Hi all. Getting some waves has been fun but we're finding the 1hr trip to torquay sometimes a little long. Is there anything else closer on the western side of melbourne that's got good waves not too big to learn on?

No..

The problem is the long boring Geelong freeway..

You'd be better to drive for 10 minutes longer the other way and go to Westernport..

You could drive to the west, DJ is right there are some nice spots there. I'm near Point Cook myself and am at Ocean Grove, 13th, Possos or any number of spots along there every weekend.. Suck up the drive, the surf is worth it
Alternatively, buy a 14 footer and play on the tiny wind waves on a southerly in Willy or Altona.. Or just do some down winders from Point Cook Coastal Park to Altona...
You need more boards!