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
SURFERS YOU SHOULD KNOW – ARTHUR PARKYN
Arthur Parkyn may not be a name familiar to Australian surfers, but it should be. He facilitated one of the greatest shifts in Australian surfing history. A member of the Mooloolaba SLSA Arthur was chosen by the national surf life saving body to coach a Hawaiian team in anticipation of their participation in the International Surf Carnival at Torquay in 1956. This turned out to be one of the most pivotal moments in Australian surfing history.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
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When in Torquay, the home to world famous surf location, Bells beach, a must see, is the iconic Australian National Surf Museum. With a vast selection of surfing memorabilia from the early board styles, through to the latest design shapes, it traces the history of surfing in infinate detail, with the aid of classic movie footage, plus a myriad tactile, hands on items from the past, to capture the imagination of young and old alike. 😎 
Paul Armistead
3/24/2019 We loved it. It's a small museum but full of history. I really recommend going and spending a couple of hours watching all the surf boards, surf suites, etc reading the history behind each item. 
Walter Simonazzi
11/15/2018 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 - Great place to get some info about surfing hardware and software ;-). Quite entertaining boards letters.
Marcin RS
1/14/2021 History of surfing, brilliant to see the names of yesteryear and the boards that were used in their quest for championships 
Alf Corbett
12/12/2019 Not that into surfing but the museum is really interesting and clearly thoughtfully curated. 
Joel Evans
1/13/2020
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.
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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