Beaches

Beaches
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    Beaches

    Our parks are home to some of the best beaches in Victoria, from unspoilt coastal wilderness to popular surf spots, snorkelling reefs and swimming coves. Whether you’re looking for a seaside day trip from Melbourne or an all-out road trip to distant, untamed coastlines, you can find the perfect beach here.

    Remember, you may encounter hazards at the beach. Follow our Water Safety advice to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.


    Beaches near Melbourne

    A family walking on Gunnamatta Beach in Mornington Peninsula National ParkMornington Peninsula National Park

    This popular strip of coast and bushland offers a blend of natural scenery, fascinating historic features and water activities. This park has some of the most famous beaches in Victoria, from Portsea and Sorrento back beaches, to the surfing spots of Gunnamatta Beach and Rye Ocean Beach.

    This beautiful park is also perfect for whale watching and wildlife discovery, as it protects a range of rare and threatened species.



    Kids rockpooling at Ricketts Point Marine SanctuaryRicketts Point Marine Sanctuary

    Just near Beaumaris in Melbourne’s south-east, this suburban haven is a top spot to enjoy the sunshine, have a swim and explore a dazzling marine world.

    The rock pools, platforms, sea caves and offshore reefs provide habitat for an array of sea and birdlife, making it popular for snorkelling and diving, and the Junior Ranger program lets kids get up close to nature.



    The beach at Point Cook Coastal ParkPoint Cook Coastal Park

    Adjoining the Point Cook Marine Sanctuary, this park has a narrow sandy stretch of beach and offshore, low reefs rising from the sea floor.

    This supports a fascinating range of marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling, swimming and diving. Onshore, try some birdwatching or explore the historic homestead.



    View of the waves of a beachEdwards Point Wildlife Reserve

    Occupying a finger of land into Swan Bay, this special little reserve protects one of the last intact areas of coastal woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula. Take a walk along the trails and explore cool woodlands, salt marshes and native plants and animals.





    Beaches in Eastern Victoria

    Two men surf fishing at Ninety Mile Beach in Gippsland Lakes Coastal ParkNinety-Mile Beach Marine National Park

    This untamed stretch of coastline runs alongside the slender strip of sand dunes that protect the Gippsland Lakes. There’s plenty of beach here to plonk a towel, swim, surf, boat and take long barefoot walks.

    Keep your eyes peeled for the many little creatures that burrow into the fine sands. If you're visiting the park with your furry friend, dogs are allowed at Paradise Beach and Flamingo Beach. Learn more on our dog-friendly parks page.



    A woman looks out over Sealers Cove in Wilsons Promontory National ParkWilsons Promontory National Park

    Take a hike for a few special beaches that are off the beaten track. Refuge Cove, Sealers Cove and Little Waterloo Bay are hike-in campsites on the Southern Overnight Circuit.

    You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a secluded pocket of paradise: golden sands, blue water and the peace of nature all around. Refuge Cove is also safe anchorage for vessels. As these beaches are not patrolled, swimming and water activities could be dangerous here.



    A family walking along the beach at Croajingolong National ParkCroajingolong National Park

    Explore the spectacular shores of the Wilderness Coast, from the astounding natural beauty of remote beaches in Mallacoota and the Cape Howe Wilderness Zone to the picturesque lighthouse of Point Hicks.The inlets provide many sheltered picnic and camping areas near the sea, as well as calm waters for kayaking and fishing.

    The beaches of Cape Conran Coastal Park to the west are popular for whale watching and surfing.




    Beaches in Western Victoria

    Hikers at Wreck Beach in Great Otway National ParkGreat Otway National Park

    This stretch of the Great Ocean Road is unmatched for spectacular beaches. Aside from the many gorgeous coves and soft sands, the beautiful coastline is dotted by cliffs, reefs, rockpools, waterfalls and rainforest, plus an incredible diversity of animals, birds and marine life.

    Bells Beach (home to the Rip Curl Pro) and Johanna Beach are two of Victoria’s best surfing beaches. Visit our surfing page for other popular spots.



    A girl looks back at the camera while walking along Sandy Beach in Bay of Islands Coastal ParkBay of Islands Coastal Park

    This stunning park west of the seaside town of Peterborough offers plenty of sandy spots, including pretty beaches at Childers Cove and Murnanes Bay.

    Just down the road from Port Campbell National Park and the busy Twelve Apostles, this is a quieter alternative for striking cliffs and offshore rock formations.



    View of the beach at Belfast Coastal ReserveBelfast Coastal Reserve

    A raw stretch of ocean, beach and grassy dunes, Belfast Coastal Reserve runs for 16km between the holiday towns of Port Fairy and Warrnambool.

    Popular with surfers, anglers and dog-walkers, the reserve is also an important nesting ground for threatened bird species, particularly the Hooded Plover.

    Horse-riding is allowed along parts of the Belfast Coastal Reserve.

    Places with beaches

     
    Two people walk along a pristine beach on Wilsons Promontory.

    Wilsons Promotory National Park

    Stroll the beautiful sandy beach along Tidal River at Norman Bay, also perfect for swimming and surfing and is a delight for children and adults to explore.
    Gabo Island photographed from the mainland.

    Croajingolong National Park

    Walk along the expanse of pristine sands in Croajingolong National Park, with secluded coastal camping spots perfect for beach walks, bird watching, boating and fishing.
    A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

    Great Ocean Walk

    The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
    Three women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

    Cape Conran Coastal Park

    Cape Conran Coastal Park has heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands brimming with nectar-feeding birds
    Snorkelling at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

    Discover an underwater world

    If you’re looking for the best places to see underwater ecosystems and encounter marine wildlife, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore marine protected areas. So, pack your togs, wetsuit, a mask and snorkel and head to the coast!
    Half-underwater photo featuring Neptune's necklace and a rocky shore

    7 unexpected things found in our parks

    When you think of Victoria’s parks, the first things that comes to mind are probably found on land – mountains, trees and grassy plains. However, did you know that Parks Victoria also manages 30 marine protected areas? What you’ll find there might surprise you!

    How to get there

    Beaches

    Need to know

    Beaches

    Beach and water safety

    Never swim alone - if you get into difficulties you could drown. Swim only at lifesaving patrolled beaches and ensure you supervise your children near water at all times.

    Nature escapes

     
    Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

    Walking

    Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
    Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

    Freshwater swimming

    Take a cool, invigorating dip in fresh waterholes, streams and lakes. Be sure to observe safety signs and take caution when swimming in nature.
    A couple in their twenties chat at the Lakeview lookout in the Grampians National Park.

    Lookouts

    Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.
    Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park.

    Stargazing

    Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.
    A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

    Sunrises and sunsets

    Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
    Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park.

    Waterfalls

    See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.
    Wildflowers

    Wildflowers

    Whether you’re surrounding yourself with carpets of colourful flowers, spotting rare orchids, or just enjoying the local native flowers, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and help your spirits soar.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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