RACV Torquay Resort is a larger resort on the Surf Coast at the very start of the Great Ocean Road. It suits families and groups who want resort facilities and a comfortable base near Torquay, Jan Juc and Bells Beach before driving the coast.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the Surf Coast, in the Torquay and Jan Juc area, where the Great Ocean Road begins. It is the closest stay in this market to Melbourne, so it works well for a first night after the drive from the city or for a last night before heading home.
Torquay town, the surf shops and the beaches are a short drive away, Bells Beach is nearby, and Anglesea and Lorne lie further along the coast. A car is the easiest way to get around, though some visitors enjoy walking and cycling paths in the area.
Rooms and feel
Expect a modern resort with room types ranging from hotel-style rooms to larger layouts suited to families and groups. Check the room type, bed setup and whether a kitchen or kitchenette is included when you book. The resort is spread over a landscaped site, so ask about the position of your room if you prefer to be near the main facilities or somewhere quiet. The feel is relaxed and practical, designed for a family holiday on the Victorian coast.
Dining and facilities
Resorts of this size usually include a restaurant and bar, pools and recreation facilities, and often a spa or wellness area. Check when you book what is currently open, what is included and which services have extra charges. Facilities like these are valuable on days when the weather is cool or windy, because Victorian coastal weather can change fast and not every day is a beach day. Torquay also has plenty of cafes, bakeries and restaurants within a short drive for dinner.
Who it suits
Families, groups of friends, couples and anyone who wants resort comforts at the start of the Great Ocean Road. It is a convenient choice for a two or three night stay that mixes beach time, surf-coast walks and a day drive to Lorne and Apollo Bay.
It also works as a base for those who prefer a single comfortable stay over changing rooms each night. It may feel too large and busy for travellers wanting a small rural guesthouse, and those who want to be right on the beach should compare central Torquay options.
Some further advice helps with planning. The Great Ocean Road is long, so remember that a stay at the eastern end adds driving to reach the Twelve Apostles, which is a full day trip out and back, or a reason to book a second night further west. Book early for summer, Easter and school holidays, and for events such as the surf competitions at Bells Beach, when the whole coast fills up.
Check when you book for parking, check-in and check-out times, and any resort fees, and read recent guest comments for the present state of rooms and facilities.
Why stay here
- ✓Surf Coast resort setting
- ✓Hotel rooms and larger family layouts
- ✓Restaurant and bar (check when you book)
- ✓Pools and recreation (check when you book)
- ✓Near Torquay and Bells Beach
- ✓Closest stay to Melbourne on this route
- ✓Parking on site
- ✓Good for rainy-day activities
Good questions
Where is it on the Great Ocean Road?+
It is on the Surf Coast near Torquay and Jan Juc, at the start of the route and the nearest stay in this market to Melbourne.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, resort facilities and larger room layouts suit families and groups. Check the current facilities when you book.
Can I reach the Twelve Apostles from here?+
It is a long day trip each way, so many visitors add a second night further west. Plan driving time carefully.
