Melbourne is full of some incredible beaches, but sometimes, you’ve just got to go a little further. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, or a longer trip for the summer, you’ll find plenty of picturesque beaches around Victoria. Perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkelling or just a casual stroll, you’ll find breathtaking views, tranquil family destinations, dramatic landscapes and more. From the Great Ocean Road to Gippsland, Victoria is just bursting with incredible beaches that you can admire at any time of year. Check our our list to get you started on your next adventure.
Table Of Contents
West of Melbourne
1. Eastern Beach Reserve
This charming area in Geelong was originally built in the 1930s. Walk along the boardwalk, then go for a dip in the shark-proof sea bath. In this watery area, you’ll find several floating islands and a large diving tower. There’s also a pool for the kids, complete with a sandy beach. This safe swimming area is patrolled by life guards during the summer months. When you’re not in the water at Eastern Beach Reserve, relax with a picnic, have fun at the playground and go for a ride on the Ferris wheel. As far as beaches go in Victoria, this one is just an hour away from Melbourne, making it the perfect day trip. See more here.
đź“ŤEastern Beach, Geelong, VIC 3220
2. Torquay Front Beach
Take a walk along The Esplanade in the idyllic town of Torquay, and spend the day at Torquay Front Beach. This calm spot is great for swimming and paddleboarding, and you can also give snorkelling a go at the nearby Point Danger Marine Sanctuary. Grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant after a day of fun in the sun.
đź“ŤThe Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228
3. Bells Beach
Bells Beach is famous for the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, or the longest-running surf competition in the world. This coastal town is a quick drive from Torquay, and is filled with spectacular waves. If you’re not an experienced surfer, its best to admire the view from one of the towering cliffs, and watch the experts ride the waves. On top of the impressive swells, you might also find local wildlife, like birds and echidnas.
đź“ŤBells Beach, VIC 3228
4. Lorne Beach
The main beach in Lorne is a sheltered, two-kilometre stretch that’s perfect for family trips to the seaside. This sandy section, nestled within Louttit Bay, is patrolled during the summer months, so that you can swim safely. Along the beach, you’ll also find picnic and barbecue facilities, lush lawns, and nearby eateries. More details here.
đź“ŤLorne VIC 3232
5. Apollo Bay Beach
Take a stroll along the picturesque Apollo Bay Beach. This 3-kilometre stretch has a protected spot in the southern end, which is perfect for families and a leisurely swim. As you go further north, the swell starts to build, making it a great place for surfing and fishing. If you’re not in the water, you’ll find the flat sand is perfect for beach games. More info here.
đź“ŤApollo Bay VIC 3233
6. Gibson Steps
This iconic spot along the Great Ocean Road is one of those beaches in Victoria that you just can’t miss. Walk along the beach and admire the sheer size of the two offshore stacks, affectionately known as Gog and Magog. You can check out Gibson Steps by talking a 1.1km walk from the 12 Apostles. Or, you can park at the top of the cliff, and make a journey down 86 steps. See more here.
đź“ŤNational Park, Great Ocean Rd, Port Campbell VIC 3269
7. Loch Ard Gorge
Loch Ard Gorge is a picturesque beach that’s around a three hour drive away from Melbourne, or four and a half hours if you travel along the Great Ocean Road. The stunning sandy beach is flanked by steep limestone cliffs, and is surrounded by native bushland and spectacular views. Explore the area on some walking tracks. Then, check out some incredible sights nearby, like the famous Twelve Apostles, The Razorback and Mutton Bird Island.
Please note: Access to the beach is currently closed, and is expected to reopen in spring 2023. Other walks in the area remain 0pen. Keep an eye on Parks Victoria for updates.
đź“Ť Great Ocean Road Port Campbell, VIC 3269
East of Melbourne
8. Sorrento Back Beach
Sorrento is home to plenty of wonderful beaches, but there’s one that’s particularly popular, thanks to its rockpools. Head to Sorrento Back Beach, or Ocean Beach, at low tide, and explore the numerous rockpools and ledges. You can also go swimming, surfing and walking. Just remember to stay between the flags if you’re in the water. There’s a cafĂ© and kiosk, as well as a picnic area with toilets. See more here.
