Torquay is where Australian surf culture began, and it’s still the beating heart of Victoria’s Surf Coast. Golden beaches, world-famous breaks and a laid-back seaside buzz make it a favourite escape.
Getting there from the airport is an easy drive, but the public transport is surprisingly clunky. And there’s one detail about airports that catches a lot of visitors out.
Here’s a clear guide to reaching Torquay and the Surf Coast, and the simplest way to do it.
Where Is Torquay?
Torquay sits on the coast southwest of Melbourne, just past Geelong. It’s the official gateway to the Great Ocean Road and the birthplace of surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver.
The town faces Bass Strait and anchors the wider Surf Coast, which stretches on to Jan Juc, Anglesea and Lorne. Just down the road lies Bells Beach, the legendary break that hosts a major professional surfing event each Easter.
How Far Is It From the Airport?
It’s a comfortable run down the freeway and along the coast. Torquay is around 105 km from Melbourne, roughly a 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minute drive.
The route follows the M1 Princes Freeway to Geelong, then the Surf Coast Highway into town.
It’s a scenic, easy drive, but a fair distance after a flight.
The Airport Detail Worth Knowing
Here’s the catch that surprises many travellers. Melbourne Airport isn’t actually the closest airport to Torquay.
Avalon Airport is the nearest to the start of the Great Ocean Road, only about a 35-minute drive from Torquay. So if your flight lands at Avalon, you’re much closer to the coast than you’d be at Tullamarine.
A chauffeur can collect you from either airport, so it’s worth checking which one you’re flying into when you plan your transfer.
The Public Transport Puzzle
If you’re relying on public transport, brace yourself. There’s no simple direct service.
Reaching Torquay by public transport means a V/Line train to Geelong and then a connecting local bus, taking anywhere from two and a half to nearly four hours with the transfers. With a surfboard or luggage, it’s genuinely awkward.
For a relaxed beach trip, that’s a rough way to arrive.
Why a Private Transfer Makes Sense
A private airport transfer in Melbourne turns that long-winded trip into one easy ride.
Your driver tracks your flight, meets you at the terminal, and takes you straight to your Surf Coast accommodation. No train changes, no bus timetable, no luggage juggling.
You arrive ready to hit the beach.
A Fixed Price, Door to Door
A chauffeur fare is agreed upfront for the whole run to the coast. No meter, no surge pricing, no surprises.
That certainty is part of the appeal of a reliable Melbourne Airport chauffeur service.
Room for the Whole Group and the Gear
Surf trips often mean groups, boards and bags. The right vehicle keeps everyone and everything together.
A sedan suits couples, while an SUV or people mover handles a group with luggage. You can compare options on our fleet page.
What Awaits on the Surf Coast
With the travel sorted, the coast is yours to enjoy.
- Learn to surf at Torquay’s patrolled beaches with a local school
- Watch the pros, or the swell, at iconic Bells Beach
- Explore the Australian National Surfing Museum
- Continue on to Anglesea, Lorne and the Great Ocean Road
For planning, Torquay Life is a handy local guide, and Visit Victoria covers the wider coast. You can see the areas we serve on our locations page.
Tips for a Smooth Surf Coast Transfer
A little planning keeps the trip effortless.
- Confirm which airport you’re flying into, Melbourne or Avalon
- Book your transfer ahead, especially in summer and at Easter
- Share your flight number so your driver can track arrivals
- Mention surfboards or extra luggage when booking
Sort the ride early and your coastal escape starts the moment you land.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Melbourne Airport to Torquay?
Around 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes by car via the M1 and Surf Coast Highway, depending on traffic.
Which airport is closest to Torquay?
Avalon Airport, at about a 35-minute drive. Melbourne Airport is further, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes away.
Is there a direct bus to Torquay from Melbourne Airport?
No. Public transport requires a train to Geelong then a local bus, taking up to nearly four hours with transfers.
Can a chauffeur carry surfboards and gear?
Yes. Let us know when booking and we’ll arrange a vehicle with room for boards and luggage.
Can you collect me from Avalon Airport too?
Yes. A chauffeur can meet you at either Melbourne or Avalon Airport and take you straight to the coast.
Final Thoughts
The Surf Coast is built for easy, salty days, and your journey there should match that mood rather than test your patience. The tangled public transport simply doesn’t suit a beach trip.
Choose a door-to-door transfer, from whichever airport you land at, and the coast is yours the moment you arrive. Request a quote and have your Torquay trip sorted before you fly.