Waves and Wheels Exhibition

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.

Car companies released surfing themed models , Sandman, Sundowner and Drifter panel vans were soon hitting the road, featuring over the top graphics and advertising that made real surfers cringe. For many surfers van life was reality, greeted by a wide open road, very few rules, and new horizons around every corner .

Surfers invented skateboards (miniature wheeled surfboards) to maintain their stoke on flat days, invading footpaths, roadways and carparks to go sidewalk surfing . The skateboard influence found its way back to the beach, with modern surfers adapting skateboard moves into their surfing repertoire.

Through the Waves & Wheels exhibition we are celebrating the relationship between surfers and their cars from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Featuring vintage surf photographs, interactive panel van experience, historic surf film footage, model cars, skateboards, roof racks and Great Ocean Road game visitors can immerse themselves in the surfing road trip and experience surfing’s epic sense of adventure.

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.

    thumb Annie Lamb
    26/03/2023

    Wenn Surfing interessiert, dann ist dieses Museum ein Must, das Thema wird spannend präsentiert und mit Viedos untermalt

    thumb Ruedi Vogt
    20/03/2023

    Well 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

    thumb Robert Bridge
    20/03/2023
  • Great place to go.

    thumb Janet Williams
    27/02/2023

    A must see in Torquay

    thumb murat oldaç
    27/02/2023

    Really 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

    thumb Asher Middleton
    27/01/2023
  • Great History of Surfing

    thumb Michael Lappen
    27/01/2023

    Très 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.

    thumb Hugo Llorens
    27/12/2022

    Absolutely awesome history on Australian surfing. Highly recommended!

    thumb Alex Wadsworth
    27/08/2022

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