Australian National Surfing Museum Visual Story

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Arrival & Parking

The Australian National Surfing Museum is located on Beach Road in Torquay. The building is low-set and is constructed with concrete and glass. Directly in front is a car park, which includes an accessible car parking space. Please note there is no shared space adjacent to the accessible car parking space, and there is no direct access to the footpath from the car parking space.

A wide concrete ramp with handrails connects the parking area to the entrance. Please note gradient of concrete ramp may provide challenges for some users. Access to the Museum is through an automatic glass sliding door, shared with the Visitor Information Centre. Nearby are the Surf Coast Library and a Multi Arts Centre, forming a cultural hub. 

A car park with a white car on the right. In the centre, there are palm trees and a pedestrian crossing sign. A sign for visitor information is visible near the trees. On the left, several parked cars are lined up. In the background, a building with signage for a library and a blue storefront can be seen. The ground is paved, and there are designated parking spaces, including one for disabled parking.
A parking area with a marked disabled parking space in the foreground. On the left, a silver car is parked near a building with "Surf Coast Library" written on it. In the centre, there are two tall palm trees and a pedestrian crossing sign. On the right, a building with "Multi Arts Centre" signage is visible, along with a ramp and some landscaping with small plants and rocks.
Pathway leading to a building with signs for the Australian National Surfing Museum and Visitor Information on the right. On the left, there's a sign for the Surf Coast Library. Palm trees and shrubs line the path, with metal railings on either side. The ground is a mix of pebbles and concrete, and the buildings have a modern design with large windows.
A paved area with a building in the centre, featuring a curved roof and an open entrance. To the right, a sign reads "Australian National Surfing Museum" with a surfing image. A mural of a surfer is painted on the wall. On the left, there are palm trees and parked cars. The ground is a mix of textured concrete and green patches, with metal railings and some low bushes.
Entrance to the Australian National Surfing Museum on the left, with glass doors and informational banners. A signboard in front reads "Visitor Information Centre." A shaded area with a modern canopy extends overhead. In the background, the Surf City Arts Centre is visible, along with parked cars and trees. The ground is paved, and a large Connect Four game is set up on the right.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Vehicle engines
  2. Footsteps on gravel
  3. Distant chatter
  4. Birds chirping
  5. Doors opening
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Vehicle exhaust
  3. Nearby plants
  4. Concrete
  5. Ocean breeze
Touch

Feel

  1. Warm sun
  2. Cool breeze
  3. Smooth ramp
  4. Textured concrete underfoot
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Palm trees
  2. Museum signs
  3. Library building
  4. Parking spaces
  5. Nearby buildings

Visitor Information Centre

The Visitor Information Centre service acts as a museum reception and has a modern design with wooden and glass elements. Natural light enters through large windows, brightening the space. At the centre is a curved reception desk with a brown wooden front. To the right is the visitor information, where shelves display tourist brochures and details about Surf Coast events.

A large digital screen is mounted on the wall, providing information about local destinations. On the left is a retail area featuring t-shirts, souvenirs, and gift items. Accessible toilets are currently under construction through the Visitor Information Centre. The closest accessible toilets can be found in the Torquay Library, during opening hours. Public toilets are also available in the Surf City Plaza. Please ask for direction from staff on site.

A visitor information centre with a curved wooden reception desk in the foreground. On the left, shelves display brochures and books. Behind the desk, a blue sign with an "i" hangs from the ceiling. The background features large windows with sunlight streaming in, showcasing various souvenirs and gifts. The ceiling is fitted with recessed lights and an air conditioning unit. A digital kiosk stands to the right of the desk.
A tourist information centre with a variety of merchandise on display. On the left, shelves hold souvenirs like magnets and keychains. In the centre, white tables showcase local products and postcards. The right side features a curved reception desk with brochures and a computer. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the space. The ceiling is lined with fluorescent lights, and the floor is tiled in a light colour. Signs indicate the start of the Great Ocean Road and museum entry.
A shop interior with a curved display wall on the right featuring a large screen showing a coastal scene. Shelves hold various souvenirs, including keychains and small bags. On the left, there are hanging T-shirts and a shelf with jars. A potted plant sits on a counter in the foreground. The ceiling is white with fluorescent lights, and the floor is carpeted. A sign above reads "WELCOME START OF THE" with more text obscured.
A shop interior with a display of T-shirts hanging on a white slatted wall in the centre. Above the shirts is a large mural of a coastal scene with waves and cliffs. On the left, there are shelves with various products, including jars and a potted plant. The ceiling is made of white tiles with fluorescent lights. To the right, there is a dark hallway leading further into the store. The floor is light-coloured.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Soft chatter
  2. Cash register
  3. Music
  4. Door opening
  5. Footsteps
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh paper
  2. Clean air
  3. Wood polish
  4. Mild perfume
  5. New merchandise
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth surfaces
  2. Cool air
  3. Money/credit card handling
  4. Texture of merchandise
  5. Interaction with staff
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright displays
  2. Colourful brochures
  3. Wooden counters
  4. Gift items
  5. Digital screen

Museum

The Australian National Surfing Museum features modern architecture with bright blue and yellow walls. The entrance is an inward-opening door located to the right of the reception desk. Inside, colourful displays and surfboards line the space, offering a vibrant atmosphere.

