Autumn in Torquay
20 March 2019 - Great Ocean Road

Torquay and surrounding areas boast some of Australia's best surf beaches (image by © Paul Brownbridge).
Autumn days are still nice and sunny but the evenings are getting crisper on the Surf Coast. The odd beach day lingers and swimming is replaced with stand up paddle boarding and surfing as the wetsuits come out. Don’t miss taking part in these events and activities on in Torquay this Autumn.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
The 58th running of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach takes place over Easter.
This event is stop number two on the World Surf League World Tour.
The world’s best male and female surfers descend upon Torquay to compete for professional surfing’s most treasured trophy – the Rip Curl Pro Bell.
The event holds a very special place in surfing folklore, as it’s the longest running world championship level contest on the World Tour.
The event only runs in the best possible surf conditions, so to avoid disappointment, it’s best to visit the World Surf League website each morning to check if the event is on before you make the drive to famous Bells Beach.
You can also catch the action from the numerous official “live sites” at Torquay cafés, restaurants and venues were the vibe is electric.
When – 17 April – 27 April, 2019
Bells Beach
(12-minute drive from Serenity Torquay Accommodation)
Surf Coast Trek 2019
The Surf Coast Trek is a fundraising walk for Geelong’s Give Where You Live Foundation and Kids Plus Foundation. Requiring some pre-training, the walk stretches for 40km along the Surf Coast from Aireys Inlet to Torquay, finishing just 1km from Serenity Torquay Accommodation.
The track meanders through Ironbark forests, across stunning exposed cliff tops, among exquisite wild flowers and along sandy beaches all with sweeping ocean views.
For more information or, to register visit www.surfcoasttrek.com.au
When – Saturday 6 April 2019
Surf Coast Walk
Alternatively, you can do the walk yourself, anytime. That way the 40km stretch can be broken into smaller, more achievable stretches.
Whether you’re a nature lover, trail runner or serious walker, whether you take an hour, a day or a week, this world-class trail is to be enjoyed at your own pace.
The trail’s easy access and 12 trail heads make it perfect for short, long or multi-day experiences.
- Enjoy the Torquay promenade and Anglesea River on flat, kid-friendly, easy shared paths (kids cycling possible)
- Follow the clifftop lookouts around Jan Juc
- Relish the rich ochre of the Bells Beach cliffs and the deep blue of Bass Strait
- Surround yourself with leafy green of eucalypt forests and abundant wildlife in the Ironbark basin
- Let the lighthouse be your guide to Aireys Inlet.
Find out more about the Surf Coast walk
The Great High Tea Party
Open daily, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie hosts a variety of regular events. One that has caught our attention is the Great High Tea Party which forms part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.
Bring the whole family for a day full of pure imagination as Chocolatiers and pastry chefs create an indulgent, chocolate-coated family high tea.
When – 16 – 17 March 2019
1200 Great Ocean Road (Cnr Elkington Road), Bellbrae 3228
(15 Minute drive from Serenity Torquay Accommodation)
Ravens Creek Farm Autumn Fair
Celebrate the season of falling leaves and pumpkin soup with a festive day out at the farm.
With live music, market stalls and kids entertainment, the popular Ravens Creek Farm Autumn Fair has something for everyone.
Farm workshops are held throughout the day so you can learn about everything from vegetable gardening and composting and to beekeeping and animal husbandry.
When – TBC check the Ravens Creek Farm website
742 Hendy Main Road, Moriac
(19 minutes drive from Serenity Accommodation)
The Drop Festival 2019
The Drop Festival is dropping back in on the Rip Curl Pro for the second year running.
Stellar line up includes: Angus & Julia Stone, Client Liaison, Hockey Dad, The Jungle Giants and Alex the Astronaut.
The Drop takes place alongside the three Australian World Surf League Championship Tour events (at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Bells Beach in Torquay, and Margaret River in WA).
The Drop Festival is a proudly local, environmentally sustainable event encouraging a lifestyle of good food, art, family fun and community culture to be enjoyed with your favourite people.
The Drop Festival 2019 in Torquay is an all ages event.
When – Saturday, 20 April 2019
Torquay Common, 1 Bell Street, Torquay 3228
(20 minute walk from Serenity Torquay Accommodation)
Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride
A superb cycling event starting and finishing in Torquay. This cycling event takes in 90km of road closures with the highest standard of event organisation.
Take in the spectacular scenery along the course with the opportunity to stop in the townships of Moriac, Deans Marsh and along the Great Ocean Road at Lorne, Aireys Inlet and Anglesea.
When – Saturday, 27 April 2019
Start & Finish at the Elephant Walk , The Esplanade, Torquay
(1km from Serenity Accommodation)
For more information on the Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride click here.
Torquay Farmer’s Market
The Torquay Farmer’s Market, operates rain, hail or shine and is ideal for picking up your fresh fruit and veggies and a wide variety of local foods. Artisan produce including meat, eggs, cheeses and breads, smoked fish, salami, olive oil, jams, honey, preserves and nuts as well as delicious treats and locally roasted coffee and much more!
Remember to bring your own bags. The market has a strong commitment to sustainability and all vendors are plastic bag free.
When – Every Saturday Morning, 8:30am-1pm
The carpark of the Surf Coast Shire Offices at 1 Merrijig Dve, Torquay
(5 minute drive from Serenity Torquay Accommodation)
The Farmers’ Place Farmers Market
The Farmer’s Place is all about supporting local farmers and producers through the promotion, use and sale of regional produce.
The Farmer’s Place creates a great vibe for the monthly market where you can support local producers and enjoy quality foods. There’s a Café too.
When – Last Sunday of the month, 9am-1pm
675 Anglesea Road, Freshwater Creek
(12 Minute drive from Serenity Torquay Accommodation)
The Farmer’s Place is open most days. Kids love it.
Serenity Torquay Accommodation
Serenity Torquay Accommodation is a great place to base yourself for many of the events held in Torquay, Geelong and surrounds
Get in quick! Accommodation books quickly – sometimes 12 months in advance!