Photo circa 1880 on Torquay Front Beach frontage displays a house owned by William Pride with Colonel Price's first holiday home in the backgroundA photographic record of the beginnings of the Torquay township.Black and white copy photograph

Photograph shows a tree carving on the esplanade adjacent to the Torquay front beach based on the figurehead of the barque Inverlochy, a Scottish trading ship wrecked off nearby Anglesea on 8 December 1902. The original figurehead had been saved and mounted on a flagpole at Torquay but it disappeared in the 1950s. In 2001-02 local sculptor Mark Trinham carved a replica image of the figurehead into a 80 year old dead cypress tree on the site of the original flagpole. The Inverlochy was one of many ships that ended their seafaring days on the south coast of Victoria.Black and white photographtorquay victoria, wreck of the inverlochy, wood carving

Photo shows Edward Molyneux's motorised drag with a full complement of tourists, embarking for, or just returned from a trip to Torquay, or perhaps further along the south coast.The beginning of motorised tourism on the Surf Coast.Black and white photo

Photo shows Edward Molyneux's first Hot Water Depot on Spring Creek, Torquay, with the Coffee Palace, which became the Palace Hotel on the hill (Bell Street) in the background.Evidence of the beginnings of a service industry for residents and tourists. Note the absence of any motor vehicles.Black and white copy photo

Photograph likely taken at the mouth of Spring Creek where it enters the sea at the Torquay back beach. Three girls and a boy are wading in the creek watched by adults wearing suits and dresses standing on the sand.A picture of beach recreation in past times.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Photo shows The Esplanade, Torquay circa 1920's before electricity poles and wires were erected to power the township but obstruct the uninterrupted view of the ocean now so prized by residents and visitors.An early record of the primitive township of Torquay.Black and white photo

Photo shows a pristine Spring Creek at Torquay with one of the district's early settlers, Edward Molyneux, on horseback, apparently looking across the creek towards the site of the present day RACV resort and golf course. Spring Creek was a fishing spot that first brought visitors to the Torquay district. The area is now central to the residential development of Torquay and Jan Juc,Black and white photo

Photo shows Edward Molyneux's upgraded Hot Water Depot, now the Hot Water Café and Garage and located in Bell Street, Torquay adjacent to the Palace Hotel. The business also offered vehicles for hire.Edward Molyneux developed and expanded his business to keep up with the times, especially the advent of motor transport.Black and white photo.

Photo taken on new years day 1900 shows Edward Molyneux's Hot Water Depot, established on the bank of Spring Creek,Torquay to cater for the growing number of visitors to the area. Note the conveyances of the day in the foreground.The Hot Water Depot was an innovative response to the demands of an embryonic tourist industry in Torquay.Black and white photo

Twin fin surfboard manufactured at Piping Hot Boston Road Torquay. Manufactured from polyurethane foam core and laminated fibreglass with fixed fibreglass fins. Shaped by Mike Patterson. This board is has channels running almost full length on the bottom of the board, the wide point forward of centre, swallow tail with flyer. Custom graphics in red, yellow and green top and bottom; from 1979High performance twin fin designs were pioneered by 4 time Professional World Surfing Champion Mark Richards (Newcastle). In this period 1978 -1981 these surfboards represented the pinnacle of surfboard design progression and high performance. This surfboard also represents Piping Hot which was one of Australia's leading surf 'brands' at that time. Piping Hot was a Torquay based company that produced surfboards,wetsuits and surf clothing. Piping Hot Twin Fin surfboard. Manufactured from polyurethane foam core and laminated fibreglass with fixed fibreglass fins. Full plan shape with channels running almost full length on the bottom of the board, the wide point forward of centre, swallow tail with flyer. Legrope plug fitted. Custom graphics in red, yellow and green top and bottom.20cm x 16cm Black red yellow green Piping Hot logo on deck and bottom 60cm down from nose. Hand written makers mark "Shaped by Mike Patterson Custom" in pencil on blank beside stringer forward of the fins on the bottom. "1459" in pencil on bottom near tail. surfboard, fibreglass, twin fin, piping hot, mike patterson, torquay, channel bottom, fred pyke, rod brooks

