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