Fishing on the Surf Coast
Torquay's known for surf, not fish. But it's in a handy spot. Up to the north-east, the calmer bay beaches between Torquay and Breamlea are sheltered from the worst of the Southern Ocean swell. The beach and the lake just past it are in our Breamlea and Lake Connewarre guide. Down to the south-west, it turns into open surf beaches and reef. And just past Point Danger, Spring Creek runs out to sea at Jan Juc. So whatever the conditions, there's usually somewhere worth a cast.
There are some important protected areas along here too. A big stretch from Point Danger past Bells Beach to Point Addis is a no-fishing zone, so you need to know where the boundaries are as much as where the fish are. Below we cover the main land-based spots near Holyday House, the boat ramp, licences and rules, the marine sanctuaries, staying safe on the rocks, and fishing with kids.
The spot and species info comes from the Surf Coast Shire fishing guide and other local sources. Fish move around with the seasons and conditions, so use it as a starting point and ask at a local tackle shop what's biting this week.
Land-based spots near the house
These are the spots the Surf Coast Shire lists around Torquay. They're all a short drive from Holyday House. For more spots further afield, from Breamlea and the Barwon River to the piers at Geelong, Point Lonsdale and Lorne, see our fishing spots guide.
| Spot | Type | Typical catch |
|---|---|---|
| Fishermans Beach | Beach / boat ramp | Whiting, snapper, gummy shark, occasional mulloway |
| Zeally Bay | Beach | Mainly whiting |
| Spring Creek | Estuary | Bream, mullet, silver trevally, salmon trout |
| Jan Juc | Surf beach | Salmon, gummy shark |
Fishermans Beach
Torquay's main fishing beach, and where the boat ramp is. The shire guide recommends the stretch near the bottom of Horseshoe Bend Road, at low tide, especially in the evening. Whiting and snapper are what you're after in spring (it singles out September and October), with gummy sharks at night and the odd big snapper or mulloway. The water's usually calmer than at the surf beaches, so it's a good all-rounder.
Zeally Bay
The bay beach running north from the middle of Torquay. It's mostly a whiting spot. Fish from the beach around high tide, and go early morning or evening for the best chance.
Spring Creek
The popular spot in town: the creek between the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park and the RACV golf course, where it meets the sea at the south end of the surf beach. There are small fishing platforms along the banks, and it's an estuary spot for bream, mullet, silver trevally and salmon trout, and a sheltered one for kids. The fishing spots guide has more on where to stand and what to use.
Jan Juc surf beach
Proper surf fishing. The shire guide points to the stretch between the surf life saving club and the bluff, for salmon and, after dark, gummy sharks. Long rods and heavy sinkers help in the surf. Stay well clear of surfers and the patrolled flags.
Further down the coast, Anglesea has its river and river mouth for bream and small fish, and Point Roadknight has ledges for calm days and a boat ramp. The shire guide also lists spots around Aireys Inlet and Lorne, Lorne Pier included, if you're making a day of the Great Ocean Road.
Where you can't fish
Victoria's marine national parks and marine sanctuaries are no-take areas. Every kind of fishing is banned inside them, from the shore or a boat, and so is collecting bait. There are penalties. Near Torquay there are three you need to know about:
Point Danger Marine Sanctuary
The headland between Torquay and Jan Juc, and its reef. Parks Victoria says the sanctuary runs from the high water mark around Point Danger and goes roughly 600 metres east and 400 metres south offshore. Bring a snorkel on a calm day instead.
Point Addis Marine National Park
Much bigger. The shire guide says it covers Winki Pop through to Ingoldsby Reef, including Bells Beach, Southside and Point Addis. If you're at Bells, you're in it.
Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary
A small sanctuary at Aireys Inlet, around Eagle Rock below the Split Point Lighthouse.
The boundaries are easy to miss from the shore. The Victorian Fisheries Authority's free Vic Fishing app uses your phone's GPS to tell you if you're in or approaching a marine park or sanctuary.
Licences, limits and the boat ramp
Safety on the rocks and beaches
Rock fishing is one of the most dangerous things you can do outdoors in Australia, and people die doing it every year. The Surf Coast cops big Southern Ocean swells, and waves can wash over rock platforms with no warning. The Victorian Fisheries Authority and Life Saving Victoria recommend:
On the beaches, the bay side between Torquay and Breamlea is usually gentler, especially with kids. Surf beaches like Jan Juc can have strong rips.
Fishing with kids, and cooking the catch
For a first go, keep it simple. A short rod, small hooks and bait, a calm bay beach or the creek on a gentle tide, and an hour around dusk. Whiting and small salmon are realistic. Kids under 18 don't need a licence, but size and bag limits still apply, so check anything you want to keep against the app. Our family holiday guide has more ideas for kids.
Back at Holyday House there's a BBQ grill with utensils in the backyard, and a fully equipped kitchen with a stainless steel oven for anything fiddlier. Use the hot outdoor shower to rinse off the sand and salt before you come in. The laundry has a washing machine, dryer and drying rack for wet gear.
Fishing FAQ
Do I need a fishing licence in Torquay?
Most people aged 18 to 69 need a Victorian recreational fishing licence. Under-18s, people aged 70 or over and some other groups don't. Buy one online through Service Victoria before you go.
Where is the best place to fish in Torquay?
Fishermans Beach is the most popular, for whiting, snapper and gummy sharks at night. Zeally Bay is good for whiting, Spring Creek for bream and mullet, and Jan Juc if you want to fish the surf.
Can I fish at Bells Beach or Point Danger?
No. Point Danger is a marine sanctuary, and Bells Beach is inside the Point Addis Marine National Park. All fishing and bait collection is banned in both.
Is there a boat ramp in Torquay?
Yes, at Fishermans Beach. It's the closest ramp to the offshore artificial reef between Torquay and Breamlea. It's exposed to the sea, though, so check conditions carefully before you launch.
When is the best time of year to fish?
The shire guide picks September and October for whiting and snapper at Fishermans Beach. At most spots, evenings, dusk and the change of tide are usually your best bet.
Can we cook our catch at the house?
Yes. There's a BBQ grill with utensils and a fully equipped kitchen, so your catch can go straight on the grill.
Planning a fishing trip down the coast? Check dates at Holyday House. For more ideas, try our guide to Torquay's beaches and things to do in Torquay.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 13 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Fishing licence — Victorian Fisheries Authority
- Buy a Victorian recreational fishing licence — Service Victoria
- Recreational fishing application for smartphones (Vic Fishing) — Victorian Fisheries Authority
- Point Danger Marine Sanctuary — Parks Victoria
- Point Addis Marine National Park — Parks Victoria
- Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary — Parks Victoria
- Surf Coast Fishing guide — Surf Coast Shire
- Stay safe while rock fishing — VRFish