Welcome Hello and welcome; please enjoy our home and the lovely town of Torquay. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call on 0411045731 or email thecombie@hotmail.com First thing is first, once you arrive you’ll need to get in. The key is hidden in a small combo safe. At the back of the house, near the corner close to the shed is a door that leads under the house. The key safe is bolted inside that door. The combo is 967 and please put the key back when you’re done and jumble the numbers. This key is for the front door. All the other doors can be opened from the inside once you’re in. Inside are all the basics. (please let us know if we’ve forgotten something or if you think that the place could be improved with anything extra). Linen, towels, blankets, spare pillows are in the cabinet in the hall with the vacuum and iron. There aren’t a lot of spare towels so best not take them to the beach if you can help it. Broom and mop are on the back of the laundry door. The drier and washing machine can be used and there is some detergent in the laundry. The kitchen has some condiments as well as plates, bowls, cutlery, pots and pans and most things that you need to cook. There is also a microwave, toaster and kettle. The stove and oven are fine but the grill element isn’t working so please don’t use it. If it gets hot or cold then the aircon in the lounge does both but it can take a little while to warm up. Please don’t use the wall heater in the lounge as it isn’t in great condition and will smell nasty if you turn it on. If you’ve been down to the beach then please rinse yourself off so that too much sand doesn’t end up in the house. Most of the decorations in the house are from our time living in West Africa, if you want to know about a piece then just ask. We’ve deliberately kept the place electronics free so that you can really get away. Hopefully the cupboard in the lounge will have some games to entertain and there are plenty of spaces and places outside to amuse. Please take your rubbish out to the big bins as it is created. The yellow is for recycling (no placky bags please) and red is for general waste. The rubbish schedule is on the fridge and if you happen to be around on bin night we’d really appreciate if you could put them out for collection. To get to the surf beach just follow the creek along and it comes out next to the lifesaving club. Cosy corner is the place for young kids and is well protected and patrolled on weekends and during the summer high season. It’s at the end of Bell St and is a little further to walk than the surf beach but car parking can be terrible so we always preferred to walk. I’ve tried to mark a bunch of interesting stuff in the map below. Playgrounds are on the map. Plenty around. Pizza – My fave in town is Torquay waves on Bell St. Fish and chips I usually hit Bell Street for fish and chips as well but the shop on the hwy near the house is also good if you want to stay close. Restaurants – Loads in town. Check Gilbert Street, Bell St or The Esplanade. Also the 2 golf courses have good grub. Soul fuel on the hwy near Baines crescent does a good breaky as well as growlers on the esplanade. Drinking – There is the Torquay pub on Bell Street as well as the Blackmans brewery and the milk bar. Jan Juc hotel is ok as well. Arvo sessions best at bomboras at the boat ramp on the esplanade or near Gilbert Street on the esplanade. You can also get a beer with a view at either Jan Juc or Torquay SLSC but mainly on summer weekends. There are 3 supermarkets in town all near each other. Coles, woollies and IGA. They are centred around the Gilbert St/Bristol Road area in the middle of town. The surf seconds stores are in Baines crescent and you can pick up some good bargains. There is a 20m pool in Baines cresent if you’re sick of the beach and the F45 gym in town is also recommended if you want to burn of the holiday excess. Attractions Other than the beach, cafes and shopping there is also a trip out to Bells Beach to see the famous waves. Just past bells is the nude beach at Southside if you’re so inclined. You can head towards Anglesea to check out some of the local wineries and the chocolate factory located about 10 km out of town. The surfworld museum isn’t bad for a bit of local history. Other places include the tigermoth flights or skydiving at Torquay airport on Blackgate road just back towards Geelong out of town. If you fancy a short bush walk then head towards Anglesea turn left about 8 km out of town towards Point Addis. Walk through the ironbark basin there. Also look up spring creek horse rides for a fun day out. If you can’t find what you need in Torquay then you can always find it in Geelong 20 km down the road. Malls, cinema, restaurants and clubs. The local markets that are on over the summer. Torquay Farmers Market Every Saturday, 8.30am-1pm 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay Fall in love with local food at the weekly Torquay Farmers Market. This popular weekly market celebrates fresh local foods and artisan produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, artisan cheeses and breads, fresh fish, salami, olive oil, jams, honey, preserves and nuts, as well as delicious treats, locally roasted coffee and much more! Torquay Farmers Market has a strong commitment to sustainability and is plastic bag free. Contact: David Bell on 0418 315 026 or email davidkbell@westnet.com.au Facebook: Torquay-Farmers-Market Torquay Cowrie Market Third Sunday of the month, September to April inclusive, 10am-3pm Torquay Foreshore This iconic market is nestled amongst the majestic trees overlooking Zeally Bay on the Torquay Foreshore. Offering a friendly atmosphere with two stages featuring local music and entertainment. Specialises in quality local art, craft, jewellery, vintage, plants and fresh produce. A great meeting place and never disappoints. Contact: cowriemarket@yahoo.com.au or PO Box 469, Torquay Vic 3228 Applications and more information: Torquay Cowrie market Nightjar Festival Every Thursday in January 2017, 4pm-10pm Torquay Common, Surf Beach Drive, Torquay The Nightjar Festival is a night market and music festival with fabulous food and wine mixed in with quality art stalls, street performers and ice sculpting. It's a unique event enjoying a growing reputation with the locals and visitors alike. Not to be missed, something for everyone and family friendly! Website: www.nightjarfestival.com.au
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