Opening Hours
Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm
Closed Christmas Day – 25 December
Current Exhibition
The Bell: A Tale of Triumph & Tradition
Discover the fascinating history of the Bells trophy at the ANSM. Explore the origins of the trophy and how the idea of using a brass bell came about, the history of the place, as well as stories from the trophy makers themselves. With more than a dozen of these iconic trophies on display, you will see different eras represented, amazing examples of the trophy and a detailed and colourful commemoration of this historic event.
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
PEOPLE & PLACE
In looking to refurb and update the museum one of the themes we will be exploring is People and Place. There is certainly a LOT locally to celebrate, a pretty epic place, steeped in surfing history, with a raft of interesting characters . . . I love this photo taken by Peter Ginnane a Bells in 1971. Check out the range of craft on the roof of the Holden, and all that neoprene stacked in the boot. Not sure who was piloting the EH but it's got South Australian plates. That is Ian Walding's Kombi with the bug beside it, all parked in the lower car park (before all the amazing organic rehabilitation that has taken place there) Only one head in the clean morning line up at Bells . . . looks like there are a few more waves on the way? Evocative...
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
-
Stopped in on a weekend away. I was really impressed with the items in the collection and didn't realise surfing was such an old craft. I learned a lot about the history of surfing, the evolution of the boards and the technology that goes into making a great board. We spent about 1.5 hours in the museum but there us a 90 minute feature film that shows in the theatre, so allow more time if you want to watch the whole thing.
Annie Lamb
26/03/2023Wenn Surfing interessiert, dann ist dieses Museum ein Must, das Thema wird spannend präsentiert und mit Viedos untermalt
Ruedi Vogt
20/03/2023Well worth the few bucks to head in and see, fantastic service at the counter on the way in which sets the mood for the whole experience
Robert Bridge
20/03/2023 -
Great place to go.
Janet Williams
27/02/2023A must see in Torquay
murat oldaç
27/02/2023Really well done, although the entry fee of ~$12.50 was a little steep I thought. If they don't have government funding they definitely deserve it
Asher Middleton
27/01/2023 -
Great History of Surfing
Michael Lappen
27/01/2023Très bien mais je pense qu'il faut être fan de surf pour l'apprécier d'autant plus car il y a beaucoup de chose à lire et de références.
Hugo Llorens
27/12/2022Absolutely awesome history on Australian surfing. Highly recommended!
Alex Wadsworth
27/08/2022
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.
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
The Australian National Surf Museum sits on the lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and Protectors of this place. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and future who continue on this path.
We extend this respect to all First Nation countries across this land that we surf on, work on and live on everyday.
