What it is
Wurdi Baierr Stadium is Surf Coast Shire's indoor sports centre, on Wadawurrung Way in north Torquay, next to Surf Coast Secondary College. It has four multi-sport courts, used for basketball, netball, badminton, futsal, volleyball, pickleball and more. Visitors can book a court for a casual hit, which makes it a good wet-weather backup if you've got sporty kids. It's about five minutes' drive from north Torquay. The stadium is shared with the school: it was built by adding three courts to the college's original one-court stadium.
Next door, the shire is building the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre, with pools, a splash park and a gym. It's due to open in early 2027. Until then, there's no swimming here.
The name comes from Wadawurrung, the language of the Traditional Owners of this country, and means "big gathering place". The council gives the pronunciation as word-ee by-eer.
Casual courts
Casual court use is available at certain times, when the courts aren't taken by school sport, club training or competitions. When we checked in October 2026, the council said it cost from $6.30 a person, with 10-visit passes for regulars. You can also hire a whole court.
You'll need to book. Use the form on the council's stadium page, email WurdiBaierrBookings@surfcoast.vic.gov.au, or call (03) 5264 9200, and say what you want to play, how many of you there are and roughly when. Bring indoor shoes and your own ball or racquets.
The stadium also runs fitness classes, karate and Kinder Gym for toddlers, and table tennis. Local basketball, netball and badminton clubs train and play here too, which is why casual court times are limited. If you're in town for a tournament, your team organiser will have the details.
Hours
The council's stadium page listed these hours in October 2026:
- School terms: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm, Sunday 8am to 3pm
- School holidays: weekdays 8am to 5pm, with the same weekend hours
- Public holidays: closed
The same page also shows slightly shorter weekend hours in another section, so ring ahead before a weekend visit.
Getting in during the works
While the aquatic centre is being built, parts of Wadawurrung Way and College Lane are closed, and the usual way in has moved. The council's works page has the current map.
There are four accessible parking spaces on Wadawurrung Way near Kuwarrk Lane. From there, the step-free route goes about 50 metres east along Kuwarrk Lane towards Grant Pavilion, then north on the new path between the netball courts and the soccer pitch to the stadium. The reception desk and kiosk are being rebuilt too, so bring water and snacks.
The council's stadium page also has a 360-degree virtual tour, a visual story, a sensory guide and a communication board, which help if anyone in your group likes to know what to expect.
The new aquatic centre
The aquatic and recreation centre will have a 25-metre indoor pool, a warm-water pool, a learn-to-swim pool, an indoor splash park, a spa, sauna and steam room, a gym, program rooms, allied health and a café. It will become the main entrance to the stadium too, and the project adds 310 car parks, new paths and bike parking. It's been designed to be accessible, with lifts, accessible change rooms, family change rooms, a Changing Places room and ways into the pools for people of all abilities. Stage 1 cost $46.34 million, with $20 million from the Australian Government and $16.68 million from the Victorian Government, which is also paying for stage 2. Council will set the entry fees each year, and says they'll be subsidised to keep them affordable. The council said the building was about 85% complete in early September 2026, and the splash park went in during October.
The project page gives "early 2027" for opening, with no set date yet. Belgravia Health and Leisure Group takes over running the stadium from 1 November 2026 and will run the pools once they open. Existing bookings carry over. Until then, our rainy day guide has other indoor ideas.
Wurdi Baierr FAQ
Can visitors use the courts?
Yes, at set casual times, from $6.30 a person. Book through the council's stadium page or on (03) 5264 9200.
Can you swim there yet?
No. The pools and splash park are due to open in early 2027.
Where is it?
Wadawurrung Way, north Torquay, next to Surf Coast Secondary College. The entrance has moved during the works, so use the council's access map.
What does Wurdi Baierr mean?
"Big gathering place" in Wadawurrung. It's pronounced word-ee by-eer.
Who runs it?
Surf Coast Shire owns it. Belgravia Health and Leisure Group runs the stadium from 1 November 2026 and the pools when they open.
For more to do, see our things to do in Torquay guide, or head down to Whites Beach if the weather clears. Staying in north Torquay? Check dates at Holyday House.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 21 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Wurdi Baierr Stadium — Surf Coast Shire
- Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre — Surf Coast Shire
- Current works and access — Surf Coast Shire
- General information: management and fees — Surf Coast Shire
- Surf Coast Secondary College to gain extra three courts — Basketball Victoria
- Stadium facilities background (2021 café brief) — Surf Coast Shire