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 Park Mornington 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 Sanctuary Ricketts 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 Park Point 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 beach Edwards 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 Park Ninety-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 Park Wilsons 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 Park Croajingolong 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 Park Great 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 Park Bay 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 Reserve Belfast 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.