Ocean Beaches

Two surfers in wetsuits carring surfboards walk near the waters edge on a sandy surf beach with coastal cliffs in the far distant background.

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Ocean Beaches

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Embracing the wild ocean beaches between Portsea and Flinders, and the kangaroo haven of Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park is a favourite of Melburnians looking to escape the nearby city. Experienced surfers flock to Gunamatta Beach, while rockpools at Sorrento Ocean Beach, close to town, are perfect for families.

Dip into the excellent surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Tackle the waves of Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye ocean beaches.
Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta surf beaches are patrolled during summer holidays.

The Cape Schanck Lighthouse has been guiding ships along this treacherous coastline since 1859. Visit the lighthouse museum, join a tour and enjoy dramatic views over the Bass Strait.

Step out on The Coastal Walk for spectacular coastal views. The two-day walk meanders along high clifftops, through coastal vegetation and past stunning ocean beaches.

The sandy shore of Flinders Beach merges with the sandstone rock platforms of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary, the perfect location for a snorkel or scuba dive - and a great place to see a Weedy Seadragon.
The spectacular amphitheatre-like setting of Sorrento Ocean Beach makes it a perfect spot for beachcombing. Explore the rockpools, some of which are large enough to swim in.
The Two Bays Trail snakes through Greens Bush across the Mornington Peninsula, from Dromana on Port Phillip to Cape Schanck in Bushrangers Bay.

A haven for native wildlife such as kangaroos, Greens Bush is the largest fragment of native bushland remaining on the Mornington Peninsula.

Explore the weathered sandstone formations of London Bridge and take in the vistas over Bass Strait from the lookout. Bring your snorkel and dive in to discover the rich marine life of the area or sit back and relax on the sandy beach.

Escape to the sheltered cove of Bridgewater Bay. Explore the rockpools, relax on the sandy beach and take in the views of Bass Strait.

Dogs are not permitted in Mornington Peninsula National Park. This includes beaches, carparks and Greens Bush.

Things To Do

Sorrento Back Beach

Sorrento Back Beach is located around 1.5km south of the town of Sorrento. The beach is a popular location for activities such as surfing, swimming, walking and exploring the rockpools at low tide.
The beach is patrolled on summer weekends and holidays. Please swim between the flags as ocean beaches are dangerous for swimming.
Facilities at the site include a large car park and picnic area with toilets. A café and kiosk is available year round and also caters for functions and weddings.
A short 0.5km circuit track from the lifesaving club to the lookout rotunda provides excellent views along the coast. Add 1.2km loop to Sphinx Rock.
Coppins track, which starts at the kiosk, is a three kilometre guided historic walk that winds along the cliff tops to Diamond Bay tracing the history of the area over the last 100 years. The track follows sections of the original 1800s limestone paved footpath.

Portsea Ocean Beach

This popular beach is a great location to explore the national park’s wide sandy beaches and naturally weathered cliffs.
Popular activities include surfing, swimming, walking and ocean fishing. The beach is patrolled during summer and school holidays. Refer to regulations and only swim between the flags.
Facilities include four large car parks with two toilet blocks, including an observation car park with lookouts and spectacular views of the coast.
Food is often available at a kiosk at the surf lifesaving club during summer holiday periods.

Koonya Ocean Beach

This open sandy beach is popular for surfing, fishing and sunbathing. 
Facilities include two car parks, a lookout and a toilet block at the end of Hughes Road. The beach is accessible via stairs and a steep ramp.
Swimming is not advised as the beach is unpatrolled and can be hazardous due to large waves, strong currents and submerged rocky reefs.

Gunnamatta Ocean Beach

Gunnamatta Ocean Beach is the most popular surf beach in Mornington Peninsula National Park, with consistently high swells and rocky reefs.
This long stretch of exposed sandy beach is also popular with walkers who can follow the beach east towards Fingal and Cape Schanck, and west towards Boag Rocks. Ocean fishing is another common acitivity due to the many deep rip holes, gutters and rocky reefs.
Facilities include two large car parks and two toilet blocks, accessed via Truemans Road.
The beach is patrolled during summer and school holidays. Refer to regulations and only swim between the flags.

Rye Ocean Beach

Rye Ocean Beach is a popular surfing beach due to numerous reef breaks along the long stretch of exposed sandy coast.
Other popular activities include fishing and walking. Swimming is not advised at this unpatrolled beach as conditions can be hazardous due to large waves, strong currents and submerged rocky reefs.
Access to the beach is via a large car park and toilet block at the end of Sandy Road. The eastern end can also be accessed from walking tracks through the dunes at Ocean Drive, St Andrews.

