Tim Carson
45 Scorpio Street, Torquay, Vic 3228
$2,200,000 - $2,350,000
4 3 5
Open Saturday 14 November 2:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-05)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Torquay — Wadawurrung Country
Originally a popular holiday destination for Geelong residents in the late 1800s, it transitioned into a permanent settlement as the surfing industry boomed in the 1960s. The town became the global headquarters for iconic brands Rip Curl and Quiksilver.
A sophisticated coastal hub that has evolved from a 'surfie' town into a premium professional and family enclave with high-end dining and retail.
Overall Score
8
A high-performing lifestyle suburb with strong long-term fundamentals despite high entry costs.
Aboriginal Name
Wadawurrung Country— "The traditional owners are the Wadawurrung people; the name Torquay is of English origin."
Name Origin
Named after the seaside town of Torquay in Devon, England, in 1892.
Established
Gazetted 1892
Surf Capital
Home to Bells Beach and the Australian National Surfing Museum.
Industry Hub
Global headquarters for major international surf brands.
Gateway
Official start of the world-famous Great Ocean Road.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7
Steady demand from sea-changers and Geelong professionals keeps the market resilient.
Amenity
9
Exceptional access to beaches, high-end retail, and quality dining precincts.
Schools
8
Strong local options including Surf Coast Secondary and multiple primary schools.
Transport
5
Highly car-dependent; limited public transport with reliance on V/Line from nearby Marshall.
Risk Profile
6
Significant bushfire and coastal erosion overlays require careful due diligence.
Liveability
9
Exceptional lifestyle balance between nature and modern infrastructure.
Demographics
8
High-income households and a growing population of young professional families.
Rental Demand
8
Very high, particularly for modern family homes and short-term holiday rentals.
Growth Potential
7
Limited land supply due to protected boundaries supports long-term value.
Affordability
3
Well above regional Victorian medians, making it inaccessible for many first-home buyers.
Crime & Safety
9
Statistically very safe with low crime rates compared to metropolitan Melbourne.
Walkability
6
Good in 'Old Torquay' and near the Esplanade, but poor in newer northern estates.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$1,315,000
Stable growth in 2025-26
Median Unit
$945,000
High demand for townhouses
12mo Growth
4.2%
Outperforming regional average
Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Tight rental market
Family Ratio
72%
Dominant household type
Coastal Risk
Moderate
Check inundation maps
✅ Key Advantages
- World-class beaches and outdoor lifestyle amenities.
- Strong local employment base in the surf industry and tourism.
- High-quality educational facilities within the suburb.
- Strict planning controls (DAL) preserving the town's character.
- Proximity to Geelong (20 mins) for major hospital and rail links.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- High seasonal traffic congestion during summer months.
- Significant price premium compared to neighboring Armstrong Creek.
- Strict building requirements in Bushfire Management Overlay areas.
- Limited public transport connectivity to Melbourne CBD.
- Coastal erosion impacting some beachfront infrastructure.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Coastal Professional
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Mix of 1970s beach shacks, modern luxury builds, and new estates.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$850k – $4.5m+
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Torquay is the primary economic and lifestyle driver of the Surf Coast. Its 'Distinctive Area and Landscape' status means future supply is capped, creating a natural floor for property values.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$1,315,000
$1.1m – $3.5m
🏢 Unit Median
$945,000
$750k – $1.4m
📈 Price Trend
+4.2% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $750pw, Units $580pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The market has stabilized after the post-2020 surge, showing resilience even during interest rate tightening due to the scarcity of premium coastal land.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
15% above Melbourne median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
9.8x annual income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
2.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Torquay is a 'destination' market where buyers often leverage equity from Melbourne sales, keeping prices high relative to local wages.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
21 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+6.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young families, surf industry professionals, and remote workers.
💼 Investor Outlook
Yields are low, but capital growth prospects and high occupancy rates make it a blue-chip 'land banking' play. Short-term holiday rental potential is high but subject to council regulations.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+4.2%
1-Year Growth
+12.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+43% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Permanent shift toward hybrid/remote work.
- Geelong's continued economic expansion.
- Limited land release due to the Torquay Settlement Boundary.
