📮 Torquay postcode: 3228

Bushfire Risk in Torquay, VIC: 2026 Assessment

Torquay, Victoria· Surf Coast· 3228
The area surrounding Torquay has a notable bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and nearby bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.Updated 2 Apr 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

6.0/10

The area surrounding Torquay has a notable bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and nearby bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The area surrounding Torquay has a notable bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and nearby bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Torquay, VIC
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
3228
Highest high-risk exposure
24% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Torquay, Victoria, has a the area surrounding torquay has a notable bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and nearby bushland. hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk. bushfire risk profile. Key factors include distance to classified bushland, vegetation type, slope, and historical bushfire activity in the region. The Victoria fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

The western and northern edges of Torquay are designated as bushfire prone areas.

CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Torquay, this may mean shifts in bushfire risk levels over the coming decades, making property-level BAL assessment increasingly important.

Use ClimateNest for a complete address-level bushfire risk report for Torquay including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Torquay sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 24% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 51.3% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Torquay.

Torquay (postcode 3228) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (24% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (10.4% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (4.4% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Torquay — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Local Hazard Evidence

Distance to BushlandAdjacent to town
BAL Overlay / ZoneBushfire Management Overlay
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2013
Moderate

Bushfire near Bells Beach threatened properties in Torquay.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Develop a comprehensive bushfire management plan

Immediate

Implement measures to reduce fuel loads, improve firebreaks, and educate residents about bushfire safety.

Est. cost: Medium

Invest in coastal protection measures

Near-term

Construct seawalls, restore dunes, and implement managed retreat strategies to protect coastal properties and infrastructure.

Est. cost: High

Implement heatwave preparedness strategies

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide assistance to vulnerable residents, and promote water conservation.

Est. cost: Low

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents and businesses to reduce water consumption through education and incentives.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Surf Coast Shire Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 2 April 2026

Explore Torquay Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Torquay in a bushfire prone area?

Parts of Torquay may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Torquay has a notable bushfire risk. Check your specific property for BAL ratings through ClimateNest or your local council.

What BAL rating applies to properties in Torquay?

BAL ratings in Torquay depend on the property's distance from classified vegetation, vegetation type, and slope. A site-specific assessment under AS 3959 is required to determine the exact BAL rating for any property within the suburb.

Does bushfire risk affect insurance in Torquay?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Torquay may face higher building insurance premiums. Insurers assess bushfire risk based on BAL rating, fire history, and proximity to bushland. Some insurers may restrict cover in very high-risk locations.

What bushfire mitigation measures help protect homes in Torquay?

Effective bushfire mitigation includes maintaining cleared asset protection zones, using ember-proof mesh on vents, installing metal gutter guards, using non-combustible building materials, and maintaining defendable space. Consult the Victoria fire authority for property-specific guidance.

What share of Torquay is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 24% of Torquay in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 51.3% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Torquay Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Torquay, Victoria, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections