When it comes to beach escapes, the Mornington Peninsula is a local treasure trove. Its stunning coastal scenery and crystal-clear waters are sure to make its guests feel at home. From relaxing shores to thrilling surf spots and secluded getaways, this region offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a laid-back day to unwind by the sea or an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the waves on the Peninsula but don’t know where to start, this list got you covered.
1. Safety Beach: Best Beach For Family Fun
Safety Beach is one of the popular family-friendly beaches in Mornington Peninsula, with its beautiful stretch of coastline offering something for everyone. Kids can splash and play around in its shallow and calm waters, and beginner swimmers can practise their skills on the gentle waves while parents unwind on the soft sand, soaking up the sun.
The beach is also popular for paddle boarding, sailing, jet skiing, canoeing, and fishing. If you don’t want to get into the water, the soft and white golden sands of the beach offer a perfect spot for beach games like soccer, cricket, frisbee, and volleyball.
As a popular spot for beachgoers, Safety Beach can be bustling with people, especially during weekends and holidays. However, despite the crowds, there's plenty of space to enjoy the water, take a leisurely walk along the shores, or relax at the nearby cafés and restaurants. Plan your trip and arrive early to secure a nice spot on the sand.
Address: Safety Beach VIC 3936, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“It is a beautiful place to spend a warm afternoon with your family and friends. Water is not very deep, highly recommended for kids bathing under the sun into the sea.” — Faiza I.
“Family friendly beach. Probably most underrated along the peninsula.” — John V.
“Beautiful clean beach..nice and shallow for young families..crystal clear water.” — Debra S.
2. Hawker Beach: Best Dog-Friendly Beach in Mornington Peninsula
Hawker Beach is one of the few dog-friendly beaches on the Mornington Peninsula where your furry friends can roam off-leash, giving them the freedom to explore and enjoy the beach. It is a perfect spot for fur parents who want to let their dogs roam free, splash in the shallow waters, and enjoy the sands beneath their paws. Hawker Beach is a quieter alternative to some of the more crowded dog beaches in Mornington Peninsula with the same stunning views of the coastline.
It can be rocky in certain areas, so it's a good idea to wear water shoes to protect your feet while swimming or taking a dip. Despite the rocky patches, the clear waters and gentle waves make it a manageable spot for swimmers.
There’s also limited parking nearby, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Address: 546 Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Amazing beach for dogs! There is not a lot of people even in summer.” — Lorena D.
“What a view over the stunning bay and Melbourne city in the horizon. Go with or without your dog and read a book with a coffee :).” — Francois-Xavier H.
“Great beach to let your dog off-leash.” — Fiona L.
3. Shelley Beach: Best Instagram-Worthy Beach
Whether you love capturing scenic moments or you just want to take a leisurely walk while watching the sunrise or sunset, Shelley Beach is the perfect spot for you. Shelley Beach is a crowd favourite for its sandy beach, private jetties, and colourful boat sheds. The wooden pier that extends into the blue sea makes for picturesque scenery, making it one of the much-loved beaches in the Mornington Peninsula among landscape photographers and those looking for the perfect IG backdrop.
Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly ideal to visit the beach, as you can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets while avoiding the midday crowds. Those who want to take the most scenic shots of the beach should consider visiting during golden hour.
Address: 4 Hemston Ave, Portsea VIC 3944, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Shelly beach has so much to offer for photography. There are multiple unique jetties, beach huts and great for drone photography too.” — Vaughan L.
“One of my favourite spots to walk the beach and to take photos.” — Brett W.
“An absolutely beautiful and scenic find. No matter what the weather it makes for spectacular photographic scenes.” — Emil W.
4. Gunnamatta Beach: Best Beach For Surfing
With its wide, rip-dominated surf zone and three-kilometre stretch of beach, Gunnamatta Beach is one of the crowd-favourites among surf beaches in Mornington Peninsula. It offers fierce swells and consistent breaks, which seasoned surfers are drawn to for their consistent, powerful waves.
Autumn, particularly April, delivers the most consistent offshore winds and groundswells, so you may want to plan your visit during this season. During this time, the offshore winds and groundswells combine to create optimal surfing conditions, offering powerful and clean breaks that experienced surfers crave.
Address: Fingal VIC 3939, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“There’s normally waves that you can surf at and it’s not always super busy so you can alway find a nice place to sit.” — Kimberly M.
“Perfect for surfing and just laying out enjoying the beautiful view.” — Kari H.
“Loads of surfers and excellent life guards on hand to help swimmers.” — Andy M.
5. Rye Front Beach: Best Beach For Underwater Exploring
Rye Front Beach offers beautiful underwater spectacles with its clear waters and marine life. Snorkelers and scuba divers can explore the underwater world to see stingrays, seahorses, spider crabs, octopus, and various fish species. Night diving is also popular at Rye Front Beach, offering a completely different experience as nocturnal marine life becomes more active.
If you’re not in for water activities, you can take a romantic stroll along the pier or the white sands, or set up your fishing gear and enjoy a relaxing day by the water. Rye Front Beach also offers stunning views of the coastline, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Rye Front Beach is also one of the dog-friendly beaches in Mornington Peninsula, allowing you to walk your furry friend on a leash from evenings to early mornings. Nearby, there are playgrounds and calm waters for kids and families to enjoy. There’s also a shopping area filled with eateries, hotels, and boutique shops where you can find a variety of options for dining, shopping, and accommodation.
