29 The Best 50 · 2026

Surf Hotel

Torquay, VIC

The former Surf City Motel on The Esplanade in Torquay, a 1980s building refurbished in 2026 with its original brickwork kept. It has sixteen rooms and suites, skylit bathtubs and a four-bedroom penthouse, and the restaurant and bar is led by chef Jo Barrett.

What makes it

  • Skylit bathtubs
  • Four-bedroom penthouse
  • Restaurant and bar led by Jo Barrett

The vibe

1980s Restored Surf