Opening Hours
Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm
except Christmas Day – 25 December – Closed
![The Bell Ex](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Bell-Ex-scaled.jpg)
Current Exhibition
The Bell: A Tale of Triumph & Tradition
Discover the fascinating history of the Bells trophy at the ANSM. Explore the origins of the trophy and how the idea of using a brass bell came about, the history of the place, as well as stories from the trophy makers themselves. With more than a dozen of these iconic trophies on display you will see different eras represented amazing examples of the trophy and a detailed and colourful commemoration of this historic event.
The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay, Australia’s surfing capital, celebrates the story of surfing.
It charts Australia’s significant contribution to the development of surfing around the world. Through the colourful and exciting permanent displays of an extraordinary collection of surfcraft, important surfing artefacts and memorabilia, the museum commemorates Australia’s fantastic surfing heritage.
An unforgettable experience, the Australian National Surfing Museum offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. It’s a place where you can experience surfing’s sense of fun and marvel at the changes that have taken place over the years.
We look forward to welcoming you.
![](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Surfboard-Collection.png)
Story of Australian Surfing
Key stories and imagery tracing over 100 years of surfing in Australia.
![](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/150.png)
150+ Surfboard Collection
Displaying a selection of century-old ‘dinosaur’ slabs to modern water-rockets, with examples of almost everything that came in-between.
![](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Bells-Trophies.png)
Bells Trophies
The world’s most iconic surfing trophies from the world’s longest running surfing contest.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Australian Surfing Hall of Fame
The Australian Surfing Hall of Fame recognises the “Titans” of Australian surfing, their success, contributions and achievements. Each inductee is celebrated via a tribute surfboard which features a biography highlighting the life and significant impact each have made on competitive surfing, surfboard design, surfing culture or administration.
Board room
Stroll the Boardwalk to explore the evolution of surfboard designs and materials – from century-old solid timber historic boards, through hollow plywood “toothpicks”, balsa and fibreglass Malibu-style, to contemporary and futuristic composite construction craft.
BLOG
![PEOPLE & PLACE](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/424763259_877952941000329_1013088191504114363_n.jpg)
PEOPLE & PLACE
In looking to refurb and update the museum one of the themes we will be exploring is People and Place. There is certainly a LOT locally to celebrate, a pretty epic place, steeped in surfing history, with a raft of interesting characters . . . I love this photo taken by Peter Ginnane a Bells in 1971. Check out the range of craft on the roof of the Holden, and all that neoprene stacked in the boot. Not sure who was piloting the EH but it's got South Australian plates. That is Ian Walding's Kombi with the bug beside it, all parked in the lower car park (before all the amazing organic rehabilitation that has taken place there) Only one head in the clean morning line up at Bells . . . looks like there are a few more waves on the way? Evocative...
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
EXPLORE OUR COLLECTIONS
Sharing surfing stories and collection items with the world, in collaboration with Google Arts and Culture. The ANSM represents surfing amongst the pantheon of Australian sports as part of the Australia: Great Sporting Land project. Experience the museum walk-through and see our objects in HD.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
PATRICE LA MUMBA
THE ENDLESS SUMMER
So 60 years ago Bruce Brown dropped his opus "The Endless Summer" onto an unsuspecting audience and in the process kinda changed surfing forever. Surf travel was not unique as a theme in surfing movies but this was something different. Initially shown to surfers with Bruce doing a live narration the film ended up being boosted to 35mm and was then shown in cinemas . . . around the world! Surfing and adventure became welded together through this film, with its loose jazzy soundtrack ad goofy narration, Bruce pulled surfing threads together to produce something that resonated with a generation of young crew looking to break away from traditions and societal norms. The idea was simple and evocative, surfers travelling the world looking for epic surf. As much as it may have reflected surfing at that time, it also informed so many cultural aspects surfers adopted or aspired to. Robert August, Mike Hynson and Bruce zig zagged their way around the globe, getting skunked, navigating serious cultural differences and travel challenges, discovering surf spots, and of course the limactic scene of finding perfect waves at South Africa`s Cape St Frances (not realizing the real surfing nirvana was at Jeffries Bay). A fire was lit under a generation of surfers, who grabbed their boards and headed over the horizon. I can`t think of too many other things that provided such a fundamental realignment of what surfing could be, and it was done in such an inviting way, no sense that anybody was trying to sell you anything . . . just planting an idea, and laying an open road at your feet. The poster is iconic featuring the art of John Van Hamersveld . . . I have commented before about how this image has been copied and/or reproduced so often over the years, Check the round Rippy logo over the years . . . Posters, Tshirts, Tin Plate signs, stickers . . . and I have recently bought air fresheners for my car from Super Cheap Auto that features this artwork . . . unbelievable!
