Live Surfboard Shaping

A unique feature of the museum is our working shaping bay, where you can watch boards being created for real clients!

Torquay surfboard guru and master craftsman Darren ‘Dicko’ Dickson often uses the space as his studio, so if you’re lucky, you may get an opportunity to see him in deep concentration as he works his creative magic.

If he’s not in action, you can still view his latest projects, templates, equipment and tools of the trade.

If you are just starting out, Dicko recommends to go and talk to old or established shapers, go and watch them shape and absorb their advice like a sponge and try out their techniques on your own designs, don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new things, you never know it may lead to a whole new model of board. He advises established shapers to check out new boards that are being released from the big brands to see what they are doing. Take inspiration from them and do your own version of it to keep your designs fresh and relevant for the modern day surfer whilst maintaining your own personal shaping style.
Ref: https://melbournesurfboardshop.com.au/blogs/news/darren-dicko-dickson-and-zak-surfboards-collaborate-on-new-surfboards

 

 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

  • Wonderful place to enrich your life and awareness of surfing.

    Otieno Ogunah Avatar Otieno Ogunah
    13/07/2026

    Great little museum giving information about Surfing.

    Wahaj Meer Avatar Wahaj Meer
    11/07/2026

    What a great museum, I started surfing at 12 years of age in the late 60's. This museum is a true to life time capsule of the evolution and great times of surfing and its characters. Brilliant stuff and so good to have all the brand name surf shops nearby. A hop skip and a jump to Bells Beach after a great morning at the museum. Highly recommend for a day out. As Captain Goodvibes the surfing Pig of Steel would say. Hang low and a bit to the left, you'll be right son !

    Barry Teitzel Avatar Barry Teitzel
    08/07/2026
  • Mostly surfboard displays with minimal written information. The best section imo was the theatre, as it's mostly just boards on display. Worth a visit if in Torquay

    Shan Avatar Shan
    16/04/2026

    Some great stories about the beginning of surfing in Australia and the history of surf boards. Very interesting!

    Eddie Groom Avatar Eddie Groom
    16/01/2026

    Kleines, schönes Surfmuseum mit diversen Suftbretten und Equipment aus Ausstellungsstücke. Viele Geschichten über lokale Berühmtheiten und einer Filmvorführung.

    Jan Belde Avatar Jan Belde
    30/12/2025
  • A Memorable Visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum – Where History Meets the Ocean Spirit A friend and I recently visited the Australian National Surfing Museum, and it turned out to be far more than just a stop on our weekend itinerary, it was a journey through Australia’s deep connection with the ocean and the art of surfing. From the moment we stepped inside, we were immersed in an atmosphere that celebrated both sport and culture. The museum’s collection of vintage surfboards and memorabilia tells a powerful story of evolution, of how surfing shaped communities, lifestyles, and even attitudes toward the sea. We couldn’t help but laugh as we tried the interactive surfing simulators; balancing on those boards (without actual waves!) proved to be both humbling and hilarious. What truly stood out was the museum’s ability to blend education with emotion. Every exhibit seemed to honor not just the athletes, but the pioneers who turned surfing into a symbol of freedom and connection. The visuals, the storytelling, and even the soundtrack of rolling waves made the experience feel alive. As we left, we found ourselves reflecting on how surfing isn’t merely a sport, it’s a philosophy of movement, balance, and respect for nature. Visiting the Australian National Surfing Museum reminded me that great experiences don’t just teach us about history, they invite us to feel part of it.

    Heidy Wandurraga Avatar Heidy Wandurraga
    09/11/2025

    Had a great morning looking back through the history of surfing very informative .

    Karen Conyers Avatar Karen Conyers
    05/11/2025

    A great museum where I learnt a lot about Australian surfing champions. Saw surfboards from the original wooden ones with no fins to the up to date lightweight boards with 3 fins. A tour guide took us around and his explanations were great, including a movie of surfers catching some huge waves.

    Rosemarie Moore Avatar Rosemarie Moore
    04/11/2025

Australian National Surfing Museum

77 Beach Rd
Torquay VIC 3228
Australia

OPENING HOURS

9am – 5pm
7 days a week
364 days a year
(Closed Christmas Day)

LOCATION

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 DETAILS

03 5261 4606
ansm@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
77 Beach Road
Torquay Victoria 3228