Surf Hotel is making waves in Australia’s surfing capital.
Torquay is widely regarded as Australia’s surf capital, famed for its epic and diverse breaks and reliable swells year-round. Once a sleepy beach town, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road has doubled in population size from 10,000 residents in 2011 to an estimated 26,000 to 29,500 today. It’s also a much-loved holiday spot with visitors being drawn not only to its world-class beaches, but also its vibrant hospitality scene.
An exciting new accommodation that speaks to the coastal town’s surfing identity and barefoot luxury style just opened, and it’s a ripper.
Retro charm meets modern design
An ’80s motel was transformed into a chic coastal stay.
Surf Hotel is the brainchild and first property of Melbourne-based hospitality and property developers Jack Davis and George Robinson. Their latest venture sees an ‘80s motel completely transformed into a chic seaside stay by Melbourne-based architects Forum Studio and interior designers Pasquale Cook on Torquay’s beachfront main strip, The Esplanade.
Fit for surfers and design enthusiasts alike, each space within the accommodation is swathed in earthy tones and pays homage to the building’s ‘80s roots: think cork floors and record players with vinyl curated by Torquay’s J Wray Records. Bespoke belly boards produced exclusively by Rip Curl co-founder Doug Warbirck and Kodachrome photos taken by legendary Australian surf photographers adorn the walls. Terracotta floor tiles run throughout alongside exposed timber beams and mid-century modern furnishings.
The hotel’s offerings
The penthouse features an entertainer's kitchen.
Relax in one of the suite's circular baths.
Rooms exude minimalist coastal charm.
Modern bathrooms feature green tiled backsplashes.
There are just 16 rooms and suites on the property, all enveloped in warm minimalism. For added luxury, suites feature freestanding circular bathtubs under custom skylights. But the room to book is the penthouse, which sleeps up to eight guests across four rooms and flaunts sweeping ocean views and an entertainer’s kitchen.
The laid-back restaurant and bar is helmed by Jo Barrett (2024 Australian Good Food Guide’s Chef of the Year), who is renowned for her closed-loop gastronomy. The changing menu will hero local produce against a backdrop of the Bass Strait. Diners can expect modern bites such as an elevated fish finger sandwich, chicken and prawn larb with lime, chilli and fish sauce, fried king oyster mushroom with cashew and aged fenugreek and sweet treats like rice pudding cream with plum and finger lime. The breezy space features a wood-burning fireplace to cocoon next to during the cooler months.
The penthouse boasts expansive sea views.
A wellness space with a timber sauna, cold plunge and loungers will round out the offerings later this year.
Surf Hotel proves a tasteful example of a development aimed at enriching the community rather than simply existing within it. Division and Robinson’s second project, The Roy at Rainbow Beach in Queensland will open later this month.
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Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.
Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.
Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.
1. It’s easy to get to
Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)
At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in).
2. The coastline is stunning
Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.
The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another.
Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas.
For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins, or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA.
3. Taste exceptional food and wine
Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.
While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie.
Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views.
Pt. Leo Estate has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.
And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.
4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors
Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.
The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail).
The region is also home to several national parks providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links or Flinders Golf Club, one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.
5. Lean into wellness and relaxation
Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.
Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.
Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.
6. Get a culture fix
Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)
Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.
If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park. Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels.
7. Gorgeous accommodations
Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.
The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel, home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot.
For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse.
