We have headed back to Torquay to check out the action in the surf capital. The weather was kind to us and we got in some good stop offs at Point Addis and Bells Beach to see the rugged coastline. The surf was relatively flat with seemingly long waits between wave sets for the board riders. Some of the boys and girls on the boards appear to be veterans of the coast, maybe just nomads in vans reliving the good old days.

From Pt Addis

Back Beach at Torquay

Another shot from Pt Addis.

Torquay is a fairly commercial place exploiting its surfing history to the fullest. We had a wander around ‘Surf City Plaza’ full of surf wear shops and various hangers on to the industry. The huge Rip Curl shop was a standout, full of all sorts of gear for the enthusiast and wannabes.

Surf City Plaza Torquay.

The Rip Curl store in Torquay.

The ‘Mystery Machine’ parked at Pt Danger in Torquay.

Enjoyed some fish ‘n chips and calamari for lunch at Growlers overlooking the beach. After lunch we spent some time in the Australian National Surfing  Museum. It is full of stories and surfing memorabilia going back to the early 1900s, surf boards, wet suits, VW Combis etc. Also some great video of surfers riding the ‘killer waves’ off Hawaii and other parts of the world. Plenty of interactive stuff to amuse those of all ages. Later we managed to talk a chap into taking a couple of pictures of us surfing off of Bells Beach, close inspection will show Allthego wearing thongs to ensure a firm grip on the board.

Homealone checking out the Sundial at Fisherman’s Beach Torquay.

Homealone about to be dumped, but no thongs!

Allthego coming through the tube in good style.

Got back to the camp ground for a late afternoon tea and a reminisce about the waves we missed getting on to at Bells.