![PATRICE LA MUMBA
THE ENDLESS SUMMER
So 60 years ago Bruce Brown dropped his opus "The Endless Summer" onto an unsuspecting audience and in the process kinda changed surfing forever. Surf travel was not unique as a theme in surfing movies but this was something different. Initially shown to surfers with Bruce doing a live narration the film ended up being boosted to 35mm and was then shown in cinemas . . . around the world! Surfing and adventure became welded together through this film, with its loose jazzy soundtrack ad goofy narration, Bruce pulled surfing threads together to produce something that resonated with a generation of young crew looking to break away from traditions and societal norms. The idea was simple and evocative, surfers travelling the world looking for epic surf. As much as it may have reflected surfing at that time, it also informed so many cultural aspects surfers adopted or aspired to. Robert August, Mike Hynson and Bruce zig zagged their way around the globe, getting skunked, navigating serious cultural differences and travel challenges, discovering surf spots, and of course the limactic scene of finding perfect waves at South Africa's Cape St Frances (not realizing the real surfing nirvana was at Jeffries Bay). A fire was lit under a generation of surfers, who grabbed their boards and headed over the horizon. I can't think of too many other things that provided such a fundamental realignment of what surfing could be, and it was done in such an inviting way, no sense that anybody was trying to sell you anything . . . just planting an idea, and laying an open road at your feet. The poster is iconic featuring the art of John Van Hamersveld . . . I have commented before about how this image has been copied and/or reproduced so often over the years, Check the round Rippy logo over the years . . . Posters, Tshirts, Tin Plate signs, stickers . . . and I have recently bought air fresheners for my car from Super Cheap Auto that features this artwork . . . unbelievable!](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
BEFORE THE BELL!
ONCE UPON A TIME . . .
A while back I had a funny phone conversation with Rod Brooks, talking about the early days at Bells and how the iconic Bells trophies came to be, and the roll a cake timer played, let me explain. . .
The 1967 contest at Bells (the Aussie titles) saw an epic showdown between two of Australia`s biggest surfing names, Midget Farrelly and Nat Young. As the final came to a close Nat was leading from Drouyn and Midget. The buzzer went as Midget was catching a wave at Rincon, he rode it across the bowl, all the way through. It was a wave that would have put him in first place, but the buzzer had sounded, the final was over. Then the arguments started.
Midget was wearing a brand new Seiko divers watch, had marked the heats start and was adamant he caught the wave within the alloted time. The thing is Stan Couper had borrowed his wifes cake timer to time the heats, you know one of those jiggers that you twist the dial and it goes bing when your cake is cooked. Well Midget was steaming, and rightly pointed out that his Seiko was undoubtedly more accurate than a cake timer. The judges held firm Midget finished 3rd.
