Surfing's back shed, done properly
Torquay is where a lot of Australian surfing grew up, so it makes sense that the country's surfing museum is here. The Australian National Surfing Museum opened in December 1993 and calls itself the largest museum of its kind anywhere in the world. You'll sometimes still see it called Surfworld.
You don't need to surf to enjoy it. It's a big, visual, wander-at-your-own-pace sort of place: walls of old boards, the trophies from Bells, and a good dose of surf culture. Kids get it straight away. Grandparents tend to find a board they remember.
It's about 5 minutes' drive from Holyday House, and it's the first place we'd point you on a wet day.
The basics
Where it is
77 Beach Road, Torquay, in the Surf City precinct. That's the same block as Surf City Plaza, the big surf shops and the Torquay visitor information centre, so you can park once and do the lot.
Opening hours
The museum's website says it's open 9am to 5pm every day, closed only on Christmas Day. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check before you go.
Entry prices
At the time of writing, the museum lists self-guided entry at $12 for adults, $8 for students and pensioners, $8 for kids 16 and under, and $25 for a family. There's no time limit once you're in. Group discounts are available through the museum. Prices change, so check the official site before you go.
Who runs it
It runs under Surf Coast Shire Council, with paid staff and a crew of volunteers. Ask them questions. They usually know a lot.
What's inside
The museum tells the story of more than 100 years of surfing in Australia. Here's what's listed on its website.
The board collection
More than 150 surfboards, from century-old timber slabs to modern high-performance boards. Seeing them lined up in order is the best way to understand how much surfing has changed. Some of the early ones look like you'd need two people to carry them.
The Board Room
A walk through how surfboard design and materials evolved. Good for the board nerds in the group, and surprisingly interesting for everyone else.
Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
Tribute boards and biographies for the most significant figures and greatest champions in Australian surfing. If you only know one or two names going in, you'll come out knowing a lot more.
The Bells trophies
Bells Beach hosts the world's longest-running pro surfing contest, and the winners ring the Bell. The museum's current exhibition, The Bell: A Tale of Triumph & Tradition, tells the story of the trophy, with more than a dozen on display. Exhibitions change, so check what's on.
Surf culture
Artefacts, artwork, photos, clothing and memorabilia. The stuff that explains how a sport turned into a whole way of life, and how a small town ended up with two of the world's biggest surf brands.
Theatre and live shaping
The museum also lists a theatre and live surfboard shaping among its exhibits. Ask at the front desk what's running on the day.
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria 
Photo: Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency,
courtesy of Visit Victoria How long to allow
An hour is enough for a decent look. Allow two if anyone in the group surfs, or if you like reading the plaques. Small kids will probably be done in about an hour, which is fine, because the skate park and the shops are right there.
Your ticket has no time limit, so there's no rush. Go early on a rainy school holiday morning if you can. It's the obvious wet-weather option in town, and everyone else has the same idea.
Making a day of it
The surf shops next door
Surf City Plaza is right there, and the factory outlets on Baines Crescent are around the corner. Wetsuits, boardies, boards, the lot. Our surf shops and outlets guide has the details.
Then go and see Bells
After the trophies, go and look at the wave. Bells Beach is about 10 minutes' drive away, and you can watch from the clifftop viewing platforms. If there's a swell running, it's a good way to finish the day. See our Bells Beach guide.
A rainy-day plan
Museum in the morning, a wander through the shops, lunch in town, then back to the house to get a fire going. There are three wood fires (one in each living room and one in the covered outdoor lounge), plus board games, arcade games and a games console. Our rainy day in Torquay guide has more ideas, including Geelong.
With a surf lesson
If the kids have just had their first lesson on Front Beach, the museum's a good follow-up. They'll look at the old boards very differently. Lessons and hire are in our surfing in Torquay guide.
Surfing museum FAQ
Where is the Australian National Surfing Museum?
At 77 Beach Road, Torquay, in the Surf City precinct next to Surf City Plaza. It's about 5 minutes' drive from Holyday House in north Torquay.
What are the opening hours?
The museum lists 9am to 5pm every day, closed on Christmas Day. Check the official website before you go in case anything has changed.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, $12 for adults, $8 for concessions and kids 16 and under, and $25 for a family, with no time limit. Prices can change, so check the museum's site.
How long do I need?
About an hour for most people, or two if you're into surfing. Small kids are usually happy for an hour.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. It's very visual and easy to wander through, with a big board collection and the Bells trophies. There's a family ticket, and the skate park and shops are close by for afterwards.
Is the museum the same as Surfworld?
Yes. You'll sometimes still see the Surfworld name around, but it's the Australian National Surfing Museum these days.
More for a wet day in our rainy day guide, and more for a dry one in things to do in Torquay. Travelling with kids? The family holiday guide has plenty more. And if the sun comes out, Point Danger and its rock pools are just down the road. Looking for a base 5 minutes from the museum? Check dates and send us an enquiry.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 14 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Australian National Surfing Museum — Australian National Surfing Museum
- About — Australian National Surfing Museum
- Australian Surfing Hall of Fame — Australian National Surfing Museum
- Shopping in Torquay — Visit Great Ocean Road