Lonely Planet has released their Best Beaches Australia guide for 2026, looking at the top 100 beaches from around the country. This book is packed with descriptions and guidance from local writers, who are experts in what makes each beach so precious. And while the list was dominated by coastal spots in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, Victoria still had a respectable amount, with 11 names listed in the Lonely Planet Best Beaches guide. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next summer adventure, this is a great place to start!
Best Beaches in Victoria, according to Lonely Planet
Bells Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes
You’ll find this legendary surfing spot near Torquay, at the start of the Great Ocean Road. Watch the surfers glide along the waves at the annual Rip Curl Pro event. Bells Beach was also ranked third in the country for surfing in the Lonely Planet book.
Childers Cove
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
This hidden gem often gets overlooked by other, more popular attractions on the Great Ocean Road, making this the perfect beach if you’re looking for stunning views and solitude. Framed by three cliffs, you’ll feel lost in your own little world.
Squeaky Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
This splendid beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park has received a lot of love recently. It was declared the Best Australian Beach in 2024, and was named as one of the best beaches in the world last year. See what all the fuss is about, and stroll along the quartz sand, which makes high-pitched squeaks with every step. Squeaky Beach was also named in the Lonely Planet book as the fourth best beach for camping in Australia.
Mount Martha Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour
There’s lots of excellent beaches to choose from along the Mornington Peninsula, but if you’re looking for a place with colourful and cheerful beach boxes, this is the place to go! Mount Martha Beach was also named the fourth best beach in the country for accessibility.
Wreck Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
It’s got an ominous name, and for good reason. This spot in Great Otway National Park is the site of two shipwrecks. Descend the steep stairs, and marvel at the rockpools at low tide. It was also named the second best beach in Australia for bushwalking.
Sorrento Ocean Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes
As you can guess from the name, this beach in Sorrento faces the ocean, and is great for surfing and fishing. Visit this popular beach during low tide and explore the rock pools, then stretch your legs on one of the walking trails nearby.
Ninety Mile Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 3 hours
Escape to East Gippsland and explore this continuous, 90-mile stretch of pristine beaches. The sand separates Gippsland Lakes from the ocean, and covers tourist hotspots like Lakes Entrance, as well as quiet coastal towns. This beach was ranked 5th in the country for families.
Smiths Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 2 hours
The next time you’re on Phillip Island, spend some time at Smiths Beach. There’s rock pools to enjoy at either end of the beach at low tide, and you can go snorkelling, surfing, body boarding or paddleboarding.
Thurra Beach
Distance from Melbourne: 7 hours
Immerse yourself in the wilderness at Croajingolong National Park, and check out this dramatic beach at the mouth of the Thurra River. You’ll find sand dunes, campgrounds and even a lighthouse.
Blanket Bay
Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 hours
Located in Great Otway National Park, this small beach has shallow waters and rockpools. It also has a campground, making it a great pitstop for hikers on the Great Ocean Walk.
Eastern Beach Reserve
Distance from Melbourne: 70 minutes
This charming area in Geelong was originally built in the 1930s. Walk along the boardwalk, then go for a dip in the semi-circular sea bath. There’s a shallow pool for the kids, a large diving tower and more.
For more tips and insights, or to learn more about beaches in the other states, you can purchase the guide book here.