These images capture for all time Light Horsemen travelling through Geelong on their way to camp at Torquay for the last Group meeting in Australia . information following - details obtained from .........https://torquayhistory.com/light-horse-brigade/ On Australia Day, 1997, Sir John Young unveiled this plaque on Point Danger, Torquay. Torquay history, Light Horse Training Camp, WW2 Plaque at Pt. Danger Note----- (See images to view plaque) The plaque identifies a significant event in Torquay’s history and the sentiments of ‘change’ for the Light Horse Brigade – from horses to machines. In 1940 the four Light Horse Regiments (4th, 8th, 13th and 20th), some 5000 Light Horse and 2000 horses camped and trained at Torquay. Three other regiments, formerly mounted on horses, were also at Torquay ‘mounted’ on privately owned trucks and cars. Division troops included Artillery, Engineers, Signals, Field Ambulance and other branches of the Army necessary to enable a Division to function. It wasn’t just the sheer numbers of men coming to this little town that made the event significant, it was also the fact that the men of the Light Horse were dramatic, almost glamorous figures and it is easy to see their exploits as some splendid adventure. Horses have played a special role in the story of Australia. They were the only means of transport across this huge country, so it was necessary for everyone to have the ability to ride a horse. When war broke out in 1899 between Britain and the Boers of South Africa (“Boer” was Dutch for “farmer”) Australia sent troops to fight. At first Britain was wary of using untried, unprofessional colonial cavalrymen but soon saw that the slouch-hatted Australian “bushmen” were a match for the fast-moving and unconventional mounted commandos of the Boers. The Australians proved themselves to be expert rough-riding horsemen and good shots. Bush life had hardened them to go for long periods with little food and water. They also showed remarkable ability to find their way in a strange country and use its features for cover, in both attack and defence. By 1914, when Australia joined the war against Germany, there were 23 Light Horse regiments of militia volunteers. Many men from these units joined the Light Horse regiments of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Men were given remounts (if not using their own horses) – army horses bought by Commonwealth purchasing officers from graziers and breeders. These were called “walers” because they were a New South Wales stockhorse type – strong, great-hearted animals with the strains of the thoroughbred and semi-draught to give them speed, strength and stamina. On 1st November, 1914, Australia’s First Infantry Division and the first four Light Horse regiments sailed for England in a fleet of transport ships. The first of the Light Horse arrived at Gallipoli in May without their horses. Back with their horses after Gallipoli, they were formidable combatants across the Sinai and Palestine. Some British commanders observed that the light horseman moved with a “lazy, slouching gait, like that of a sleepy tiger” but described how the promise of battle “changes that careless gait, into a live athletic swing that takes him over the ground much quicker than other troops”. They had Light Horse, Torquay, training campdeveloped a reputation as formidable infantrymen. The Turks called them “the White Ghurkas” – a reference to their deadly skill with the bayonet. The Arabs called them “The Kings of the Feathers”. The plume had originally been a battle honour of the Queensland Mounted Infantry for their work in the shearer’s strike of 1891. During WW1 it was adopted by almost all the Light Horse Regiments. It was the proud badge of the light horseman. The most famous of their battles was the attack on Beersheba- the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Mounted infantrymen and their superb walers had carried out one of the most successful cavalry charges in history – against what seemed impossible odds. They surprised the Turks by charging cavalry-style, when they would normally have ridden close to an objective then dismounted to fight. The fall of Beersheba swung the battle tide against the Turks in Palestine; and changed the history of the Middle East. While 19 men from the Surf Coast Shire served with the 4th Light Horse over the course of WW1, only four were involved in the charge of Beersheba- John GAYLARD, Philip QUINN.(Winchelsea); Wallace FINDLAY (Anglesea); Harry TRIGG (Bambra). After the war, Light Horse units played a key role in the Australian Government’s compulsory military training programme. The Citizen Military Forces (C.M.F.) thrived on the glamour of the wartime Light Horse tradition, ignoring the possibility that motor vehicles would soon replace the horses. When training was no longer compulsory, the C.M.F. regiments declined and horses became more of a luxury during the 1930s depression years of poverty and unemployment. Some regiments were motorised. Then, in 1939, Australia joined Britain in another world war. Training was increased for the militia at both home bases and regional training camps. The camp at Torquay in 1940, commanded by Major General Rankin, was at Divisional strength. By the end of the camp some felt that the Division was ready for active service. Gradually, over the next four years, the Australian Light Horse units were mounted on wheels and tracks and the horses were retired. Six men enlisted at the Torquay camp and another 57 men and women enlisted at Torquay for service in WW2. Those who served in the Militia provided valuable Officers and NCOs and men for the armed services during the war. Each infantry division of the 2nd AIF had a Light Horse regiment attached to it. But the day of the Australian mounted soldier hadn’t quite passed. During World War II, Australia’s 6th Cavalry Regiment formed a mounted unit they called “The Kelly Gang” which did valuable scouting work. In New Guinea, a mounted Light Horse Troop did patrol duty and helped carry supplies. Some fully equipped walers were flown into Borneo for reconnaissance in rugged mountain country. But by the end of the war, in 1945, the horse had disappeared from the Australian Army. References: Australian Light Horse Association www.lighthorse.org.au National Australia Archives Australian War Memorial Surf Coast Shire WW1 memorials www.togethertheyserved.com The Light horse- a Cavalry under Canvas Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Late in 1939 it was decided to set up a Lighthorse training camp in Torquay to train both men and horses for the battles of the Second World War. Horses, men and equipment came on special trains from all over Victoria and NSW, and as you would expect horseman came from areas such as Omeo and Sale, the Wimmera and the Western District. They arrived at the Geelong racecourse for watering in the Barwon River and then were ridden across the ford at the breakwater and began their 11 mile trek to Torquay. Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2 Tent city By the end of January 1940 the camp at Torquay accommodated some 5000 men and 2500 horses of the Second Cavalry Division. The rows of horses, tents and huts near Blackgate Road were quite a sight. While the cavalrymen engaged in exercises on the land and on the beaches, many of the troops took over the Torquay School for special training of men and officers. Mr Bob Pettit local farmer and Councillor for the Barrabool Shire, wrote about the Light horse in the Surf Coast Community News in 1985 saying “They used to travel about the district riding four abreast in one long convoy. To my annoyance they went through my property and shut all the gates behind them. I had certain gates open to let stock in to the water holes and it would take me three -quarters of an hour to follow the horsemen up and put all the gates right again” he continued “the men from the Light Horse were here when the fire went through in March 1940. He recalled an incident when early one morning, as some one blew the bugle, a soldier putting a white sheet on the line frightened the horses. They panicked and ran off in all directions. Six went over the cliff near Bird Rock, five were never found, and the rest were gathered up after nearly a fortnight in the bush around Addiscott and Anglesea" Light Horse, Training Camp, Torquay, WW2, Geelong Parade Geelong parade The training camp culminated in a parade through the streets of Geelong on March 12th 1940. The salute was given at the Town Hall and the troops continued on a route to the You Yang’s for a training exercise. Note-----(see media section for photograph) The Camp was abandoned in mid 1940 as it was deemed unsuitable for training during winter and the cost of a permanent camp could not be justified if it could not be used all year. Historic.......Rare,,,Interpretive.Sepia photographs.set of four ....post card size ....Horses &LighthorsemenNo 1, Lighthorsemen Regiment Geelong 1940......No 2 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940....No 3 Light Horse at Breakwater Geelong 1938 to 1940.....No 4 Light Horse crossing Breakwater camped at Geelong Showgrounds. These markings are on reverse of photographs.light horsemengeelong 1940., world war 2

