The 5 Best Mornington Peninsula Beaches For Your Vacation
Rye Ocean Beach
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Available Facilities: Carpark, toilets, picnic spots, surfing area
- Best For: Surfing, sunset watching, walking
Being one of the best Mornington Peninsula beaches, Rye Ocean Beach offers a scenic and peaceful escape, perfect for a quiet stroll or a thrilling surf session. The waves here are strong, making it ideal for seasoned surfers, while the beach’s expansive carpark allows visitors to admire the sunset from the comfort of their vehicle. Customer reviews frequently mention its cleanliness and calming atmosphere, making it a gem for those wanting to enjoy nature away from crowded beaches.
Mothers Beach
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Available Facilities: Parking, picnic tables, BBQs, public toilets, kiosks
- Best For: Families, swimming, wading, young children
Mothers Beach is a fantastic spot for families with young children. Shallow waters make it safe for kids to wade, while picnic areas and BBQ facilities offer a full-day retreat. Visitors love the close proximity to cafes and restaurants, providing a perfect balance of nature and convenience. The beach is also known for frequent sightings of stingrays and dolphins, adding to its allure.
Sorrento Ocean Beach
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Available Facilities: Cafe, rock pools, lifeguards, parking, coastal walks
- Best For: Snorkeling, rock pool exploration, sunset views
Sorrento Ocean Beach stands out for its incredible rock pools that emerge during low tide, offering hours of fun for kids and adults alike. The beach is patrolled, providing a safe environment for swimmers and snorkelers, and there’s even a charming cafe nearby. Many visitors mention the spectacular sunsets and the crystal-clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling.
Mount Martha Beach South
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Available Facilities: Parking, toilets, outdoor showers, BBQs
- Best For: Families, sunset watching, snorkeling
Mount Martha Beach South is a family-friendly beach with calm, shallow waters and soft golden sand. It’s a peaceful retreat with some of the best sunset views on the peninsula. The beach’s colorful beach boxes add a nostalgic, scenic charm to the area. Visitors often comment on the excellent facilities, such as BBQ areas, making it a perfect spot for picnics.
Bridgewater Bay
- Location: Stairs, Blairgowrie VIC 3942, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Best For: Rockpooling, photography, coastal walks
Bridgewater Bay is a rugged, beautiful beach known for its stunning rock pools and coastal views. The lack of facilities adds to its untouched charm, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors praise the secluded feel and the captivating natural features like cliffs and rocky formations.
Gunnamatta Ocean Beach
- Location: Fingal VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Available Facilities: Lifeguard services, toilets, showers, parking
- Best For: Surfing, fishing, wildlife spotting
Gunnamatta Ocean Beach is a haven for surfers, known for its large waves and scenic coastline. The nearby rock shelves are perfect for spotting small sea life, and it’s not uncommon to find people fishing on quieter days. Reviews emphasize the stunning coastal views, but caution is advised due to its sometimes wild waters.
Half Moon Bay Beach
- Location: 2 Canadian Bay Rd, Mount Eliza VIC 3930, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Available Facilities: Parking, showers, restrooms, off-leash dog area
- Best For: Dog walks, snorkeling, sunset views
Half Moon Bay Beach is a hidden gem known for its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular sunsets. It’s a small but picturesque beach that never gets too crowded, making it perfect for families or solo travelers seeking a quieter retreat. Reviewers appreciate the beautiful rock pools and dog-friendly environment, making it a great place to relax.
The Pillars
- Location: Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Best For: Cliff jumping, scenic views, photography
The Pillars is an iconic cliff-jumping spot on the Mornington Peninsula. Although it requires a bit of a trek down steep, uneven paths, the views are breathtaking, with turquoise water and panoramic vistas. Reviews mention that while it’s a popular spot during summer, the journey and jump can be risky, so it’s not recommended for the faint-hearted.
The Mornington Peninsula offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its unique appeal. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day with family or an adrenaline-filled adventure, these eight beaches provide the perfect mix of activities and relaxation for your next coastal getaway.
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