Why come in winter?
Most people know Torquay as a summer town. Patrolled beaches, packed cafés, and a carpark you have to lap twice. Come between June and August and it's a different place. The beaches are close to empty, the Southern Ocean sends in the big swells the Surf Coast is famous for, and the town slows right down to a local pace. It's the time for a long walk in a good coat, a slow lunch and a night by the fire.
It's whale season too. Southern right whales and humpbacks travel along the Victorian coast through the cooler months, and from the clifftop lookouts around Torquay you've got a chance of spotting a spout offshore. Then there's the Great Ocean Road without the summer traffic, and wineries where you don't have to fight for a table. Honestly, winter's a bit underrated down here.
The catch is the weather. It's cool, it's often windy and showers keep blowing through. So where you stay matters more in winter than any other time of year. Holyday House on Holyhead is set up for it. There are three wood fires (two inside, one in the covered outdoor lounge), split-system heating, and a private hot tub in the backyard that you can use 24 hours, year-round.
Torquay winter weather
The ocean keeps Torquay's winters milder than inland Victoria's, but it's still the coldest, windiest part of the year. The figures below are typical ranges, not forecasts. Check the Bureau of Meteorology before you come.
| Daytime highs | Around 12–14°C |
| Sea temperature | The coldest of the year. You'll need a wetsuit |
| Daylight | Short. Sunset is around 5pm near the June solstice |
| Typical conditions | Changeable. You can get a clear, still morning and a squally afternoon on the same day |
| Crowds | The quietest of the year, except during the July school holidays |
Pack layers, a rain jacket and shoes you don't mind getting sandy. Bed linen and towels aren't included as standard, so bring your own, or ask us to provide them for a fee when you enquire. The days are short, so do the big outing (a walk, a drive, a winery lunch) in the middle of the day and save the evening for the house.
Things to do in Torquay in winter
Watch the big swells
Winter is when the Surf Coast's famous reef breaks really fire. Even if you don't surf, it's hard to beat standing on the clifftop at Bells Beach or Jan Juc with a coffee while the sets roll in. Bells is about 10 minutes' drive from the house. Surfers, bring a thick wetsuit, boots and probably a hood. There's covered storage at the house for boards and wetsuits. Our surfing guide covers the breaks.
Look for whales
Southern right whales and humpbacks migrate along the coast between about May and October, and June to September are usually the best months. From headlands like Point Danger you can see a long way across Bass Strait. Sightings are never guaranteed, so bring binoculars and a bit of patience. Our whale watching guide has the best lookouts and further-afield spots.
Walk the Surf Coast Walk
Cool weather is good walking weather. The trail starts at the eastern end of Whites Beach, 400m from the front door, and the clifftop bit from Point Danger towards Bells Beach is a cracker on a clear winter day. Check the forecast, take a layer, and leave enough time to finish before it gets dark early. See our Surf Coast Walk guide.
Empty-beach walks with the dog
Whites Beach is a short walk away and dogs are welcome. In winter you'll often have it more or less to yourself. The house has a fully fenced backyard, so bring the dog. Our dog-friendly Torquay guide has the local dog rules.
A long lunch at a cellar door
The Bellarine Peninsula's cellar doors are around 35–45 minutes away and the Moorabool Valley's around 45–55, and winter's a quiet time to go. Lots of them cut back their hours in the cooler months, so check opening days and book lunch ahead. See our wineries guide.
Craft beer when it's blowing a gale
Blackman's Brewery is a few minutes' drive from the house, and the Geelong breweries are about half an hour away. Both good for a wet arvo. Our breweries guide has the details.
Rainy-day plan B
The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay is an easy one indoors for all ages, and the town's surf outlets are good for killing a wet afternoon. Back at the house there are two living areas, a 65" TV with streaming, a games console, a piano and a kids' playroom.
The Great Ocean Road without the traffic
Winter's a good time to drive the Great Ocean Road. Fewer tour buses, easier parking at the lookouts, and moody skies over the coast. Start early to get the most out of the daylight, and check VicTraffic for any closures before you go. Our Great Ocean Road guide has day-trip plans.
A house for cold nights
In summer a holiday house is mostly somewhere to sleep between beach sessions. In winter you actually spend time in it, so the little things matter. Here's what that looks like at Holyday House:
When to book a winter stay
Outside the school holidays, winter's the easiest time of year to get dates in Torquay. In 2027 the Victorian winter school holidays fall between the end of Term 2 on Friday 25 June and the start of Term 3 on Monday 12 July, going by the Victorian Government's term dates. Those two weeks get busier with families. The rest of June, July and August is quiet.
If you can come midweek, you'll get the coast at its quietest. With fibre internet and a workspace at the house, a Sunday-to-Thursday stay with a bit of work and a lot of walking is very doable. The minimum stay is two to four nights depending on dates. Pick yours in the booking form and Steve and Karen will confirm.
Holyday House sleeps up to 8 across 4 bedrooms. That suits a couple who want room to spread out, two families sharing, or a group of mates around a long table and a fire. To see how the seasons compare, have a look at our best time to visit Torquay guide.
Winter in Torquay FAQ
Is Torquay worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you're after quiet. You swap swimming weather for empty beaches, big surf to watch, whale season and an easy run down the Great Ocean Road. It's best when the place you're staying is warm and comfy to come back to.
How cold is Torquay in winter?
Daytime highs are usually around 12–14°C, and it often feels colder in the wind. The sea's at its coldest in late winter, so surfers and swimmers need a good wetsuit. Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast before you come.
Can you swim in Torquay in winter?
Some locals do, but the beaches aren't patrolled in winter and the water's cold. Most visitors stick to beach walks. And the private hot tub at the house.
Is the hot tub available in winter?
Yes. The private hot tub at Holyday House is available 24 hours a day, year-round, and it's fenced off separately inside the backyard.
When can you see whales near Torquay?
Whale season runs from about May to October, and June to September is usually the best time to see southern right whales and humpbacks. Sightings are never guaranteed. Your best chance is a clifftop lookout and a pair of binoculars.
When are the Victorian winter school holidays?
In 2027, Term 2 ends on Friday 25 June and Term 3 starts on Monday 12 July. Check the Victorian Government's school term dates page for other years.
Fancy a winter break? Check dates and send an enquiry to Steve and Karen. For more ideas, try our spa holiday house guide 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.
- School term dates and holidays in Victoria — Victorian Government
- Whale season ahead: boat with care — Victorian Government
- Climate statistics: Aireys Inlet — Bureau of Meteorology
- Whale watching in Victoria — Visit Great Ocean Road