đź“ŤSorrento, VIC 3943
9. Cape Woolamai
Round up the family and spend your summer days at Cape Woolamai Safety Beach. This low wave beach stretches for 4.7 kilometres, and has plenty of sand for beach games. Go for a walk and enjoy the tidal flats at low tide, then, enjoy a fabulous swim at high tide. At certain times of the year, dogs are also permitted off leash on the beach between Palm Beach Avenue and Southport Avenue. Find more details here.
For a little more adventure, check out Cape Woolamai Surf Beach and have fun riding the swells. Or, take a hike and go on the Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk for spectacular coastal views, including the highest point on Phillip Island. This area is also home to up to a million shearwaters between October and April.
đź“ŤCape Woolamai VIC 3925
10. Kitty Miller Bay
Kitty Miller Bay in Phillip Island is a sheltered spot that’s great for snorkelling and swimming. At high tide, there’s also small waves for surfers. Take a walk during low tide and enjoy coastal views and rockpools. Keep an eye out for the SS Speke Shipwreck, which ran ashore in 1906. See more here.
đź“ŤKitty Millers Bay Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922
11. Forrest Caves Beach
Wait for low tide, then explore the incredible Forrest Caves on Phillip Island. Walk along the beach and admire views of the rolling waves. Go past sand dunes, and keep an eye out for short-tailed shearwaters. Then, when you reach the caves, admire this stunning natural attraction, which was formed by the erosion of cliffs over countless years. Just be careful, as this beach isn’t patrolled, and is prone to large waves and strong rips. More info here.
đź“Ť Bass Strait, Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven VIC 3922
12. Cape Paterson Bay Beach
Head to Cape Paterson Bay Beach on a hot summer’s day, and stay cool inside the man-made rock pool. This relaxing spot was first built in the 1960s, and is still popular among families today. Bring a snorkel along to take a peek at what it’s like below the surface. This gentle beach is great for swimming too.
Nearby, Cape Paterson also has a surf beach. Just be careful, watch for rips, and avoid the rocks and reefs. Find more details here.
đź“Ť16 Bay Beach Rd, Cape Paterson VIC 3995
13. Squeaky Beach
This fun beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park has sand that makes a squeaking sound with every step. This is due to the fine, rounded grains of quartz sand, which compress under your feet, resulting in a squeak. At Squeaky Beach, you’ll find beautiful views and coastal tracks. You’re welcome to go for a swim, but just be careful, as there are no patrolling lifesavers. More info here.
đź“ŤWilsons Promontory VIC 3960
14. Refuge Cove
Feel like getting away from it all? You’ll find plenty of seclusion at Refuge Cove. This quiet part on the eastern side of Wilsons Prom is a great spot for hikers to rest and relax. Find it by taking the walking track from Sealers Cove to the north or Little Waterloo Bay to the south. There’s also a spot for recreational boat users to safely anchor their vessels. If you wish to stay overnight in the camping area, you will need to make a booking. Learn more here.
đź“ŤWilsons Promontory VIC 3960
15. Ninety Mile Beach
As you can guess from the name, Ninety Mile Beach is a continuous, 90-mile stretch of pristine beaches on the east of Victoria. This sandy section separates Gippsland Lakes from the ocean, and covers some tourist hotspots like Lakes Entrance, as well as quiet coastal towns. Along the unspoiled beaches, you’ll find different spots for swimming, walking, whale-watching, fishing and relaxing. See more here.
đź“ŤGippsland
Excited to explore these gorgeous beaches around Victoria? So are we! Just remember to stay safe if you’re entering the water, and be wary of strong rips and currents. During popular times of year, like during the Christmas peak season, some beaches are patrolled. Lifesavers are only on duty when red and yellow flags are displayed, and for your safety, swim between the flags. You can keep an eye on beach conditions and find more information at Beachsafe.