Torquay & District Historical Society
Torquay and District Historical Society collects, preserves and shares photographs, documents, objects and stories relating to the history and heritage of Torquay and the surrounding district.
The society is based in the Old Torquay Police Station, where visitors can view local-history displays and learn about the development of Torquay from a small coastal settlement into a major seaside and surfing destination.
Subjects covered by the collection include early families, fishing, farming, businesses, schools, buildings, shipwrecks, transport, recreation and the growth of Torquay. The society also assists with local and family-history research and shares historical photographs and stories online.
Things to see ...
REPLICA BATHING BOX
The Torquay Front Beach was once lined with bathing boxes owned by families and set back in the dunes that began to be erected in the late 1880s. THS has faithfully erected a replica of a bathing box in the garden of the Torquay Old Police Station (TOPS) where History House contains the archives of the Society. The box contains records and a pictorial history of the old bathing boxes and a display of old swimming costumes and swimming aids. It includes the bathing box register.
RESTORED TELEPHONE BOX
A 1950s red telephone box that used A B multicoin telephone units has been restored and placed in the garden beside the bathing box.
RELICS FROM THE WRECK OF THE JOSEPH S SCAMMELL
Relics from the Scammell that was wrecked off Point Danger in 1891 are on display in History House. Donated items range from those washed up on shore, those found by scuba divers and things that were scavenged at low tides. The largest item is a dining table.
LIBRARY & HISTORIC ART DISPLAY
The Ros Lewis library contains a collection of more than 300 books covering diverse topics of historical interest, including several important texts on Australia’s original inhabitants. An exhibit of early artists who painted scenes of the area is in the library and a collection of drip glaze pottery by a local potter.
EVOLUTION OF THE FORESHORE EXHIBIT
The Torquay Foreshore Precinct between Point Danger and Yellow Bluff, and bound by The Esplanade to the west, has significance as the historic location of coastal recreation in Torquay from the late 19th century. The exhibit charts the development of the foreshore area from the early 1840s to the present day.
OTHER EXHIBITS OF INTEREST
- Old street signs
- Growth of fishing in Torquay
- Squatters & Settlers
- WW2 activities including 2nd Cavalry Division encampment
Opening Hours:
See the Torquay Historical Society website for current opening hours and information about arranging a visit by appointment.
The society is operated by volunteers, so opening arrangements may change. Confirm access before making a special trip.
Cost:
See the Torquay Historical Society website for current visitor information.
Location
18 Price Street, Torquay 3228 View Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ torquayhistoricalsociety.com.au
→ Torquay Historical Society on Facebook
