Family Activities in Torquay

Hit the Beach!

Although Torquay is known for its perfect surf, there are also some great spots sheltered from the swell that are terrific for families and swimming.  

We recommend Cozy Corner with little ones, a nice and protected spot for the kids to play, muck around with their boogie boards and even try to learn to surf. Plus there public toilets on the esplanade above and a range of cafes across the road for the kids post-swim hunger, or for your much needed iced latte! 

Pack a Picnic

When the sun is out, so should you be. Make sure you pack the picnic rug when visiting Torquay and enjoy a meal immersed in nature. 

In summer, it stays light until 9:30pm providing plenty of time to enjoy the warm evening air. Water temperatures are mild in summer, and a refreshing late evening dip is a must before bed. In the winter, rug up in a cozy jacket and bring a bottle of red to keep the spirits warm. Set up in the sheltered nook of a tree, peering out to see the frosty winds chopping up the ocean. 

There are many great spots to pull out your picnic rug around Torquay: 

The Esplanade
The wide grassy reserve beside Torquay’s Front Beach along The Esplanade is a top spot for a picnic or barbecue. The ocean views are idyllic and there’s usually a cool sea breeze on hot days. There are plenty of picnic tables, barbecues and a large children’s playground. 

Taylors Reserve
Sitting between Zeally Bay Rd and Beach Rd along the Esplanade is the bushland reserve of Taylor Park. The reserve has loads of trails to explore including a small watering hole that attract plenty of bird life. The BBQs in Taylors Park are beside the Lawn Bowls car park. 

Spring Creek
Spring Creek is the creek running behind the sporting reserve on the corner of the Surf Coast Hwy and the start of the Great Ocean Road. On the western side of the creek, a walking track leads under the moonahs for peaceful views. You can go further on to the frog ponds and the BMX bike park. On the eastern side, dangle your feet in the water from the jetty near the netball courts or kick a ball around the oval. 

Jan Jac 
Surrounded by soft grass, the Jan Jac Creek Playground located on Carnarvon Ave is a great spot for the kids, sheltered from the cold onshore breeze that frequents the cost line. The park has BBQ facilities, a picnic table, a small playground and plenty of space to kick the footy. 

Walk the Dog

Visiting with your furry family member? Dogs are welcome in Torquay and there are plenty of outdoor seating areas at bars and cafes your dog is welcome too!  

Just make sure you read the signs and know where Fido can be off lead and when he has to be on a lead. Here is the general rundown: 

In Torquay and along the Surf Coast, dogs are required to be on the leash at all times in public places unless specified as an off leash area. Some reserves and beaches are designated as off leash areas.   

Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, national parks or environmentally protected areas. 

During peak visitor periods including summer and the Easter weekend, timeshare restrictions operate on some of the popular beaches. This means dogs aren’t allowed in certain areas from 9am – 7pm.  A sign indicating timeshare restrictions will be visible at each beach access point for guidance. 

Download the Surf Coast Shire Dog Regulations map here.

Pack the Snorkel

Point Danger Marine Sanctuary is a reef ideal for snorkelling and exploring the diverse marine life at low tide. The area between Torquay’s back and front beaches is a small limestone reef which is only exposed at the lowest of summer tides. It lies just offshore and is often isolated from the beach by a deep sandy channel. A shipwreck lies there, the Joseph H. Scammell. Covered in small boulders and intricate seaweed beds, the reef is home to a number of weird and wonderful creatures.