Current Exhibition
Waves and Wheels
In the late 1950s and early 1960s surfing became part of a youth movement that swept the world, as music, fashion and language became centered around the beach. Surf adventure became a central part of the surfing experience as surfers and their friends started exploring the Australian coast in wagons, vans and other surfmobiles in search of fun times and perfect waves.
The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, celebrates the story of surfing.
It charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. Through the colourful and exciting permanent displays of an extraordinary collection of surfcraft, important surfing artefacts and memorabilia, the museum commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage.
An unforgettable experience, the Australian National Surfing Museum offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. It’s a place where you can experience surfing’s sense of fun and marvel at the changes that have taken place over the years.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Story of Australian Surfing
Key stories and imagery tracing over 100 years of surfing in Australia.
150+ Surfboard Collection
Displaying a selection of century-old ‘dinosaur’ slabs to modern water-rockets, with examples of almost everything that came in-between.
Bells Trophies
The world’s most iconic surfing trophies from the world’s longest running surfing contest.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
The Australian Surfing Hall of Fame recognises the “Titans” of Australian surfing, their success, contributions and achievements. Each inductee is celebrated via a tribute surfboard which features a biography highlighting the life and significant impact each have made on competitive surfing, surfboard design, surfing culture or administration.
Board room
Stroll the Boardwalk to explore the evolution of surfboard designs and materials – from century-old solid timber historic boards, through hollow plywood “toothpicks”, balsa and fibreglass Malibu-style, to contemporary and futuristic composite construction craft.
Surf Culture
Our Surf Culture displays include a diverse range of important artefacts, artworks, trophies, historic photos, books, clothing, wetsuits and other memorabilia that reflect different eras from the past 100 years.
BLOG
SECRET SURFING HISTORY – ISABEL LETHAM
ISABEL LETHAM History can be a slippery beast, to a large degree we only know what we know, in time historical focus can become quite tight ignoring a broader, more detailed past. As time inserts distance between events and recollections, things can get lost, other elements may be added, and stories can change. For a long time Isabel Letham was celebrated as Australia’s first surfer. The story of a 14 year old Isabel being plucked from the crowd and invited out to surf tandem with Duke Kahanamoku has been romanticized and repeated for a very long time. This particular tale has become rusted on as an Australian surfing foundation myth. And to a degree it has become a tale which has grown in the telling. The thing is...
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
-
What a gem in Torquay! Great place to learn about the history of the Sport, showcasing how the surfboard design evolved over the years. They have few kids activities - balance the surfboard, decorate chalk surfboards, kinetic sand pits and a cool green-screen photo booth. Definitely worth checking out on a cold day! 
Piotr Rochala
7/18/2018 What a gem in Torquay! Great place to learn about the history of the Sport, showcasing how the surfboard design evolved over the years. They have few kids activities - balance the surfboard, decorate chalk surfboards, kinetic sand pits and a cool green-screen photo booth. Definitely worth checking out on a cold day! Piotr Rochala
7/16/2018 Fabulous displays, indepth history of early days of surfing in Oz, boardmaking and designers, champions, vans, memorabilia, gr8 value for money, a worthy detour THANKS! 
Drew Payne
2/03/2021 - Love this museum! Small but everything about australian surfing you can find here!!! wnjoyed watching the surf board maker too!
Frances Salazar
5/15/2021 A long overdue visit ... Elaine V. Hare
2/01/2021 History and heritage. Brilliantly covers all aspects of surfing culture since the beginning. 
Luke Grounds
1/05/2020
EXPLORE OUR COLLECTIONS
Sharing surfing stories and collection items with the world, in collaboration with Google Arts and Culture. The ANSM represents surfing amongst the pantheon of Australian sports as part of the Australia: Great Sporting Land project. Experience the museum walk-through and see our objects in HD.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Australian National Surfing Museum
Torquay VIC 3228
Australia
OPENING HOURS
9am – 5pm
7 days a week
364 days a year
(Closed Christmas Day)
ADMISSION
Adult $12,
Student/Pensioner Concession $8
Child (aged 16 and under) $8
Family $25.
PLEASE NOTE: General admission prices are for self-guided tours with no time limit.
Group Discounts
Please see Education / Group Tours for details.
CONTACT
03 5261 4606
ansm@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
77 Beach Road
Torquay Victoria 3228