The best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula you can’t miss

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
hero media
Dive into the waters of these sandy bay inlets, traverse the heights of clifftops and ride the waves at the wild surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula.

Each year, Melbourne residents flock to the Mornington Peninsula in the thousands for its stunning coastline and collection of seaside towns. A holiday here will transport you a million miles away from city life, and the best way to ease yourself into the slower pace of life is to find a sandy spot to park yourself on one of its many beaches for the day. Here, find a handy overview of the Mornington Peninsula’s best beaches to help you narrow down your beach hitlist.

Point King, Portsea

Few people spot it, but tucked below Portsea’s mansions is a pretty sandy beach known as Point King. To find it, walk to the end of Point King Road until you reach the hidden path that leads to a set of wooden stairs and make your descent to the beach. On your way back up the stairs you’ll spot a monument commemorating the first hoisting of the Union Jack in 1802. This marks the date when the British first took possession of Port Phillip Bay, originally known as Boon Wurrung/Bunurong country to the traditional owners of the land. Don’t miss the cliff-top Millionaires Walk for a peek at the better homes and gardens of the Portsea Mansions above the beach.

Point King Beach
Point King is a pretty sandy beach tucked below Portsea’s mansions.Point King Beach (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mount Martha and The Pillars

The white sands of Mount Martha mark the beginning of the Mornington Peninsula beaches. Lined with multi-coloured bathing boxes (and price tags that would make you wince) take a stroll along the calm, protected shores under the backdrop of Martha Cliff. At two kilometres in length, this is one of the longer beaches in the ‘ninch – divided into two halves by Balcombe Creek mouth. On colder days, the beach is just as marvellous to enjoy from the car thanks to the stunning views out over the water, and a drive that is reminiscent of the Great Pacific Drive’s twists and turns. The Pillars of Mount Martha have become an Instagram hotspot over the years; reminiscent of a tiny Italian beach with clifftop rocks jutting out over the bay. Unfortunately, clifftop erosion has made it unsafe to venture down to the cliffs and warning signs have since been erected. Play it safe and visit the Pillars via boat to soak up those Italian beach vibes from the water.

the Mount Martha Pillars
Due to clifftop erosion, The Pillars at Mount Martha are now best enjoyed from the safety of a boat.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Mothers Beach, Mornington

There are many lovely beaches to choose from within the sheltered waters of Port Phillip Bay, but Mother’s Beach in Mornington is definitely one where you can avoid large crowds. The tranquil, calm waters can be accessed via a long pathway from Schnapper Point Drive, or via Shire Hall Beach which is at the eastern end. Once you arrive the day is yours to swim, walk the shores and enjoy a picnic if you’re so inclined. There are rows of colourful beach boxes to marvel at, as well as kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards available for hire.

Mothers Beach, Mornington Peninsula
Mothers Beach in Mornington is where to go to avoid big crowds.

Safety Beach

Safety Beach is so named for its calm and shallow waters, thanks to its position within a protected cove. I’m a big fan of Safety Beach," confided George Calombaris to us in 2015. “It’s a little gem. I reckon it’s one of the safest and cleanest beaches in the country." In fact, he put his money where his mouth is, too, with the spot also home to his family’s beach house. “If you’re standing on the beach, to your right are the picturesque hills of Mt Martha and if you look south, you look into Red Hill and its beautiful wineries. I love it dearly – the whole area also has great energy because there are a lot of artisans and a creative community. “And only an hour from Melbourne with the Peninsula link," he adds.

Safety Beach
Safety Beach is named after its calm and shallow waters.

Sorrento and Portsea Back Beaches

For wilder ocean beaches along the rugged, southern coastline of the peninsula, check out Sorrento and/or Portsea Back Beaches for bodyboarding, surfing and coastal walking. Both beaches are patrolled on summer weekends and holidays. They are about 10 minutes’ drive from each other, and surfing conditions vary based on the winds of the day. On high-wind days, precarious environments can make the water a bit how ya goin’ for novices. If you aren’t sure where you stand, wait in line at a local café and listen for someone to confirm that “it’s a back beach day". Facilities at Sorrento Back are minimal, however a recent refurbishment has made the Portsea SLSC the place to be on long summer days. The multi-million dollar clubhouse is perched on a clifftop overlooking the sand; stop for a burger and a sundowner.

