We love a good coastal escape, with stunning seaside towns, windswept walks and pretty beaches to enjoy around Victoria. And if you’re looking for a quick getaway, there’s one little village near Melbourne that’s perfect for a beachside holiday. Take a trip to Point Lonsdale, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, and have fun with family-friendly beaches, dramatic ocean sights, charming cafes and even luxurious spas. You’ll find it on the Bellarine Peninsula, sandwiched between Queenscliff and Ocean Grove.
Point Lonsdale
At Point Lonsdale, you’ll find the infamous entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Known as The Rip, you’ll see the ocean and bay waters collide in a narrow stretch, creating treacherous waves and dangerous currents. With reefs and rocky grounds on either side, ships entering the bay only have about one kilometre of width to work with. You can take in the sights at a dedicated Rip View Lookout spot. Stretch your legs on the pier nearby, and cast a line while you’re there.
Or, you could visit the historic Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. The current lighthouse was built in 1902, and was used to help guide ships into the bay. If you’d like to learn more about it, you can take a lighthouse tour on Sundays. Climb up to the top and see the lighthouse lantern, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The tour lasts for 30 minutes, running from 9:30am to 1pm. Bookings are essential.
As for beaches, there’s a few to choose from. Next to the strip of shops and cafes, you’ll find the family-friendly ‘front’ beach. With calmer waters, this bay beach is great for young children, and those learning how to surf. When the tide is low, you’ll also see some rockpools! With playgrounds, toilets and BBQ facilities, you’ll have everything you need for a day of fun in the sun.
For something more wild, go for the ‘back’ beach. This ocean beach is home to the Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club, and comes with moderate waves and dangerous rips. If you’re going in the water, remember to stay between the flags.
If you’ve got your dog with you, there’s also an off-leash dog beach, so your furry friend can do as many zoomies as they please.
Wellness retreat
Feeling a little frazzled? At Point Lonsdale, there’s a couple of peaceful wellness spaces to help you reset.
Spend a day, or stay overnight, at Lon Retreat & Spa. Set on over 250 acres, this tranquil destination is nestled on a hill by the ocean. Take part in one of their restorative treatments in the spa, such as a facial, a massage or a body ritual. Dip into mineral water, sourced from beneath the farm, and heat up in the sauna. Pamper yourself a little further by staying in one of their blissful suites. In-room dining is also available, so you can enjoy a complete retreat. With all of these wonderful features, it’s no wonder that this venue recently received a Michelin Key.
If you’re short on time, why don’t you duck into the seaside space, Hello Sauna? Located just moments away from the shore in Point Lonsdale, this mobile, wood-fired sauna has 30 or 60 minute sessions. Before or after an invigorating dip in the ocean, step inside the sauna and breathe it all in. Enhance your experience by adding on a coffee scrub for exfoliation. This sauna is open from Friday to Sunday, making it perfect for weekend getaways.
What to eat
Amble along the foreshore and find a lovely selection of charming cafes, restaurants and bars. Grab a cup of coffee from Early Nancy, and treat yourself to some house-made baked goods, refreshing salads or seasonal dishes while you’re there.
Pop into Pico for more coffee, acai and pastries, or find some favourites like burgers or smashed avo at Plated cafe. Head to Lonnies Fish and Chips for a classic, beachside feed, and tuck into pasta at Lido Cucina.
Savour every sip at Noble Rot Wine Store and Bar, where you’ll find an excellent selection of wines from Australia and beyond, as well as snacks and larger dishes.
More things to do
Fancy a bit of golf? Swing by Lonsdale Links, an 18-hole golf course set in the coastal dunes of Point Lonsdale. Bordering Lake Victoria, this golf course has plenty of scenic views, as well as a restaurant, bar and playground.
Meanwhile, Lake Victoria is a shallow lagoon that’s part of the broader Lonsdale Lakes Wildlife Reserve. If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll have plenty to see, as 81 different bird species have been recorded at this wetland, including pelicans, cormorants, herons and sandpipers. You can take it all in by parking at the end of Emily Street, and then going for a stroll along the shore. As this is a nature reserve, dogs are not allowed to come along.
Beyond town, you’ll find plenty more places and things to keep you busy, with Queenscliff and Portarlington nearby, as well as plenty of wineries around the peninsula.
Getting there:
This little town is just a 90 minute drive away from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re coming in from the other side of the bay, you could also hop on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff. From there, the drive is less than 10 minutes.