This event access pass was issued to staff, vendors and community volunteers at the 2000 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.The access pass is typical of the pass issued each year to the staff and workers at the longest running surfing contest in the world. The pass features unique Indigenous artwork by Torquay artist/surfer Glenn Romanis2000 Rip Curl Pro Access Pass. Full colour laminated access pass (Outside Staff) for the 2000 Rip Curl Pro and Sunsmart Classic. The pass features cover art by Indigenous artist Glenn Romanis and event management logos. The pass also features a site map on the back and access information.Event management logos on the front. Indigenous Bell artwork by Torquay artist/surfer Glenn Romanis.bells beach, rip curl, glenn romanis, surfing victoria, 2000 rip curl pro

James Baines was principal of Torquay primary school, a local historian and genealogist and authority on Australian plants. He and his wife Ray were responsible for the manufacture and erection of street signs in the fledgling township of Torquay circa 1937. The signs were later removed by the Council and replaced by "official" signage.A great example of local initiative and community involvement.A collection of wooden hand painted street signs. Beales St. Cliff St. Cowrie Rd. Darrien Rd. Fischer St. Grandview Rd. Henty St. New St. Park La. Price St. Short St. Voss Rd. Walker St. Zeally Bay Rd.torquay victoria, baines, early street signs

Country Fire Authority certificate to Robert W Pettitt, 1963, acknowledging membership of the Torquay urban fire brigade for 22 7/12 yearsTORQUAY URBANpettitt, mr r. w.