To the left, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of surfing, vintage surfboards, memorabilia, and iconic trophies. The Hall of Fame, centrally located presents notable figures and champions from Australia’s surfing history.

Further ahead is a theatre area used for visitors to view surf films. Please note some steps are present in the theatre however wheelchairs can navigate around these. Due to the nature of museums, exhibits may move location, and be presented in slightly different formats to the photos displayed here. 

A room with a blue wall on the right, featuring a "Museum Entry" sign above an open door. A sign next to the door reads "Paid Entry Only Beyond This Point." Inside, a yellow floor leads to an exhibit area. On the left, a reception desk with a computer is visible, and beyond it, a shop area with clothing and merchandise on display. The ceiling is white with recessed lighting.
A museum exhibit with a central glass case displaying a long, narrow object. The walls are dark blue with text and images about surfing history. On the left, small display cases are mounted on the wall. On the right, a screen shows a coastal scene. The floor is shiny and yellow, and there are white pillars supporting the ceiling. A doorway is visible in the background.
A museum exhibit with a yellow floor and a dark ceiling. In the centre, a glass case displays a white surfboard. The left side features surfboards in glass cases against blue walls. The right side has a red wall with framed photographs and a poster about the "1st World Surfboard Titles." A panel titled "Torquay Surf Indus" provides information. Spotlights illuminate the area.
A museum interior with vibrant colours. On the left, a red wall displays framed pictures and surfboards. The floor is bright yellow. In the centre, a blue wall features a textured artwork and text. A small, colourful beach hut stands nearby. On the right, a blue wall with surfboards and a sign reading "Theatre" is visible. The ceiling is dark with exposed beams and spotlights. A wooden walkway runs along the right side.
A museum interior with a wooden floor and a high, dark ceiling. On the left, surfboards are displayed along the wall. In the centre, a colourful beach hut and a table with stools are visible. A surfboard hangs from the ceiling. On the right, a darkened area with a screen showing a surfing video is labelled "Australian Surfing Hall of Fame." The walls are painted blue, and there are informational posters and displays throughout.
A room with a display of surfboards on the right wall, each accompanied by informational plaques. In the foreground, there are rows of red chairs. On the left, an open doorway reveals more surfboards mounted on a blue wall with a wooden floor. The ceiling is dark with spotlights and a ceiling fan. A glass case with a surfboard stands near the entrance.
A museum exhibit featuring a row of surfboards displayed vertically along a curved blue wall with the words "World Champions" above. Each surfboard has accompanying information. In the foreground, there are rows of red chairs. To the right, a glass case contains a surfboard with a red swirl design. A doorway leads to another area with a blue surfboard and a poster. The ceiling is dark with spotlights and a ceiling fan.
On the left, a dark room with a large screen showing an underwater scene, surrounded by surfboards and chairs. A poster is on the wall near the entrance. On the right, a brightly lit area with a yellow floor, displaying multiple surfboards against a blue, wave-like backdrop. The ceiling has exposed beams and lighting fixtures.
A museum exhibit with a blue and yellow colour scheme. On the left, there are surfboards displayed vertically against a blue wall. A glass display case with various items is visible further inside. On the right, a large screen shows an image of two people. The floor is bright yellow, and the ceiling is dark with exposed fixtures. An emergency exit door is at the end of the corridor.
A museum exhibit with a blue floor and ceiling. On the left, there are display cases with various surfing equipment and wetsuits. The back wall features three surfboards in orange, blue, and yellow, mounted vertically. To the right, a large glass cabinet displays smaller surfing-related items. The walls are painted blue, and there are informational panels and photographs throughout the space.
A museum exhibit with a surf theme. On the left, there are framed posters and a yellow surfboard against a dark wall. The floor is yellow. In the middle, a wall displays various framed surf-related posters. On the right, a mural of a beach scene with a screen showing a surfing video. The front of a yellow van is partially visible, positioned on a sandy display. The ceiling is dark with spotlights.
A museum exhibit featuring a yellow and white vintage van with surfboards on the roof. Inside the van, a mannequin is seated. To the right, there are several surfboards standing upright, with two black-and-white cutouts of people in swimwear. The background has a mural of a beach scene with trees. The floor is shiny and yellow, and there is an open doorway leading to another room with tables and chairs visible.
A hallway with a bright yellow floor and a dark ceiling. On the left, a red wall displays framed pictures and a framed T-shirt. Below, a surfboard is mounted on a metal stand. On the right, a blue wall showcases several surfboards with various designs, including a Superman graphic. In the centre, a narrow passage leads to a well-lit room with visible tables and chairs. An exit sign hangs above the passage.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Projector hum
  2. Video narration
  3. Soft chatter
  4. Footsteps echo
  5. Door creaks
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh paint
  2. Clean air
  3. Wood polish
  4. Faint scent of waxed boards
  5. Museum scent
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth floors
  2. Cool air
  3. Textured boards
  4. Reflective
  5. Interaction with others
Sight

Sight

  1. Vibrant boards
  2. Contrasting colours
  3. Trophies & memorabilia
  4. Video screens
  5. Historic photos
Two hands shaking Thankyou graphic

Thank You

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