Overall score
Bellbrae
40.9/100
Torquay
70.1/100
Torquay for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bellbrae
40.9/100
Torquay
70.1/100
Crime rate
Bellbrae
23.3 / 1k
Torquay
34.3 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bellbrae
11
Torquay
294
Population
Bellbrae
1,346
Torquay
18,534
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Bellbrae | Torquay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 40.9/100 | 70.1/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 25.4/100 | 37.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 23.3 / 1k | 34.3 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 5 |
| Parks & reserves | 1 | 10 |
| Public transport stops | 6 | 71 |
| Walkability | 9.0/100 | 72.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 11 | 294 |
| Planning activity | 28 | 205 |
| Population | 1,346 | 18,534 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Put side by side, Bellbrae is a quieter smaller community with space and a country-town pace, and Torquay is a beachside established suburb where the coast sets the tone. Where Torquay is shaped by the coast, Bellbrae offers a more landlocked suburban rhythm.
Bellbrae tends to lead on a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook, while Torquay stands out for housing affordability and schools and education options.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Torquay, while Bellbrae remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.