Anyone who's been in Torquay over the summer knows that locals and visitors alike love the Cowrie Market. Located along the Esplanade overlooking the beach, the market shows off all that regional makers have to offer. Food, preserves, jewelry, handmade crafts, books, clothes, and the much loved plant man are just a small taste of what you might find. Live music and a range of food stalls at either end make for a wonderful vibe as you stroll through the stalls.
Due to Covid, the market unfortunately hasn't been able to go ahead for a while, but the clever organisers set up an online market so we can still find all our favourites! https://www.torquaycowriemarket.com
Hopefully we’ll see the market return soon, but in the meantime, see below for other ways to spend days in Torquay!
If you’ve got weekdays free, and you’re looking for something interesting to fill the time, the kids at Torquay College could use your help! Their Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program for their grade 5 and 6 students is always looking for new volunteers.
Lorraine Wyatt has volunteered for the past four years, and joined up after seeing an article in the Surf Coast Times.
“We’d not long moved down here (to Torquay) permanently, and I thought to myself ‘I love cooking, I can do that’,” she said. “It’s fabulous, it makes you feel young, it gives you new life. Plus the kids love cooking, and I love teaching the kids."
Torquay hosts a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes, so be sure to take a browse and a stroll along the Esplanade;
Pholklore;
You’ll find Pholklore right at the end of Gilbert St, allowing a perfect view of the Esplanade and ocean. They have a range of vietnamese-style dishes to share or enjoy solo, and of course their delicious Pho is always a winner - especially to warm up the belly on a cold winters day!
Fishos;
A fine choice for rustic seafood dining, offering all sorts of fishy fare, from their famed fish tacos, to the ever popular classic, fish and chips. Whether eating in their cosy dining room, or taking advantage of the outdoor garden seating, you know you’ll always be getting the freshest catch.
The Pond;
They serve coffee, juice, breakfast, and lunch, and there's always something fresh and new to check out on the menu! Open early, it's a popular choice for a morning coffee while watching the sun rise over the ocean...