The Torquay Improvement Association was formed in 1889 to promote the development of Torquay. The book tells of exploits over the hundred years from 1889 to 1989.The Torquay Improvement Association was behind many of the improvements that took place in Torquay in the period. The book is a record of these happenings.Soft Cover Blue Book "Torquay Improvement Association Inc./One Hundred Years/...a short history/1889/1989."torquay improvement association, torquay victoria australia

This pole was used in the construction of the first Torquay Lifesaving Club clubhouse in 1945. it was dug up by club members from the mouth of Spring Creek, where it had been laid as part of defence strategy during WW2. In the 1940s 'Tank Traps' were placed across low lying Victorian Beaches to stop potential invading Japanese forces. This pole was salvaged from the ashes of the fire which destroyed the first TLSC clubhouse in 1970.This wooden pole was used in the foundations of the first Torquay Surf Life saving Club club house. Timber pole associated with WW2 and Torquay SLSC, damaged by fire in 1970.torquay lifesaving club, 'tank traps', world war 11, local war defences

Photograph shows five young boys and a baby standing on a wooden structure on the beach and wearing a variety of beach wear.The bathing boxes in the background were a feature of the Torquay beachscape until the 1950s.Black and white photographtorquay victoria

Paper covered photo album containing black and white photos.

Group photographs of soliders from North East towns in Victoria - St James/Tungamah, Corryong/Walwa,Wodonga,Myrtleford/Moyhu, Wangaratta,Yarrawonga/Wahgunyah and Tallangatta Photographs depicting soldiers who enlisted from towns in Victoria's north east whilst at training camp in Torquay prior to deployment during World War Two.Large black and white original newspaper containing full page of ten photographs of solidersWeekly Times March 16 1940 Magazine Section -7 Boys from the North at Torquay Campst james/tungamah, corryong/walwa,wodonga,myrtleford/moyhu, wangaratta,yarrawonga/wahgunyah and tallangatta, torquay, training camp

This letter acknowledges help given to the British people by Australians after WW 11. In this case Torquay Golf Club in Victoria Australia sent its President, Mr Vary, with gifts of food to help supplement the 'somewhat restricted menus' of the people of Torquay, Devon, England. Typed letter/testimonial with large red seal and personally signed. Located in a black frame with gold edge. Letter to members of the Torquay Golf Club Australia expressing gratitude for 'generous assistance', such as 'food gifts', given during post war years. Seal of the Borough of Torquay, Devon, England. Signed by Mayor and Justice of the Peace for the Borough. Dated 13th July 1949. postwar, torquay golf club, mr vary, torquay victoria australia, torquay devon england

Trio of bathers on the Torquay front beach Marg Burn ,Nancy &Roma QuichSepia Photo Copymarg burn, nancy quich, roma quich, beach, torquay

Farriers were an important element in maintaining the regiment's horses. The 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) was raised in 1920 as part of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Citizen Military Forces, with Headquarters at Seymour and depots along the Goulburn Valley from Mansfield to Tocumwal in southern NSW. In December 1941, 20th Light Horse (Victorian Mounted Rifles) converted from horse to mechanised, initially as 20th Motor Regiment. In 1943 the Regiment was deployed to Merauke, Dutch New Guinea. Upon its return in April 1945, the Regiment was redesignated 20th Pioneer Battalion. It was disbanded following the end of the war. 20th Light Horse was the only light horse regiment to serve overseas in WWII. This is one of a collection of photographs featuring a Light Horse regiment drawn from rural and regional Victoria in the period immediately prior to mobilisation for World War 2 (1939-1945).Black and white photograph of farriers at work in Blacksmith Shop. Part of 20th Light Horse collection.Across bottom of photo " Blacksmith Shop Vetinary ( sic ) Lines Torquay Camp ( L ) Gil Anderson 3rd left Jack Catlin."military, farrier, horse shoe, 20th, light horse, torquay

This small desk was donated by a local resident as an example of the kind of desk she would have used at Torquay Primary School in the 1940s.This small desk complements the large principals desk on display. it represents the kind of equipment available for primary school children in the 1940s.wooden infants school desk, infant school desk, torquay, primary school, schooling, education

This is an actual nameplate salvaged from the Scammell, wrecked off Point Danger Torquay in 1891.The grounding of the Scammell was a significant event in Torquay's history.Rectangular metal plate (possibly brass)" JOSEPH H SCAMMELL "great ocean road, torquay, shipwreck, joseph h. scammell, 1891, point danger

This article is the binnacle cover from the compass of the Scammell wrecked off Point Danger Torquay in 1891.This is an original artefact discovered at Point Danger Torquay in 1934. Its whereabouts were unknown until 1996 when it was donated to the Society.Round metal object, possibly cover from ships compass.Brass plate attached with provenance of itemshipwreck, great ocean road, torquay, joseph h. scammell, 1891, arnold goetz