Travel Budget for Torquay Visit Torquay on a Budget or Travel in Style

Torquay, Queensland, Australia

Torquay is a hip surf town known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're relaxing on the beaches or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Torquay that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Torquay?

You should plan to spend around $101 (AU$161) per day on your vacation in Torquay. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $42 (AU$67) on meals
  • $38 (AU$60) on local transportation
  • $76 (AU$121) on hotels

A one week trip to Torquay for two people costs, on average, $1,416 (AU$2,254). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $101
    AU$161
  • One Week Per person
    $708
    AU$1,127
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,416
    AU$2,254
  • One Month Per person
    $3,035
    AU$4,830
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,416
    AU$2,254
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,832
    AU$4,508
  • One Month For a couple
    $6,069
    AU$9,660
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Torquay cost?

A one week trip to Torquay usually costs around $708 (AU$1,127) for one person and $1,416 (AU$2,254) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Torquay on average costs around $1,416 (AU$2,254) for one person and $2,832 (AU$4,508) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Torquay will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Torquay on average costs around $3,035 (AU$4,830) for one person and $6,069 (AU$9,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Torquay expensive to visit?

Torquay is a smaller surf town that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

You may find Torquay to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $44 (AU$71) per day, mid-range travelers spend $100 (AU$161) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $191 (AU$308) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Torquay.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Torquay is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Lake Tekapo, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Sydney.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Torquay Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Torquay?

The average Torquay trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Torquay travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Torquay cost?

Torquay on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$17
(AU$26)
$38
(AU$60)
$72
(AU$115)
Local Transportation 1 $16
(AU$26)
$38
(AU$60)
$72
(AU$115)
Food 2 $18
(AU$29)
$42
(AU$67)
$80
(AU$128)
Entertainment 1 $5
(AU$7.31)
$11
(AU$17)
$20
(AU$32)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(AU$3-8)
$4-11
(AU$6-17)
$7-21
(AU$11-33)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Torquay, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

Torquay on a Shoestring Budget?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $44 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Torquay will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $100 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $191 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the surf town, prepare for a luxury price tag.

Accommodation Budget in Torquay

Prices for hotels in Torquay vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $0, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $0. With options ranging from $0 to $0, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Torquay for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $76 (AU$121). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $38 (AU$60) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $38
    AU$60
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $76
    AU$121

Hotels in Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Torquay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Torquay

Torquay offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the surf town might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.

Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.

Many people love to walk around Torquay, so you'll want to choose accommodation in a central area. However, this can mean a higher price point.



Transportation Budget in Torquay

Torquay has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.

Anyone who likes to wander around on foot will appreciate their time here. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $38 (AU$60) per person, per day, on local transportation in Torquay. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Torquay is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $38
    AU$60

Transportation Tips

When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.



Flights to Torquay
How much does it cost to go to Torquay? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Torquay
The price of renting a car in Torquay will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Torquay

Cuisine in Torquay is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the surf town to discover. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Torquay can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Torquay is $42 (AU$67) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $42
    AU$67

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Torquay is around $41 (AU$67) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $79. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Torquay are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $12
  • Lunch: $6 to $17
  • Dinner: $12 to $29
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

As a popular tourist destination, Torquay has many places to eat from fine dining in restaurants, to casual cafes, bars, and grills. You can choose from Thai, Mexican, pizza and Italian-from formal dining to laid-back right off the beach lunch spots. Many cafes and restaurants are on the Esplanade and on Gilbert and Pearl Streets, amidst the main shopping center in town.

As a region, Victoria is known for its farms and wineries offering up a diverse array of wines and cheeses to indulge in. Being a seaside town, Torquay is also a prime spot for great fresh fish and seafood.

Food & Dining Tips

A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Torquay

The allure of Torquay is undeniable, especially since it offers beaches, hiking, romance, and museums and attractions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Torquay typically cost an average of $11 (AU$17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $11
    AU$17

In addition to the surfing hype, Torquay provides an access point to the Great Ocean Road, the most famous scenic drive of the region. At 243 kilometers long, the road was built by returning soldiers after World War I in dedication to those who were lost. It is the world's largest war memorial, and winds through varying coastal terrain past several landmarks including a number of lighthouses, state and national parks, beaches, lookouts, and unique rock formations like the 12 Apostles.

The town itself, however, is best known for the surf beaches that surround it. Bells Beach in particular draws the crowds with the Rip Curl Easter Pro contest mentioned above, where surfers tackle waves up to five meters tall. The two day festival also features some of Australia's best musical talent, while other events take the stage the remainder of the year. Some of these include smaller surfing events, as well as the Australian Strongman Triathlon in February, and the High Tide Festival in December.

Winkipop beach also provides some fierce surf, while Jan Juc is cliff-lined with smaller waves. Other popular spots include the clothing optional Point Impossible or Southside beaches, as well as the family friendly Torquay Front Beach and the less sheltered Torquay Back Beach.



For the intermediate to advanced surfers, the best time to tackle the waves on Bells Beach and other popular surf spots is from March to October. Some beaches cater more to swimming and sunbathing, while other favorite pastimes of the town include activities like sailing, diving, fishing, and windsurfing.

Surfing enthusiast's might also want to visit Torquay's Australian National Surfing Museum, which commemorates Australian surfers and their achievements and showcases Australia's deeply ingrained surf culture through exhibitions and memorabilia. The museum also houses the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame, which includes a display of surfboards ridden by surfing legends with facts about their careers and surfing milestones.

Other activities include golfing, an assortment of tours, kayaking and canoeing, bike/motorbike rentals, and adrenaline sports like skydiving, amongst others.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in TorquayNumerous beach lovers choose Torquay as their destination for unwinding. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Hiking:
Hiking in TorquayThe hiking experiences around Torquay are quite exceptional. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

A nice way to explore destinations in Torquay is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Morning Farm Experience in Queensland for $56 details
  • Full Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise for $120 details
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience for $90 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Torquay

For nightlife seekers, Torquay has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.18 (AU$11) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Torquay per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $7.18
    AU$11
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.

When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Torquay

  • Peak season in summer usually results in inflated prices and heavy crowds. To keep costs down and avoid the hustle, try visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • When you're on the go with young kids, opting for a private vehicle or taxi is likely the way to go. Sometimes, avoiding the hassle of public transportation is worth the extra cost.
  • If you were planning on staying in a hostel in Torquay, you might want to reconsider. There aren't many options available, so finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment might be a better choice.
Traveling in Torquay
Torquay Torquay

Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells Beach.



Neighborhoods & Around

Torquay is a small town, but consists of a few distinct areas. Ocean Views is in the south of Torquay. Originally a grazing and farming area, the rocky and hilly landscape is now residential-having been developed in 2000. Wombah Park is in the northeast of Torquay and is also residential, while the Church Estate (once owned by the Catholic Church) is now developed and bounded by Spring Creek Reserve, Spring Creek, and Torquay Road. Zeally Bay, east of Torquay, is the district for vacationers. Named after a squatter who lived in the area back in the 1850s-on, Zeally Bay now hosts a yachting club, a fishing club, and Fishermans Beach, as well as the 4-acre public Taylor Park and a multimillion-dollar resort and plaza called the Crowne Plaza Torquay. This eastern shore is also where Torquay's famous beaches lie, modeled after English seaside resorts with grassy foreshores, shady trees, and picnic areas.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.