A local’s guide to Victoria’s Surf Coast: ‘Everyone has some relationship with the ocean’

The wild stretch from Torquay to Lorne blends long coastal walks and ocean plunges with quality food and culture that rivals nearby Melbourne, says author Gill Hutchison

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I moved to the Surf Coast (Torquay to Lorne along the Great Ocean Road) in 2013. It’s the traditional home of the Wadawurrung, Gulidjan and the Gadubanud nations. Being Victorian and close to Melbourne (Torquay lies 100km south-west of the city) we’re all a bit snobby when it comes to food and coffee but it’s unbelievable how much it’s improved. There wouldn’t have been much to recommend 10 years ago!