A Sun Lover’s Guide To Every Geelong Beach Worth Exploring

Find idyllic stretches of surf and sand with our guide to every unmissable Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong beach.

As a Gold Coaster, my bar is set mighty high when it comes to good beaches. But there’s something (well, several things) about Geelong and its next-door neighbour, the Bellarine Peninsula, that consistently dazzle. While the coastal stretch lacks the column inches of its flashier eastern cousin, the Mornington Peninsula, there are excellent surf conditions, surprising (again, I’m a Queenslander) soft sand, smudgy tangerine sunsets, and a chilled beach culture to fall in love with.

Below, I’ve rounded up every standout Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong beach for your next sun-soaked session.

In short

If you only visit one Geelong beach, make it Eastern Beach Reserve. It’ll be crowded but the bayside buzz creates instant memories and there are multiple waters (including a children’s wading pool) to dip into.

1. Ocean Grove Main Beach, Ocean Grove

a surfer on Ocean Grove Main Beach — Chase the waves at Ocean Grove. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Before I get to the central Geelong stars, let’s talk Ocean Grove Main Beach down near Barwon Heads. A two-kilometre stretch that goes from Point Lonsdale to the mouth of the Barwon River, it’s a wildly beautiful, rugged surf beach that stole my heart upon discovery. Sitting on the sand, facing the horizon, bushy dunes and jagged rocks flanked both sides of my perspective as the curving coastline rolled all the way to Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. The beach is untamed and forever windswept, and I love the upgraded timber viewing platform (they only unveiled it in April 2025), at the end of the Wedge St beach access path, for elevated gazing. Active surf patrolling makes Ocean Grove super family-friendly and you’ll spot surfers chasing waves even when conditions aren’t perfect.

2. Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong

the Eastern Beach Reserve in the heart of Geelong — Geelong’s Eastern Beach offers a dream escape for families on Corio Bay. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve visited Geelong, you’ve likely been to Eastern Beach Reserve , located right in the thick of the port city. While it’s always tourist-heavy, I adore its easy-access amenities and year-round buzz, especially during summer when the Children’s Pool, circled with glass and dotted with in-ground umbrellas, opens. To the side, a shark-netted swimming enclosure has water slides and diving platforms, while a small patch of sand right at the end of the boardwalk offers yet another opportunity for relaxed swims. When you’re not cooling down, there are sheltered picnic tables, barbecues, and a playground to get stuck into. A standout spot to bring the whole family on a sunny day.

3. Raffs Beach, Barwon Heads

Another lesser-known beauty near the Barwon River mouth, Raffs Beach is blissfully quiet, and feels almost untouched. It runs from the western end of Ocean Grove Main Beach, so tack a tiptoe over to Raffs’ golden sand if you’re already exploring that way. North-west to westerly winds attract surfers, but only cautious swimming as strong currents frequent the river mouth. Despite the tougher conditions, this Geelong beach is such a local’s secret, and I love its year-round lowkey vibes as grassy dunes keep the scene entirely wild. Park your wheels in the car park before taking one of several access paths to the sand.

4. Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads

the Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads — Grab your swimmers and explore this 4.5 kilometre stretch of picturesque coastline.

Have board, keen to rip it? Thirteenth Beach is Geelong’s ultimate wave machine. You won’t find many people on the sand along this beach’s 4.5 kilometres – it’s an untouched swathe of silica backed by dunes and scrub for most of its length. Lapped by brilliant turquoise seas, Thirteenth offers a variety of conditions to suit both beginner and pro surfers: The Beacon (in front of the shipping beacon) is one of the most frequented hot spots for all talent levels. This Geelong beach is also a good spot for beach fishing, with waters known to harbour gummy, snapper and mulloway. While it’s safe to swim, rips are common so dip in only when the flags are out.

5. Santa Casa Beach, Queenscliff

an aerial view of Point Lonsdale pier — Point Lonsdale has long enticed Victorians for a weekend getaway.

If you’re all about that crystal-clear water-frolicking life, get familiar with Santa Casa Beach . The little-known slice of heaven, wedged between Shortland Bluff and the township of Point Lonsdale, is best known for having the cleanest sea water around. It’s a south-east-facing, three-kilometre stretch with small waves, but while things may sound calm, it’s kid central as it ticks so many family-friendly boxes. Additionally, picnic areas freckle the beach reserve just behind, and a walking track threads through much of this beach’s beauty.

6. St Leonards Beach, Bellarine Peninsula

Another hit with families is St Leonards Beach , right next to Indented Head at the eastern end of the Bellarine Peninsula. It’s the shady foreshore reserve that won me over, perfect for kicking a ball around between splashes in its sheltered waters. Low-slung conditions also mean surfers stay away so this spot really is for mellowed beach hangs. Anglers, however, do tend to converge at the rocks near Indented Head, plus the ones at the St Leonards Pier which looms at the southern end. They’re a magnet for fishing, offering ultra-deep water to encourage decent bites.

7. Jan Juc Beach, Torquay

the cliffs at Jan Juc Beach, Torquay — Jan Juc is the place for in-the-know swimmers.

Though it’s not strictly the Bellarine Peninsula, Jan Juc Beach ’s exposed crescent of sand merits a mention while we’re combing this neck of the woods. Located on the Great Ocean Road, just beyond Torquay, 1.2 kilometres of golden sand flows into crystalline waters and in the height of summer, this place is routinely packed with in-the-know beachgoers. Copping waves that average some 1.4 metres, the surf is best suited to surfers, strong swimmers, bodyboarding enthusiasts, or anybody looking for a Vitamin D hit while stretched across the sand. It’s patrolled over the weekend in summer, hence dialled up crowds. Once you’re keen to look around, there are clifftop walks and lookout points to uncover, too. Love your fishing? Head up to the northern end to rub shoulders with locals also trying their luck.

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

Every breathtaking Geelong beach to uncover this summer