TORQUAY
Torquay is that town south of Geelong that has become the favorite
beach for the Geelong locals. Many Melburnites likewise venture to
Torquay to enjoy the Bass Straight surf. Bells Beach, which is nearby
has a reputation for being one of the best surf beaches in Australia.
A number of high profile surf events are held at Bells. Torquay has
become the surf capitol of Victoria and as such is a resort town for
many. 
The town once had 145 bathing boxes on the main beach. In 1946 the
Torquay Surf was formed, opening their current clubrooms in 1971 after
the previous one burnt down. Today it is the oldest and largest club
in Victoria. An old English heritage no doubt.
The area was first settled as Spring Creek in 1871, after the
watercourse along the south-western edge. In 1880 more settlers moved
to the town, and it was renamed Torquay in 1892 after the seaside town
in England. The Post Office opened on 20 August 1894.
In 1891 the Scammell sailing ship struck the reef near Point Danger in
Torquay and subsequently became wedged on the reef and as a result the
ship broke up in the heavy seas. The cargo of the Scammell was washed
onto the beach of Torquay and was looted, the anchors of the Scammell
are still on display at the Torquay front beach and the Torquay boat
ramp.
Torquay, though a young town has a very worthy War Memorial and at a
great location. 
There is no museum in Torquay.
The Torquay Hotel is in the ‘old’ township.
The Anglican
and United Churches
are mid 20th Century design/builds.
The Catholic Church is new.
There is a strong case to have a stopover at Torquay because this is
an iconic town. Don’t expect to see much old or heritage factors.
Heritage diary
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