiful location until it received a strikingly colourful makeover.
In 1996, environmental group Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment (SANE) approached Surf Coast Shire with an idea for a mural on a hideous toilet block at surfing icon Bells Beach. It would depict the environment and Koori history in the area.
Two local artists were approached, Mark Trinham and Glen Romanis. Mark, a member of SANE, leapt at the chance. Glen, a Koori artist, also agreed to be part of the project.
The resulting mural has transformed the toilet block from being just another dreadful community amenity into an informative work of art.
Mark’s work represents significant and rare geographical features, flora, fauna and the sea and its creatures in the Bells Beach environs.
Some of the many images depicted are:
Rufous Bristlebird, Blue Fairy Wren, Echidna, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Southern Right Whale, moluscs, jelly fish, Common Sea Dragon, Peregrine Falcon, Fur Seal, Blue Ringed Octopus, Bent Winged Bat, Fairy Penguins, Wedge Tail Eagle, Bronze Whaler Shark, Wobbegong Shark, Abablone, Crayfish, Cushion Bush and coastal trees - Moonahs.
Glen’s work represents local middens and the traditional dreamtime story of the local Wathaurong tribe - MINDII, a snake with a three pronged tongue, who has powers to cause death or disease. Also represented in the mural is the Wandjii Spirit, by an eel and a red bellied black snake.
Through the outstanding artwork of Mark Trinham and Glen Romanis, people have their knowledge of the Koori presence and the environment heightened.
Surfing history on show
Surfing has had a fun, story-filled, history along the Surf Coast. A few years ago, it was decided that this history was too valuable to be lost in the mists of time. So Surfworld Museum was born, capturing the heart, soul and all the stories of local surfing. The museum is the worlds largest of its type and is located in the Surf City Plaza shopping complex.
Surfworld Museum is a must for all devotees of the genre and those who puzzle over what drives surfers to be so addicted to their pastime. Located in the Surf City Plaza of Australias surfing capital, Torquay, it can claim to be the largest surfing and beach culture museum in the world. It is packed with interactive videos, surf memorabilia, photographs and biographies of surfing pioneers, and is definitely a hands-on experience for all ages.
The wave tank shows just how waves are formed and why they break, plus there is a skill-testing element involved. Visitors are given the opportunity to surf a ball to the other end on the mechanical wave.
Of course the world-famous Bells Beach, just a few minutes from Torquay, features prominently. A detailed scale model reveals the secrets of one of the worlds greatest breaks. Bells is named after Ma Bell who owned the farm behind the beach. Surfworld features a complete history of Bells, the site of the Rip Curl Pro, the worlds longest-running surf competition. Surfworld has interactive videos throughout the exhibition. Check out surf fashion and music clips of the 1960s and 1970s. And you can watch some all-time classic surf movies, or learn more about our surf history in the Surfworld Theatre. Another hands-on exhibit is the paddling machine. You can investigate the changing fashions in surfboards and how technology has brought about a revolution in size and weight. Compare the short boards of today, weighing around 1kg, against heavyweight malibus.
Surfworld is situated in Beach Rd, Torquay. It is open 9am–5pm, 7 days a week. Visit Surfworld's website