Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Torquay from NZ$116

For budget-conscious solo travellers heading to Torquay, the areas around the Esplanade and Bell Street offer the best options for cheap hotels and guesthouses. These central locations put you right in the heart of the action without breaking the bank, providing easy access to beaches and local amenities.


Staying near the Esplanade means you're just a stone's throw from the iconic Torquay Front Beach, great for a morning stroll or a swim without any cost. While hotels directly on the beachfront might be pricier, many affordable guesthouses and motels are tucked away just a street or two back, still offering excellent proximity.


The Bell Street precinct, a short walk inland, is another excellent choice. Here, you'll find a good selection of budget accommodation, often with more competitive rates than those right on the coast. It's also home to various cafes and eateries, making it easy to grab an inexpensive meal or coffee.

The most affordable time to visit Torquay is generally during the shoulder seasons—spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May)—or in the quieter winter months (June to August). During these periods, you'll find lower prices on accommodation and fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed experience for your budget.


For solo travellers, the shoulder seasons strike a superb balance. The weather is still pleasant for exploring the stunning coastline, and you can often find good deals on guesthouses and smaller boutique stays. You can enjoy the surf beaches and coastal walks, like the famous Bells Beach or the scenic Surf Coast Walk, without the summer rush, and many local cafes remain open.


Families might find winter to be surprisingly good value. While it's cooler, many accommodations offer significant discounts, and you can still enjoy indoor attractions like the Australian National Surfing Museum. The reduced tourist numbers mean a more peaceful atmosphere, and activities like beach walks are still enjoyable, perhaps with a warm cuppa afterwards.

While Torquay is generally considered a popular and somewhat pricier coastal town, travellers can absolutely experience its charm on a budget with some clever planning.


For accommodation, consider staying slightly inland from the main beachfront, where you'll often find more affordable holiday rentals or caravan parks. Solo travellers might also look into hostels or guesthouses in the broader Geelong region, which is a short drive away and offers good value.


Couples can save on dining by taking advantage of Torquay's beautiful natural surroundings. Pack a picnic with supplies from local supermarkets and enjoy it at Elephant Rock or along the Esplanade for stunning ocean views without the restaurant bill. Many of the best activities in Torquay are also free, such as surfing at Bells Beach (or simply watching the pros), exploring the scenic coastal walks, or relaxing on Jan Juc Beach.

Torquay offers a fantastic array of free activities, superb for budget-conscious travellers looking to experience the best of this coastal town.


For solo travellers, exploring the stunning coastline on foot is a must. The Surf Coast Walk, which begins in Torquay, offers breathtaking ocean views and a chance to discover hidden coves and beaches. You can walk a section of it, perhaps from Jan Juc Beach to Bells Beach, to soak in the iconic surfing atmosphere without spending a penny. Another great option is to simply relax on Torquay Front Beach or Fisherman's Beach, enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves.


Couples will find plenty of romantic and free experiences here too. Pack a picnic and head to Point Danger, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and watch the surfers. The Torquay Esplanade is superb for a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, taking in the sea air and browsing the local shops (window shopping is free.). You could also visit the Torquay Foreshore Market on a Saturday morning (seasonal) to soak up the local atmosphere and perhaps sample some free testers, even if you don't buy anything.


Regardless of whether you're travelling solo or as a couple, visiting the Australian National Surfing Museum offers a fascinating insight into Australia's surf culture, and its general admission is free. It's a great way to learn about the history of surfing in the region and see some iconic boards.

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Torquay for you.

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Torquay. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Budget hotel prices in Torquay vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$116 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.