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.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

Every breathtaking Geelong beach to uncover this summer