A few days later the organizers got together for a contest debrief at Frank Saunders house in Anglesea to discuss what worked and what could be improved, Midget was invited to the meeting. Of the many things discussed Midget suggested a more accurate timing system be used and Brass Bells be used as trophies. Stan Couper, Tony Olsson and the others agreed, and so it was that for 1968 the iconic Bells trophies came into being. The Bells were organized by Tony Olsson and picked up from a boat chandlers in South Melbourne by Colin Turner (ASA publicity bloke). Rod Brooks designed and built the trophies at Prahran Tech (French polished and all) Gail Couper was one of the first surfers to win a Bells bell in 1968 and that trophy is on display at the museum. Oh, and Vi Couper`s cake timer was never used at a contest again.
; )
Thanks for the story Rod, and also Andy Robbo for the pic of Midget and Nat at Bells in 1967
![BEFORE THE BELL!
ONCE UPON A TIME . . .
A while back I had a funny phone conversation with Rod Brooks, talking about the early days at Bells and how the iconic Bells trophies came to be, and the roll a cake timer played, let me explain. . .
The 1967 contest at Bells (the Aussie titles) saw an epic showdown between two of Australia's biggest surfing names, Midget Farrelly and Nat Young. As the final came to a close Nat was leading from Drouyn and Midget. The buzzer went as Midget was catching a wave at Rincon, he rode it across the bowl, all the way through. It was a wave that would have put him in first place, but the buzzer had sounded, the final was over. Then the arguments started.
Midget was wearing a brand new Seiko divers watch, had marked the heats start and was adamant he caught the wave within the alloted time. The thing is Stan Couper had borrowed his wifes cake timer to time the heats, you know one of those jiggers that you twist the dial and it goes bing when your cake is cooked. Well Midget was steaming, and rightly pointed out that his Seiko was undoubtedly more accurate than a cake timer. The judges held firm Midget finished 3rd.
A few days later the organizers got together for a contest debrief at Frank Saunders house in Anglesea to discuss what worked and what could be improved, Midget was invited to the meeting. Of the many things discussed Midget suggested a more accurate timing system be used and Brass Bells be used as trophies. Stan Couper, Tony Olsson and the others agreed, and so it was that for 1968 the iconic Bells trophies came into being. The Bells were organized by Tony Olsson and picked up from a boat chandlers in South Melbourne by Colin Turner (ASA publicity bloke). Rod Brooks designed and built the trophies at Prahran Tech (French polished and all) Gail Couper was one of the first surfers to win a Bells bell in 1968 and that trophy is on display at the museum. Oh, and Vi Couper's cake timer was never used at a contest again.
; )
Thanks for the story Rod, and also Andy Robbo for the pic of Midget and Nat at Bells in 1967](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
KANGA`S GUN
West Australian ripper Ian `Kanga` Cairns pictured below with a couple of boards from the late 70s. The board on the left is a 10` 3" G&S gun that was built for the heavies in Hawaii that now resides here in the museum. A few people have asked about the pigmented panels on the deck of the board (you can spot them in this pic) and what they may be hiding? It does look a little strange but here you go the panels have been there from the start. Perhaps the yellow tint underneath wasn`t the correct Kanga Yellow? Stunning looking board with yellow deck, black rails and bottom with a clear fixed fin. Not sure it made it to Hawaii but it did ride the Barwon Heads bombie! Pic from the vault . . .
![KANGA'S GUN
West Australian ripper Ian 'Kanga' Cairns pictured below with a couple of boards from the late 70s. The board on the left is a 10' 3" G&S gun that was built for the heavies in Hawaii that now resides here in the museum. A few people have asked about the pigmented panels on the deck of the board (you can spot them in this pic) and what they may be hiding? It does look a little strange but here you go the panels have been there from the start. Perhaps the yellow tint underneath wasn't the correct Kanga Yellow? Stunning looking board with yellow deck, black rails and bottom with a clear fixed fin. Not sure it made it to Hawaii but it did ride the Barwon Heads bombie! Pic from the vault . . .](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
FLOATS ON FLUID
Kind of comedy gold . . . Minis loaded up with Mals. If you are of a certain vintage you may remember the original Mini`s came out with a teardrop shaped sticker in the back window that said "This car floats on fluid" (the sharp eyed amongst you may spot that this one actually says "The mini deluxe floats on fluid too") . Well I hope that is the case coz this Mini is bogged well below the high tide line. This is another great photo from Adrian Lockhart documenting Tasmanian surfing in the 60s. If the Mini doesn`t float (and they can`t get it unstuck) at least they have a couple of classic mals to paddle in on. Gotta love `60s surf scenes . . .
