About Torquay, Hervey Bay, QLD

Longitude:  152.868469      Latitude:  -25.284289

Metres above Sea Level:  7.3 m

Area:  4.33 km²     Perimeter:  9.59 km

View Torquay’s  Statistics & Demographics

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Torquay is one of the original five seaside villages that now form part of the City of ‘Hervey Bay’ (proclaimed on the 18th February 1984).  Enjoying some 2.6 km of coastline, the beautifully landscaped foreshore overlooks the picturesque Hervey Bay.  The Torquay foreshore enjoys the highest concentration of facilities of the entire foreshore area, as well as offering boutique shopping and eateries – situate just across the road . . .

Watch the turquoise waters of the bay sparkle through the trees; stroll along the walking trail, beach, boardwalks, jetties; read a book under the beautiful mature trees, frolic on the sand – the area has a real air of cosmopolitan beach holidaying – and living . . .

The beautiful calm waters of the Hervey Bay are due to the World Heritage Listed Fraser Island sheltering it from the southern and eastern swells.  In the words of Captain Cook:

” . . . This Shoal I called Break Sea Spit, because now we had smooth water, whereas upon the whole Coast to the Southward of it we had always a high Sea or swell from the South-East . . . “

Source:  Excerpt – “Captain Cook’s Journal during his First Voyage Round the World made in H.M. Bark ‘Endeavour’ 1768-71 – A Literal Transcription of the Original MSS with Notes and Introduction by Captain W.J.L. Wharton, R.N., F.R.S. – Hydrographer of the Admiralty – Illustrated by Maps and Facsimiles” 1768-71 – published in 1893

The beautiful, seaside parks and gardens also house the wonderful cycling / walking trail.

Many access points to the beach and to the waters of Hervey Bay are dispersed along the way.  Swim, walk, wind surf, kite surf, sail, kayak, fish, jet ski, snorkel – just some of the many pursuits available.  ‘Torquay Rocks’, situate in the vicinity of ‘Bill Fraser Park‘, provide the opportunity for a snorkel and underwater explore . . .

Torquay enjoys a rich history as demonstrated by the following snippets:

Swimming Enclosure – Torquay – Hervey Bay – c 1923

” . . . An Interesting personality of the district is Mr. L. H. Nissen, the oldest living pioneer-settler, who has been a resident on the bay for 60 years this March.  He is affectionately known as “The Grandfather of the Bay,” Although 81 years of age, Mr. Nissen, a typical Dane and a well-known farmer, is in splendid health; he is of big stature, and can still do a good day’s work with any man.  He has the pluck and hardihood of the courageous Danes of old, as was demonstrated a year or so ago, when he was thrown from a horse, suffering a bad fracture of one of his ankles.  He declined to have an anaesthetic, and went through a severere setting operation without a groan.  Relating his experiences and recollections of the Bay, Mr. Nissen said that the first became engaged in clearing forest country at a time when there was little or no white population.  For a period he was cutting timber for Mr. Boyle Martin’s mill.  About that time another timber getter, Mr.Hendersen, had acquired a small selection where Torquay now stands . . . “

” . . . The Scarness-Torquay-Urangan seafront is unique in Queensland in that between the beach and the esplanade there is a beautiful fringe of shade trees for a number of miles.  This scene is typical of the shelter all along the highway and facilities provided for picnickers . . . “

Torquay Hotel – Hervey Bay – c 1930’s

” . . . TORQUAY HOTEL, TORQUAY.

The Torquay Hotel under the popular and capable management of Mr. A. E. Baxter, is situated in the principal portion of the Torquay pleasure and seaside resort, which is in the central position of the bay, facing a glorious stretch of beach where superior swimming facilities can be obtained at high and low tides, in an up-to date enclosure.  The hotel faces the fringe of trees which has been improved by the Torquay Progress Association for picnickers.  It is conveniently situated for travellers, being only four minutes from the railway station, and is on the routes of the motor buses which ply for hire at intervals through-out the day, between Maryborough and Urangan Point.  The hotel is complete with all comforts and conveniences for fastidious tourists . . . “

” . . . TORQUAY CAFE AND DANCE HALL.

The Torquay Cafe and Dance Hall, which is a recent addition to the business centre of Torquay, is under the capable management of Miss I. Torrens.  The building is situated next to the Torquay Hotel, and is an acquisition to the resort.  Dainty refreshments, meals, and oyster and fish suppers are obtainable at all hours.  A dance hall, which is conducted in conjunction with the cafe, is available, and can be booked by private parties . . . “

” . . . POST OFFICE STORE, TORQUAY.

The premises of Mr. E. G. Arnell, who has been in business at Torquay for five years as a general storekeeper, are situated near the railway station.  This is the leading business at Torquay, and full stocks of groceries are always on hand.  Mr. Arnell also conducts a newsagency and stationery business, and is in charge of the local Post Office agency.  A car for hire is available on the premises.  Persons seeking seaside villas are recommended to write to Mr. Arnell, who will gladly give full information . . . “

Source: Excerpts – Article “Historic Sketch – Early Days Recalled – A Pioneer’s Reminiscenses” – published in ‘The Brisbane Courier’ – 13th March 1931

Sadly, the iconic buildings of yesteryear are no longer . . .

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Plan your trip to Torquay here

Discover Torquay via POI Australia’s Interactive Map, or, acquaint yourself with Torquay’s

 – Points of Interest

 – Things to Do

 – Accommodation

 – Dining Out

 – Shopping

 – Services

 – Community & Events

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Epilogue:  

POI Australia has been designed to network Australia by encouraging and harnessing local knowledge wherever possible. 

Our aim is to –

 – encourage locals to support LOCAL community groups and events; and to use LOCAL products and services

 – encourage visitors, tourists and investors to the many amazing regions of Australia that are so often overlooked.

During our visit, we have endeavoured to capture the essence of Torquay and collectively, with our research, have summarised the Points Of Interest (POI) that we have found.

We know that there are many more POI and stories to tell.  We enthusiastically invite and encourage contributions to POI Australia – no matter how large or small.  To submit information regarding your town and region, please contact us.  The information will be reviewed, edited (to suit the segment), approved and added to POI Australia.  Remember: “a picture says a thousand words” – so the more photos – the better.  To maintain relevancy of the information on the website, we are always grateful to receive updates at any time. 

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In order to maintain the free community services, POI Australia provides an opportunity for businesses to support their town and region by advertising for a nominal annual fee.  The business listings are designed to be very quick and easy to complete, providing links to existing websites, Facebook, etc., so that time-poor business owners can quickly add and maintain their listings.  We hope that the low charges will encourage business to “spread the word”.

The more we network, the more successful we will be in promoting Australia’s locations, stories, histories, businesses, people, sustainability and the environment.

Working together, we can protect our Country, our Environment and our Communities . . .