Explore the Surf Coast with locals and community storytellers, who share their favourite things to do and see on the Surf Coast.
The Surf Coast is renowned for its famous surf breaks and raw ocean environment, but, as Jake Millburn, owner of Bike Matters in Torquay says “sometimes you just need to look away from the ocean, look to the hills – and just explore.”
In the Eurmeralla Flora Reserve between Torquay and Anglesea, part of the Great Otway National Park, are a number of Jake’s favourite bike tracks and trails criss-crossing the landscape, with the Anglesea Bike Park a meeting point to practise tricks and build skills while meeting other like-minded bike enthusiasts.
“There’s so much varied terrain in the region — people don’t know what they are missing out on if they haven’t explored it,” said Jake. “There’s also so much support in the bike community from guided rides to groups. Cycling is a great family activity and we love bike riding in the Surf Coast.”
Hugging the coastline are also trails perfect for running with spectacular views, wildlife and nature to get lost in. Torquay’s Happy Runner shop is a hub for trail runners, with groups heading out together to explore, keep fit and make friends.
There are also many running events across the shire to put all the training to good use, such as the 100km Surf Coast Century, Afterglow Twilight Trail Runs, Wonderfalls Trail Run, Lorne Mountain to Surf, The Surf Coast Trail Marathon and Lorne Mountain to Surf, as well as a trail running series of events in Anglesea. Explore these events further at Surf Coast Events.
“The Surf Coast Shire is a beautiful setting to get in touch with what we need physically, as well as mentally,” said champion triathlete Adam Conquest, filmed for the series at his favourite Point Addis run. “There’s a great running community — get down here and out in nature — you won’t regret it.”
Don’t forget there’re slower ways to enjoy the beautiful Anglesea hinterland with bushwalking to discover hidden trails and world-renowned orchid displays, a drawcard for nature lovers.
“The secrets of the Surf Coast are down on the ground and everyone has the key — their eyes,” said Sally White from environmental protection group ANGAIR. “All you have to do is look.”
The group holds bird walks on the second Saturday of each month, as well as “nature rambles”, an annual Wildflower Weekend and Art Show, as well as propagating plants and sharing a library of nature and conservation-inspired books.
“Slow down — every walk is different, even on the same path,” said Sally. “Take the time to see the small, delicate things you often miss.”
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