![FLOATS ON FLUID
Kind of comedy gold . . . Minis loaded up with Mals. If you are of a certain vintage you may remember the original Mini's came out with a teardrop shaped sticker in the back window that said "This car floats on fluid" (the sharp eyed amongst you may spot that this one actually says "The mini deluxe floats on fluid too") . Well I hope that is the case coz this Mini is bogged well below the high tide line. This is another great photo from Adrian Lockhart documenting Tasmanian surfing in the 60s. If the Mini doesn't float (and they can't get it unstuck) at least they have a couple of classic mals to paddle in on. Gotta love '60s surf scenes . . .](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
100 PERCENT
So as part of a conversation today about returning a loaned item we realized Sydney surfer Mick Dooley has a 100 percent record of success at the Bells comp. He won the event every time he entered it! Remarkable! This is Mick Dooley`s Bells trophy from 1964, it`s tiny, way cool, and much loved. We have had it on display here at the ANSM before then returned it to Mick. We had it on display again as part of our Story of the Bell exhibition. Mick`s cool little trophy was a nice counterpoint to all those big brass bells. As for his remarkable record, well we are going to have to jump into the vault to figure out if there are any other Bells winners with a 100% hit rate . . .
![100 PERCENT
So as part of a conversation today about returning a loaned item we realized Sydney surfer Mick Dooley has a 100 percent record of success at the Bells comp. He won the event every time he entered it! Remarkable! This is Mick Dooley's Bells trophy from 1964, it's tiny, way cool, and much loved. We have had it on display here at the ANSM before then returned it to Mick. We had it on display again as part of our Story of the Bell exhibition. Mick's cool little trophy was a nice counterpoint to all those big brass bells. As for his remarkable record, well we are going to have to jump into the vault to figure out if there are any other Bells winners with a 100% hit rate . . .](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
BOARD OF THE WEEK
PAM`S HAND PAINTED BOARD
So . . . yesterday we talked about how important the story is with any of the gear we have on display in the ANSM. This is a great example, this board has story up to here! It was ridden by a famous surfer, shaped by a famous shaper, it is super technical, featuring some hand finished touches by a surfing world champion. This is such an interesting board technically, there has been some serious design thinking and construction innovation going on here. Shaped for pro surfer and world champ Pam Burridge (the colours on the bottom were hand painted by Pam) this board is from the fertile mind of Mark Rabbidge. It features a scooped out tail section , reinforced with carbon fibre, to make the tail more sensitive/react quicker and reduce resistance, a bonus in the competition environment. The board also has radial plywood stringers following the rail outline on the bottom to reduce flex and make the board even more reactive. Carbon fibre fins finish off the board but the story doesn`t end there . . . Pam hand drew the Sunkist logo on the deck and stuck it on under clear vinyl. Really interesting board with a connection to one of Australia`s greatest surfers . . . noice!
![BOARD OF THE WEEK
PAM'S HAND PAINTED BOARD
So . . . yesterday we talked about how important the story is with any of the gear we have on display in the ANSM. This is a great example, this board has story up to here! It was ridden by a famous surfer, shaped by a famous shaper, it is super technical, featuring some hand finished touches by a surfing world champion. This is such an interesting board technically, there has been some serious design thinking and construction innovation going on here. Shaped for pro surfer and world champ Pam Burridge (the colours on the bottom were hand painted by Pam) this board is from the fertile mind of Mark Rabbidge. It features a scooped out tail section , reinforced with carbon fibre, to make the tail more sensitive/react quicker and reduce resistance, a bonus in the competition environment. The board also has radial plywood stringers following the rail outline on the bottom to reduce flex and make the board even more reactive. Carbon fibre fins finish off the board but the story doesn't end there . . . Pam hand drew the Sunkist logo on the deck and stuck it on under clear vinyl. Really interesting board with a connection to one of Australia's greatest surfers . . . noice!](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
KNOWING.