- Ongoing upgrades to the Surf Coast Highway.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising insurance costs for coastal/bushfire zones.
- High entry price limiting the pool of buyers.
- Potential for increased land tax on secondary residences.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect steady moderate growth. Torquay is transitioning from a holiday town to a primary residence hub, which typically leads to lower volatility and sustained demand.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
9
Safety Score
Above Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
35% below Melbourne average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Low
Personal Safety: Low
Seasonal Incidents: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check local police data for seasonal spikes during the Christmas/New Year period when tourist numbers swell.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental factors are the primary long-term risks, specifically related to the coastal interface and surrounding bushland.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk for most, but check specific drainage catchments near Deep Creek and Zeally Bay.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
High risk in northern and western fringes; many properties are within the BMO (Bushfire Management Overlay).
🏦 Insurance Impact
Premiums are increasing for properties with direct ocean frontage or those adjacent to dense scrub.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
GRZ1 (General Residential Zone)
🔲 Overlays
BMO (Bushfire), SLO (Significant Landscape), DDO (Design and Development)
🏗️ Development Hotspots
North Torquay (near the dunes) and the urban renewal of the surf industry precinct.
Overlays significantly impact building costs (e.g., BAL-rated materials) and limit the height/density of new builds to protect 'coastal feel'.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Poor; car is essential. Bus services connect to Geelong and Jan Juc.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Excellent; high-quality supermarkets, boutique shopping, and the 'Surf City' precinct.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Abundant; includes the Surf Coast Walk, Deep Creek Reserve, and world-class beaches.
🏫 Schools
Strong; Torquay College (P-6) and Surf Coast Secondary are highly regarded.
🏥 Healthcare
Good local clinics; major hospital services (University Hospital Geelong) are 25 minutes away.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
An affluent, family-centric population with a high percentage of professionals and business owners.
💵 Median Income
$105,000 pa
🏠 Ownership
68% owner-occupied, 32% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 39
🎓 Education
High; 32% have a Bachelor degree or higher.
📊 Age Distribution
The high owner-occupier rate and strong income levels contribute to well-maintained properties and a stable community feel.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus is on infrastructure to support the growing permanent population and protecting the settlement boundary.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre development.
- Upgrades to the Surf Coast Highway intersections.
- Expansion of the Torquay North community precinct.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased traffic density on the Esplanade.
- Loss of 'sleepy' coastal character in newer estates.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Jan Juc
Position
South-West
Price
Similar to slightly higher
Lifestyle
More rugged, hilly, and 'local' feel; fewer shops.
Best for
Surfers and those seeking a quieter, more natural setting.
📍Armstrong Creek
Position
North
Price
40% cheaper
Lifestyle
Purely suburban; no beach access; master-planned estates.
Best for
First home buyers and budget-conscious families.
📍Mount Duneed
Position
North-West
Price
30% cheaper
Lifestyle
Semi-rural transition; larger blocks available.
Best for
Families wanting space while staying close to the coast.
📍Bellbrae
Position
West
Price
Higher (Acreage)
Lifestyle
Rural lifestyle blocks and hobby farms.
Best for
High-net-worth buyers seeking privacy and land.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Noosa Heads
QLD
9/10
Premium surf culture, high-end retail, and strict planning boundaries.
Byron Bay
NSW
8/10
Global surf recognition and strong professional sea-changer demand.
Cronulla
NSW
8/10
Strong connection between town center and beach lifestyle.
Cottesloe
WA
9/10
High-end coastal living with a strong heritage and community focus.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents love the balance of a world-class beach lifestyle with modern conveniences, though many lament the increasing crowds and traffic during peak season.
★★★★★
Family Lifestyle
The best place to raise kids; they can walk to the beach and the schools are fantastic.
Safe
Community
★★★★☆
Connectivity
NBN is reliable and the cafes are great for working, but the drive to Melbourne is getting longer.
Amenities
Traffic
★★★★☆
Changing Character
It's not the sleepy town it used to be, but the new medical facilities are a godsend.
Healthcare
Overcrowding
★★★☆☆
Affordability
We had to buy in North Torquay to afford anything, and it feels a bit like a standard suburb there.
