Torquay - Fishermans Beach
Fishermans Beach is a sheltered bay on the eastern side of Torquay that has long been associated with the town's fishing and boating heritage. Protected from the larger ocean swells by Point Danger, the beach offers calm waters that are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and launching small boats. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular destination for families and locals seeking a quieter alternative to Torquay's surf beaches.
Fishermans Beach extends for about 1 km along Zeally Bay. The northern boundary is the the mouth of Deep Creek, near the end of Darian Road and the southern boundary is Yellow Bluff, the low limestone headland near the northern end of Torquay Front Beach (opposite Zeally Bay Road).
The beach is home to Torquay's public boat ramp, where recreational fishers and boat owners launch vessels to explore Bass Strait. Colourful fishing boats, trailers and the nearby yacht club add to the beach's maritime character, while the calm waters are popular with beginner paddlers learning to kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
A wide foreshore reserve lines the beach, with picnic areas, lawns and a shared walking path linking Fishermans Beach with Torquay Front Beach, Point Danger and the town centre. The beach is also an excellent place to enjoy a morning walk, watch boats returning from fishing trips or admire sunsets across the bay.
At the northern end near Deep Creek is the Sundial of Human Involvement.
Although the beach is generally calm, it remains connected to Bass Strait and conditions can change with tides and weather. Visitors should always supervise children around the water and be mindful of boats using the nearby launching facilities.
Facilities include free parking, public boat ramp, public toilets, outdoor showers, picnic tables, BBQs, water tap, grassed foreshore and shared walking and cycling path.
Surf Safety
Fishermans Beach is not patrolled by lifesavers. Thanks to its sheltered location, the beach usually experiences calm water and only small waves, making it suitable for swimming, paddling and kayaking in favourable conditions. However, visitors should remain aware of changing weather, tides and boat traffic associated with the nearby boat ramp. Children should always be closely supervised, and swimmers should avoid the boat launching area.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are generally permitted off leash under effective control. However, from 1 December to 28 February and over Easter, dogs are prohibited between 9am and 7pm, except on designated paths while on a leash. Dogs are permitted off leash from 7pm to 9am during these periods. Check the Surf Coast Shire dog regulations before visiting.
Fishermans Beach Signage
Prior to European settlement, Aboriginal inhabitants were well aware of the rich abundance of sea food available in the Torquay region. Four tribes are known to have spent large amounts of time in the area, feeding on the local produce. In Torquay and the surrounding coast, middens (charcoal with shellfish and animal remains) can be found indicating important cultural sites where Aboriginal people gathered and feasted on this abundant food source.
By the latter half of the 19th century the creeks and coastline around Torquay were also regularly visited by fisherman of European descent, with several fishing the waters commercially for numerous species including Rock Lobster, several Finfish varieties (including Snapper and Whiting) and Abalone.
From the 1880’s to the 1940’s a Barracuda fishery emerged. Although not as large as the nearby Queenscliff and Lorne fleets the Torquay fleet still consisted of several vessels. These fleets have all since disappeared with the decline of fish populations. Reasons for the species and inevitably the fisheries decline are debatable. While most argue that the species was over-fished, some suggest that the population dynamics of the Barracuda may naturally undergo a boom and bust cycle, so the decline was partially independent of the fishing pressures.
The main species fished for today is Rock Lobster with one vessel operating out of Torquay. You may be able to see the floats in nearby waters marking a lobster pot.
Today the most abundant and popular recreational species targeted include Snapper, Whiting and Salmon with scuba divers also targeting Rock Lobster and Abalone on the inshore reefs. Nearby Spring Creek and Bream Creek also produce catches of Bream.
Photos:
Location
77 The Esplanade, Torquay 3228 View Map
Web Links
→ Fishermans Beach (BeachSafe)
