Whether it’s summer or winter, Victoria’s Surf Coast on the Great Ocean Road is the place to soak up the sunshine.
With so many amazing activities scattered along the Surf Coast, we’ve narrowed down the top family-friendly activities on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road in the major towns of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.
If you’re looking for information about Lorne (another major town along the Surf Coast), we have a separate post on things to do in Lorne with kids.
Things to do in Torquay
The first place you’ll be wanting to plant yourself is in the surfside town of Torquay, home to the Rip Curl surf pro competition at Bells Beach and only an hour and a half from Melbourne CBD.
Torquay is the largest town along the Surf Coast and is the beginning of the Great Ocean Road.
1. Learn to surf at Bells Beach
Learning to surf might just be top of the list of things to do in Torquay! The perfect activity for all ages young and old, you’ll never forget the first wave you catch on your longboard.
There are many surf schools within the Township of Torquay where both adults and kids can learn to surf, with wetsuit and board hire available in-store at all surf schools.
The three most popular surfing schools in the region are the Torquay Surfing Academy, Go Ride a Wave and Great Ocean Road Surf Tours.
Torquay Surfing Academy, 34A Bell st Torquay (03) 52612022
Go Ride A Wave Torquay, 1/15 Bell st Torquay 1300 3132 441
Great Ocean Road Surf Tours, 106 Surf Coast Highway Torquay, (03) 5261 3750
2. Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum
After an hour or two in the water, it’s time to get the kids familiar with surfing culture in Australia and to learn about the monster waves that greet Australia’s shores every year at the Australian National Surfing Museum.
Surfing legends like Mick Fanning grace the museum’s walls and it’s one of the top things to do in Torquay on a rainy day.
The national surfing museum is open 9am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Christmas day) with $12 entry for adults, $8 for children 16 and under as well as concession holders or a family of 4 for $25.00. All general admission prices are for self guided tours with no time limit applicable.
Australian National Surfing Museum 77 Beach Road Torquay, 03 5261 4606
3. Pick strawberries
The whole family will enjoy the opportunity to pick their own juicy, ripe red strawberries from Surf Coast Strawberry Fields.
This 90-hectare farm is just north of Torquay in Duneed. Children can pick 250gms for $3 whilst adults can pick double that at $7.
Surf Coast Strawberry Fields, Mccans rd, Surf Coast Highway, Mt Duneed VIC
Things to do in Anglesea
4. Water sports down at Anglesea River
The Anglesea river mouth opens up at Anglesea beach and is lined with activities for the whole family like stand-up paddleboarding, canoe hire and an amusement park called Jumpz Anglesea.
Try out paddle boats and canoes as well as a wide range of family-friendly activities like ocean and river kayaking, bodyboarding, Giant SUP lessons and a surf carnival suited for all fitness levels.
Go Ride A Wave 143B Great Ocean Road, 1300 132 441
Anglesea Paddle and Canoe, Cnr river reserve road/ Noble st, Anglesea 0408 599 942
Jumpz Anglesea, 105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea, 5263 3363
5. Point Addis Koorie coastal walk
After you’ve spent the time playing in the water it’s time to dry off by going for a walk down by Point Addis coastal marine walk in the protected Point Addis marine national park, managed by Parks Victoria.
There are a couple of options to choose from ranging from short walks around Point Addis admiring the views of the southern ocean or further north to the boardwalk that’s around 3.17kms long.
Between Point Addis and Bells Beach is Ironbark Basin walk, a great mix of bushland that winds through to the beach that can be completed in a 7.5km one way or a 10.5km circuit.
Make sure you pack a hearty lunch for the family and bring a mini picnic set-up to take breaks when needed!
TheIronbark Basin walk begins at the Bells Beach southside car park and ends at the Point Addis carpark.
Point Addis coastal marine walk, Anglesea VIC 3230, Australia
6. See native Australian wildlife
Australia certainly has no shortage of incredible wildlife and no animal gets kids more excited than checking out wild kangaroos grazing and bouncing in the bush.
Eastern Grey Kangaroos are found down at the Anglesea Golf Club where they are somewhat of an iconic attraction.
The Anglesea Golf Club also offers dedicated daily kangaroo tours of the golf course for $30 (family of 4) or $12.50 for adults and children for $5 each.
Anglesea Golf Club, 45 Golf Links Rd Anglesea, +61 3 5263 1582, info@angleseagolfclub.com.au
Find Accommodation on the Surf Coast
Things to do in Aireys Inlet
7. Great Ocean Road Minigolf
The best replica of the Great Ocean Road and Surf Coast ever created can be found at the 18 hole mini-golf course at Great Ocean Road Minigolf.
The 45-minute stroll along the replica Shipwreck Coast and Twelve Apostles is the perfect way to entertain the family for an hour and provides kids with a fantastic educational experience about the coast’s shipwreck history.
For the older kids and adults who are really interested in testing their skills, book in for a session with the virtual golf driver inside that simulates real-world golf conditions.
Great Ocean Road Minigolf, 73 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet, 1300 942 397
8. Split Point Lighthouse Tour
This must-see attraction on the Surf Coast of Victoria was made famous in the 80s TV series ‘Round the Twist’ based on Paul Jennings iconic children’s books.
The Split Point Lighthouse is still in active operation today, guiding boats and ships through the perilous waters of Bass Strait.
The lighthouse is open daily for all visitors, with tours operating right throughout the year. You can climb up the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for 360 degree panoramic views of the Shipwreck Coast.
Split Point Lighthouse, 13 federal Avenue, Aireys inlet 5263 1133
9. Blazing Saddles Horse Riding
Horse about in Aireys Inlet by riding horseback through the Angahook-Lorne state park with Blazing Saddle Horse Riding Tours.
Horse riding trails include your choice of bush, beach or pub. Enjoy the feeling of riding horses along the sandy coast of the Great Ocean Road or go for a beer tasting session at the local icon, the Aireys Pub.
Blazing Saddle Horse Riding Tours Lot 1 Bimbadeen Drive, Aireys Inlet 0418528647
Aireys Pub 45 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet VIC, 5289 6804
Chris and Laura Travels is an Australian Travel Adventure Blog by an Australian and Canadian couple. Their motto is ‘A real couple doing cool s%&t in a responsible way’. Chris and Laura Travels evolved out of their love and admiration for the natural world, and their desire to share these places with readers in the hope they too discover the beauty in the world and choose to protect it.
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