In any discussion we have with anyone wanting to loan or donate material to the museum, information is the key. As soon as we put anything on display the first thing people ask is "What`s the story with that?". Objects can be really interesting (particularly old surfboards) but more often than not the story associated with an object is what really puts it into perspective. Who, what, when, where and why is the old journalistic standard for information, that will give you the guts of most stories. But there are times when we get really cool images or surfing gear and we get absolutely no information to go along with it. Sometimes we can do a bit of detective work and figure things out, sometimes we draw a blank. Stephanie sent me this pic, it is of her aunt Jane somewhere on the beach in New Zealand with her rectangular surfboard.
That`s it!
I have so many questions . . .
![KNOWING.
In any discussion we have with anyone wanting to loan or donate material to the museum, information is the key. As soon as we put anything on display the first thing people ask is "What's the story with that?". Objects can be really interesting (particularly old surfboards) but more often than not the story associated with an object is what really puts it into perspective. Who, what, when, where and why is the old journalistic standard for information, that will give you the guts of most stories. But there are times when we get really cool images or surfing gear and we get absolutely no information to go along with it. Sometimes we can do a bit of detective work and figure things out, sometimes we draw a blank. Stephanie sent me this pic, it is of her aunt Jane somewhere on the beach in New Zealand with her rectangular surfboard.
That's it!
I have so many questions . . .](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
WINTER
Cold dense water, South Westerlies, grey for days with an emerald green sea, long lines drawn from way to the west, marching east, climbing the continental shelf to detonate on soft lime stone scenery. Eyes scanning the restless expanse, looking for indicators, a spike in the swell, a shift in the wind, logging frequencies within frequencies and gauging amplitude. Checking the car park scene, who is riding what, heavy water and brave souls, rubbered up and stroking out into heavy seas. Crowds thin, people find reasons to be somewhere else particularly as wave heights rise, waves go beyond overhead, boards get longer and neoprene gets thicker . . . surfing in winter has its own challenges . . . and rewards.
![WINTER
Cold dense water, South Westerlies, grey for days with an emerald green sea, long lines drawn from way to the west, marching east, climbing the continental shelf to detonate on soft lime stone scenery. Eyes scanning the restless expanse, looking for indicators, a spike in the swell, a shift in the wind, logging frequencies within frequencies and gauging amplitude. Checking the car park scene, who is riding what, heavy water and brave souls, rubbered up and stroking out into heavy seas. Crowds thin, people find reasons to be somewhere else particularly as wave heights rise, waves go beyond overhead, boards get longer and neoprene gets thicker . . . surfing in winter has its own challenges . . . and rewards.](https://australiannationalsurfingmuseum.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Australian National Surfing Museum
Torquay VIC 3228
Australia
OPENING HOURS
9am – 5pm
7 days a week
364 days a year
(Closed Christmas Day)
ADMISSION
Adult $12,
Student/Pensioner Concession $8
Child (aged 16 and under) $8
Family $25.
PLEASE NOTE: General admission prices are for self-guided tours with no time limit.
Group Discounts
Please see Education / Group Tours for details.
CONTACT
03 5261 4606
[email protected]
77 Beach Road
Torquay Victoria 3228
The Australian National Surf Museum sits on the lands of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and Protectors of this place. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and future who continue on this path.
We extend this respect to all First Nation countries across this land that we surf on, work on and live on everyday.