Local's guide to Torquay

WORDS: Sophie Marshall // @thisisincense

Sophie Marshall, Founder, This is Incense

Sophie Marshall is the creator of boutique Australian incense brand, This Is Incense. She lives in Torquay, Victoria, along the famous Great Ocean Road, with her husband, Simon and two boys, Duke  and Ace. A Global Product Manager for Rip Curl by day, the ocean is deeply enmeshed into her soul, and, she admits, every weekend revolves around the swell.

“I left WA to live in Sydney when I was 25, then moved back to WA five years later. But a few years after that I moved to Melbourne for work and ended up down at Torquay… which is now very much home. I love the seasonality, the community and the history this surf town holds.  And, it’s also an amazing place to bring up the boys,” she says. Here she shares her local’s guide on where to eat, drink and shop in Torquay.

TORQUAY’S BEST SUNRISE view

As our coastline faces south we have the most amazing sunrises - get up early, put your uggies on grab a coffee and head to Bells Beach for the most amazing sunrise

Torquay’s Best Swimming Spot

Jan Juc… but only on a 40 degree day (it’s the only time you can swim in  bikinis otherwise it’s a wetsuit)

Sophie’s choice for best coffee in Torquay: Ginger Monkey

Torquay’s Best Coffee

Ginger Monkey. You have to order the coconut cappuccinos – they’re the best.

Torquay’s best long lunch

A La Greque: This is the most amazing Greek restaurant in Anglesea with open fire place - the best place for a cheeky cocktail with lunch

Torquay’s Best Shopping (Fashion and Interiors)

Torquay Merchant for the most perfect edit of clothes, jewellery, homewares and so much more, and Arizona Living for interesting and unique plants (plus the store itself is incredible)

Arizona Living, one of Torquay’s best places to shop

Torquay’s Best Place To Eat 

Roku Den (Japanese). Order the secret menu item (The Ginger Ninja roll) with Sake

Torquay’s Best Places for Exercise

I love Surfcoast Pilates, Boxing with Jessie Chaalan, or Upstate Yoga to find some zen.

Torquay’s best Hike

Lorne Waterfalls, it’s such a beautiful scenic walk.

The only place to eat fish and chips in Torquay: Fishos

Torquay’s Best fish And Chips

Fishos. They honestly have the most amazing Fish and chips! Try the grilled fish with a side of one of their made-from-scratch salads.

Torquay’s best place for a cheeky wine

Mr Archers: They have the best Rośe and pizza. The wine bar is metres from my house, the owner is a legend and it’s a cosy intimate place to catch up with girlfriends! 

Bird Rock: This place is an institution… oh my god if the walls could talk! They have the best Margaritas in town and I’ve had some huge nights here, plus they now have the best dumplings in town. Tell Ant I sent you!

Torquay’s best Massage

One Spa at RACV: The massage and spa has the most amazing steam room and pool with a view 

The Hermosa Co is the go too also for pregnancy massage – Lydia uses locally made oils.

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