Flinders Ocean Beach

A white sandy beach contrasted by the nearby basalt cliffs and rugged coast beyond.
A favourite family pastime is exploring the amazing rock pools of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary. At low tide, the ocean withdraws to expose a huge mushroom-shaped rock platform extending from the beach. The reef is formed from ancient basalt and is famous for the diversity of marine life which make it their home.
Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on the subtidal reefs but take care of strong currents on this unpatrolled beach.
A hang gliding ramp is available on the cliff top above Mushroom Reef.
This popular beach is easily accessible from a car park off Golf Links Road, Flinders.

 

A mother and daughter talking to a Parks Victoria Ranger at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Cape Schanck

Cape Schanck offers stunning landscapes; the mystery of dramatic volcanic features, unspoilt and wild beaches and scenic walking tracks with spectacular ocean views. It is also a site of rich European history with its heritage listed lighthouse precinct.
London Bridge rock formation near Portsea Ocean Beach in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.

London Bridge

The London Bridge area is the most northern beach in the Mornington Peninsula National Park and borders Point Nepean National Park. This famous landform is composed of sandstone and has been formed through weathering action of thousands of years of wind, rain and waves.
A family of four walking along a track at Baldrys Crossing in Mornington Peninsula National Park

Greens Bush

Situated between Arthurs Seat and Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula and only 90 kilometres from Melbourne, Greens Bush is the largest remnant of bushland on the Peninsula. Surrounded by farmland, this island of native forest is a wildlife haven.
A husband and wife with their three children walk through Baldrys Crossing.

Lightwood Creek Campground

Lightwood Creek Camping Area is located mid-way between Baldrys Crossing and Boneo Road on the Two Bays Walking Track. It is a north facing open and level grassy area in a remote bush setting near Lightwood Creek accessible only by foot.

How to get there

Ocean Beaches

Ocean Beaches

Need to know

Ocean Beaches

Accessibility

The Sorrento Ocean Beach is the best place to gain access to the beach in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. There are views over Bass Strait from the carpark and cafe.
This is a good place for a longer stay or a full day trip.
Next to the kiosk is a short (40 metre) access ramp to the beach. Its slope is approximately 1 in 12 for the first 14 metres then 1 in 14 for the remainder. The ramp ends with the soft fine sand of the beach.

The changing rooms contain one accessible unisex cubicle.
There is good maneuvering room within the cubicle and bars at the side and rear of the toilet. There is space beside the toilet for a wheelchair. The flush is operated by two large recessed buttons on the rear wall just above the grab rail. The hand basin has clear space beneath it and no exposed hot water pipes. The internal door lock is a rotating type with wing handle.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Flinders Ocean Beach (Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary, Mornington Peninsula National Park)

    Landslip affecting beach west of Mushroom Reef, Flinders Ocean Beach

    There is a landslip affecting the beach west of Mushroom Reef, Flinders Ocean Beach (within Mornington Peninsula NP).  Please do not approach the slip.

  • Mornington Peninsula National Park

    Mornington Peninsula National Park Fox Control Program

    Parks Victoria are conducting a pest predator control program in Mornington Peninsula National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. Fox baiting will occur between Sorrento Ocean Beach car park and Rye Ocean Beach car park ongoing until June 30, 2025, with warning signage remaining in place for the duration of the program. Targeted cat trapping using non-poisonous baits will take place year-round.

    Dogs and cats are prohibited from entering Mornington Peninsula National Park. Please ensure pets do not stray into the national park from adjacent residential areas. If pets are suspected of having consumed PAPP (poison bait) during the baiting period, a vet should be consulted immediately. An antidote to PAPP is available and stocked by most vets on the Mornington Peninsula. 

    Mornington Peninsula National Park Fox Control Program

    Parks Victoria are conducting a fox control program in Mornington Peninsula National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. The program will involve the use of Canid Pest Ejectors and para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) poison to bait foxes in strategic dune locations. 

    Fox baiting will occur between 21/08/23 - 30/06/25. 
     
    Dogs are prohibited from entering Mornington Peninsula National Park. If pets are suspected of having consumed a PAPP bait during the baiting period, a vet should be consulted immediately. An antidote to PAPP (methylene blue) is available and stocked by most vets on the Mornington Peninsula. 

    Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

    A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
     
    For Mornington Peninsula National Park, this includes the following locations:
    • Sorrento Back Beach rocks
    • No. 16 beach at Rye back beach
    • Bushrangers Bay rocks, east of Cape Schanck
     
    This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
     
    Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
     
    To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

Hooded Plovers

The Mornington Peninsula National Parks is home to a number of vulnerable native species including the nationally significant Hooded Plover. Portsea is a great place to spot these very small, well camouflaged shorebirds which feed in the intertidal zone.

The Plovers lay their eggs directly onto the sand between the high-tide mark and the foredune. You can help their plight by avoiding the soft sand near the dunes and keeping away from nest sites. Dogs are not permitted.
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