Torquay - Point Danger

Point Danger is one of the Surf Coast's most spectacular coastal lookouts, offering panoramic views across both Torquay Front Beach and Torquay Surf Beach. Perched on a limestone headland, it marks the point where the calm waters of the bay give way to the famous surf beaches that have made Torquay Australia's surfing capital.

The headland is home to the Point Danger ANZAC Memorial, where Torquay's annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service is held. The memorial honours Australian servicemen and women and has become an important place of remembrance as well as one of the town's best scenic viewpoints.

Walking paths wind around the headland, with several viewing platforms overlooking the coastline. From here you can watch surfers riding the waves below, spot seabirds soaring along the cliffs, and enjoy magnificent views stretching from Point Impossible in the east to Jan Juc and beyond in the southwest.

Point Danger also overlooks the Point Danger Marine Sanctuary, a protected marine environment established to conserve the area's unique rock platforms, reefs and marine life. At low tide, the intertidal rock pools reveal crabs, sea stars, anemones and many other fascinating marine creatures.

The lookout is a popular stop along the Surf Coast Walk, making it an excellent place to pause for photos or simply enjoy the scenery. Sunrise is particularly spectacular, while sunset often bathes the cliffs and ocean in warm golden light.

The War Years 1939-1945

During World War II the threat of an invasion by Japanese troops at Torquay was taken very seriously. The Allies were outnumbered in both artillery and trained troops. The coastline was very lightly defended.

In 1941 the Volunteer Air Observers Corps was established as a means of identifying foreign planes. Women of Torquay used the rotunda above Point Danger to keep watch for any enemy aircraft. The volunteers had to be of British nationality, of good repute and able to pass sight and hearing tests. They were trained in both aircraft and cloud identification. The inside of the rotunda was covered with images of planes which the women used to identify up to 3000 aircraft movements in the area between 1944 and the end of the war.

As further means of coastal defence there were three gun emplacements on the north side of the point and dummy guns set up in the sand dunes. Large timber poles were sunk into the sand from Spring Creek to roughly 50 metres beyond the current Surf Life Saving Club and barbed wire and concrete obstacles built on the front beach. These items were to hinder any enemy tanks that may come ashore during an invasion.

Torquay was also utilised for training camps. In the first quarter of 1940 a total of 5000 troops and 2000 horses from four different regiments were camped between the sand dunes at Point Danger and Deep Creek. It was the largest gathering of Light Horse regiments ever assembled in Victoria. A plaque at Point Danger commemorates this camp.

The annual dawn service to commemorate those who were lost has been held at Point Danger since 1949. The march to the point starts in the town led by police and fire brigade vehicles with flashing lights and a live band, followed by the veterans.

Getting There
Point Danger is located at the western end of The Esplanade in Torquay, between Torquay Front Beach and Torquay Surf Beach. Free parking is available adjacent to the lookout, with sealed paths providing easy access to the memorial and viewing areas.

Location