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
TURNING POINTS – FROM THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE
FROM THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE As the 1960s came to a close, the times were a changing, there was revolution in the air. It was a period of dramatic social change, everything was being questioned, and social norms were being turned on their heads. The summer of love had come and gone, and surfers were squarely part of a counter culture movement. Country soul was the feeling many surfers wanted to embrace, a return to more simple living, being self-reliant and surfing wilderness locations. Eastern religions were being explored and Timothy Leary’s advice to “turn on, tune in, and drop out” was being embraced by many. In 1970 the 5th World Surfing Championship at Bells Beach was tipped into this boiling pot of new ideas and changed...
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
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Not that into surfing but the museum is really interesting and clearly thoughtfully curated. 
Joel Evans
1/13/2020 History and heritage. Brilliantly covers all aspects of surfing culture since the beginning. 
Luke Grounds
1/05/2020 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 - 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 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 Awesome display. So many memories from years past. Recommend highly 
Geoff Smith
3/05/2020
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.
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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