We’re soaking in the summer heat, and if you’re tempted to go to the beach, we’ve got a few great ones to choose from. And if you’re sticking around Port Phillip Bay, why don’t you opt for the quiet and calm waters of Santa Casa Beach? Located in Queenscliff, this particular beach gets top marks for cleanliness by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Twice a day, they look at 36 beaches around Port Phillip Bay to predict the water quality conditions and the health risk to swimmers. And for the summer period in 2024-2025, Santa Casa Beach received a ‘good’ forecast 90% of the time.
The most clean beaches around Melbourne
We love a good swim in the beach, but there definitely days when you should avoid the water for your health. The water can become polluted from stormwater run-off, especially during and after rain. Heavy rain can wash pollutants from the roads and footpaths, like chemicals, rubbish and poop, down through the stormwater drain system and into the creeks and waterways. These pollutants then end up in the ocean.
And, with its location in Queenscliff, far away from Melbourne and near the entrance of the bay, Santa Casa Beach was a top performer for cleanliness last summer. Other clean beaches last year were also further out in the bay.
Top clean beaches
- Santa Casa – 90% good forecast
- Portsea – 89% good forecast
- Mount Martha Lifesaving Club 87% good forecast
Meanwhile, the worst beach on the list for cleanliness was St Kilda, which received a good forecast 59% of the time. This was followed closely by Port Melbourne (61%) and Mentone (66%).
Santa Casa Beach in Queenscliff
So, if you’re thinking of a nice dip in the ocean, why don’t you head further out to Santa Casa Beach? Named after a religious retreat centre near the entrance to the shoreline, this clean beach is a great choice for families due to its relatively small waves. This beach is patrolled in summer, and there’s also facilities like gravel parking and toilets.
Dogs aren’t allowed off-leash in this area, but if you’ve got your pooch with you, there is the Point Lonsdale Dog Beach further up the coast. Keep going in this direction to reach Point Lonsdale, where you can check out the rock pools and lighthouse. Or, head in the opposite direction to Queenscliff and relax in the foreshore reserve. Pack a picnic and watch as ships enter the bay.
Stick around in Queenscliff and explore the museums, or find fun for the whole family on The Bellarine Railway. Hop on the ferry to Sorrento, then enjoy a relaxing dip in Portsea, the second cleanest beach.
EPA water quality ratings
The EPA rates the water quality as either Good, Fair or Poor. If things are Good, the water is likely safe for swimming. If it’s Fair, the water might have pollution, so it might be better to avoid swimming. Check for signs like murky water or a bad smell, and consider if it rained recently. A Poor rating means it is not safe to go into the water.
Swimming in these polluted conditions can lead to undesirable effects, like gastro. Those with weakened immune systems, children and older people are most at risk.
The EPA make their predictions from a number of factors, including taking water samples to test for enterococci, observed and forecast rainfall, pollution reports, light levels and more. Most of the samples are collected in front of lifesaving clubs, where people swim between the flags. On weekends and public holidays between November and April, you can see the forecast on signs at patrolled lifesaving clubs.
You can check the also water quality forecast here, or follow their Facebook account. You can also sign up to receive SMS alerts.