Sorrento Back Beach
Portsea Back Beach is for surfers in search of wilder waters. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Number 16, Rye

We are hoping we don’t get any locals coming after us for including Number 16 in this list. The beach is delightfully secluded; find it sandwiched between Diamond Bay and Rye Back Beach. Alongside barrelled waters primed for surfing, Number 16 is full of rock pools to swim in, hidden caves to explore and trickling waterfalls fed by the waves. Make sure you stop to take a photo of “Dragon Head Rock" if you’re a budding photographer.

Dragon Head Rock
Make sure you stop to take a photo of Dragon Head Rock.

Fossil Beach, Mornington

This is not the sandy stretch paradise you might expect from the Mornington Peninsula. Instead, Fossil Beach offers budding geologists a picturesque limestone cliff-lined walk packed with history and natural wonderment. In 1845, geologist A.R.C. Selwyn reported a multitude of fossils in the limestone cliffs along a stretch of Rocky Bay Beach between Mornington and Mount Martha. They showed evidence of Australian sea life from 10-15 million years ago and have since attracted a multitude of aficionados. Visitors are encouraged to complete a sign-posted walk that indicates sites of significance regarding the original Aboriginal inhabitants and the first European settlers. The beach is located within the Fossil Beach Geological Reserve.

Bridgewater Bay and Blairgowrie Jumping Rock

On the ocean side of the peninsula, the natural amphitheatre of Bridgewater Bay provides a sheltered solace from the neighbouring back beach winds. Additionally, the limestone rock formations and the countless rockpools provide another main drawcard. The most popular of the bunch is known as the Blairworie Jumping Rock. This tiered rock features three jump spots increasing in height up to seven metres. Daredevils will line up to complete this freefall jump, landing into a three-metre deep rockpool, which stays full regardless of the tide. Enter at your own risk.

 

Bridgewater Bay Mornington Peninsula
Set eyes on the picturesque beauty of the natural amphitheatre at Bridgewater Bay.

Read our guide to the best places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Australian Traveller

Australian Traveller

View profile and articles
Crittenden restaurant mornington peninsula
Mornington Peninsula

7 reasons to book a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula

A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.  

Read more
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula

This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

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

Read more
an aerial view of Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula’s storied past: war, shipwrecks and a runaway convict 

The Mornington Peninsula is a coastline of contrasts, where convict and military history meets shipwrecks, wild seas and adventures above and below the surface.

Read more
interior of Peninsula Hot Springs Glamping
Mornington Peninsula

This Mornington Peninsula glamping stay is an all-round wellness experience

A weekend of glamping at Peninsula Hot Springs turned out to be the perfect way to bond with loved ones.

Read more
hero media

Taking the route less travelled along the Great Ocean Road

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
    Continue
    The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns. 

    It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach, the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.  

    Bells Beach
    Bells Beach is known for its epic surf break and is at the start of the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet 

    Split Point Lighthouse
    The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.  

    Split point lookout
    The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.  

    This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities. 

    Lorne to Birregurra 

    Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park, which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.  

    Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.  

    From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.  

    Erskine Falls
    Erskine Falls is one of many falls within a day trip of Lorne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae, helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.  

    Brae restaurant
    Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Apollo Bay to The Otways 

    Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.  

    A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.  

    Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles 

    Twelve Apostles
    One of the famous Twelve Apostles, limestone sea stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. (Image: Ben Savage)

    The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.    

    It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.  

    The Grotto
    The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

    Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.  

    Port Campbell to Timboon 

    Timboon Fine Ice Cream
    Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

    Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.  

    Warrnambool to Port Fairy 

    Warrnambool building
    A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

    In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.  

    Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.  

    The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.    

    A traveller’s checklist 

    Staying there

    Oak & Anchor
    The Oak & Anchor in Port Fairy.

    The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit. 

    The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip. 

    Eating there

    The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.  

    Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.