Pricey
New Build
★★★★★
Recreation
Bells is at your doorstep. There is nowhere else in Australia with this level of surf access and infrastructure.
Surf
Nature
★★★★☆
Local Economy
Summer trade is incredible, but you have to budget for the quieter winter months.
Business
Seasonality
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize 'Old Torquay' (south of Bristol Rd) for better long-term capital growth and walkability.
- Check the Section 32 specifically for Bushfire Management Overlays (BMO) which can add $50k+ to build costs.
- Be prepared to act quickly; well-priced family homes often sell within 14-21 days.
- Consider the impact of the 'Distinctive Area and Landscape' (DAL) legislation on your specific street.
- Look for properties with north-facing backyards to maximize light during the cooler Victorian winters.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located within a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)?
- What BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating was this house built to?
- Are there any Significant Landscape Overlays that restrict tree removal or extensions?
- What are the specific council restrictions on short-term holiday rentals for this street?
- Has the property had a recent coastal hazard assessment?
- What is the current school catchment zone for this specific address?
- Are there any planned developments for the vacant land nearby?
- How does the seasonal traffic impact access to this specific pocket?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Target the 'Sea-Changer' demographic with high-quality lifestyle photography and video.
- Ensure all outdoor entertaining areas are presented as year-round usable spaces.
- Highlight energy-efficient features, as the local demographic is environmentally conscious.
- Declutter and style to a 'Coastal Chic' aesthetic to maximize emotional appeal.
- Consider an auction campaign during the spring or early summer to capture peak buyer interest.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'lifestyle sanctuary' rather than just a house. Emphasize proximity to the beach and the ease of a 'walk-to-everything' lifestyle if applicable.
💼 Investment Case
Torquay offers low yields but high security and excellent long-term capital growth.
⚠️ Investment Risks
High entry price, seasonal vacancy fluctuations in short-term rentals, and potential land tax increases.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-4 bedroom modern homes in the northern growth corridor for steady family tenants.
- Consider a dual-occupancy setup if zoning allows to maximize yield.
- Factor in higher-than-average maintenance costs due to salt-air corrosion.
- Review short-stay council regulations before committing to an Airbnb strategy.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Start your search in late autumn when the summer rush has subsided.
- Have a 'pet resume' ready, as many local landlords are open to pets given the outdoor lifestyle.
- Look at Jan Juc for slightly more affordable rental options with a similar vibe.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Access to an incredible lifestyle and high-quality local schools.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
High competition for rentals and significant price hikes for short-term summer leases.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Invest in high-quality heating and cooling to attract year-round professional tenants.
- Regularly inspect for salt-related wear and tear on external fixtures.
- Consider long-term leases (12-24 months) to avoid the seasonal churn.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarm and gas/electrical safety checks are up to date as per Victorian legislation.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is currently driven by equity-rich buyers from Melbourne's inner-east and bayside.
- Stock levels remain tight, which is supporting prices despite broader economic headwinds.
🎯 Marketing Angles
Focus on 'The Gateway to the Great Ocean Road' and the 'Work-from-Beach' capability.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Professional families (35-50) and active retirees (60+).
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Verify BMO status on VicPlan.
✓
Check for SLO (Significant Landscape Overlay) restrictions.
✓
Review the Surf Coast Shire Coastal Adaptation Plan.
✓
Inspect for salt-air corrosion on all metal fixtures and roofing.
✓
Confirm school zone boundaries via findmyschool.vic.gov.au.
✓
Check NBN technology type (FTTP is preferred for remote work).
✓
Review Section 32 for any unusual easements or covenants.
✓
Assess the property's orientation for winter sun/wind protection.
✓
Check for any heritage overlays in 'Old Torquay'.
✓
Obtain a professional building and pest inspection with a focus on moisture.
✓
Verify the 'Distinctive Area and Landscape' (DAL) impact on the title.
✓
Evaluate the proximity to the nearest CFA station or fire refuge.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 surfcoast.vic.gov.au
🔗 planning.vic.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 mapshare.vic.gov.au
🔗 vicroads.vic.gov.au
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Data is based on 2026 projections and available government records as of 2026-03-05. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence.