Address: Bay Trail, Rye VIC 3941, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Clear water and shallow, clean white sands, great place for families. Also awesome for snorkelling.” — Danny M.
“The new section is solid and safe plus its a little higher, great fishing, snorkelling and pier jumps!! Perfect for an evening walk to see the sunset.” — Gerard D.F.
“One of the best spots for scuba diving and fishing.” — Vishal R.
6. Sorrento Ocean Beach: Best Rock Pools in Mornington Peninsula
Sorrento Ocean Beach has a myriad of large and small rock pools, so the hardest part of your visit is likely picking which one to swim in. These natural pools offer a variety of experiences, from shallow wading pools perfect for young children to deeper, more adventurous spots for adults. If you want to revel in these rock pools in Mornington Peninsula, plan your visit during the summer at low tide.
The beach itself offers stunning coastal views and is ideal for a leisurely stroll. The 3-kilometre Coppins walking track offers scenic views of the coastline and markers that tell the history of the area. And if you want a bite or a drink, there’s a café nearby that offers amazing views while you sip on your coffee.
Address: Victoria, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Kids had lots of fun. Go when the tide is low as you can go into the rock pools. The kids seen starfish and collected beautiful shells. There is a cafe as well with friendly staff.” — Athea P.
“What a gem of a place to explore around the rock pools! Do check for when the low tides are for the best time to visit.” — Aylwin P.
“Beautiful ocean beach, plenty of parking, public toilets, great surf sometimes.” — Lauren G.
7. Fossil Beach: Best Beach For an Educational Rock Adventure
This beach may not be ideal for sunbathing or swimming, but it’s perfect for those who want to explore on land—or rocks, specifically. Fossil Beach is one of the unique beaches in Mornington Peninsula. Its rich fossil deposits are home to a diverse range of prehistoric geological artefacts, from the remnants of Victoria’s first cement works to Aboriginal middens and clay-preserved marine animals. They’re not for collection, but you can still take a picture and admire these historic artefacts as you explore.
Various shell stones adorn the beach, which you can collect to create your own unique souvenirs or simply enjoy as part of your exploration. You might also chance upon native birds such as the yellow wattle bird and yellow robins along the tree-lined path down to the beach.
Check low-tide schedules before you go to ensure you get to see more of the rock formations Fossil Beach has to offer.
Address: Mornington, Australia
What People Have to Say:
“Very nice Coast with cliffs, coloured in red brown till yellow. Interesting shells, stones, Fossils and more.” — Heiko G.
“I had so much fun fossil hunting here! There are plenty of cool rocks and fossil patterns and prints to look for, it's definitely a great place to go for a relaxing trip.” — Koi
“A well kept secret. Significant heritage area. Beautiful bird filled walks. Clear water, awesome rock formations!” — Pam M.
8. Mount Martha Beach: Most Accessible and Inclusive Beach
Mount Martha is one of the region’s most popular beaches which also offer a lot for beachgoers with disabilities and mobility issues. The beach has specially designed mobi chairs that can be borrowed from the Mt. Martha Lifesaving Club on weekends, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sand and sea. There are also beach matting available that can be extended down to the shoreline, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to move across the sand more comfortably.
The beach's wide, flat shoreline and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for families, while the patrolled areas provide an added layer of safety. With accessible pathways, facilities, and assistance available, Mount Martha Beach ensures that visitors of all abilities can experience a relaxing and enjoyable day by the water.
Summer (December to February) is also popular due to the warm temperatures, but the beach can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon during the summer.
Address: Mount Martha, Victoria
What People Have to Say:
“Very nice beach, wide shore. It has public shower, toilets. Couple of picnic tables and bbq nearer the parking lot. Many bathing boxes too.” — K.M.
“It had some very shallow parts so safe for young kids. Has a BBQ area near the carpark, toilets and outdoor shower facilities.” — Bettina W.
“Huge amount of parking available for all sized vehicles including towing, large stretch of beach. Soft sand, calm & safe waters for little ones swimming.” — Mel P.
Tips for Enjoying Seaside Shenanigans at Mornington Beaches
To make the most of your visit to Mornington Peninsula’s stunning beaches, it’s best to come prepared for a fun day by the sea. Here are a few tips to remember:
- Hop on a ferry for a more immersive beach adventure. Searoad Ferries offers a scenic and convenient way to reach the Mornington Peninsula. The ferry ride between Queenscliff and Sorrento not only saves you from the stress of driving long distances but also allows you to take in the stunning ocean views of the region.
- Be mindful of waste. Help preserve the natural beauty of these beaches by responsibly disposing of waste, using recycling bins when available, and bringing reusable containers and bottles.
- Prepare your beach essentials. Bring plenty of sunscreen, towels, hats, snacks, and water. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time lounging by the sea, you may also want to pack picnic mats and foldable beach chairs. If you’re bringing your furry friend with you, remember to bring waste bags for clean-up. Also, make sure to check specific dog-friendly zones before heading out. Lastly, for adventure seekers, bring along your snorkelling gear, surfboard, or even a pair of hiking shoes if you plan on exploring the surrounding cliffs and dunes.
- Plan to arrive early. Many of the popular beaches on the Mornington Peninsula can get quite busy, especially on weekends and during peak summer months. Arriving early not only helps you find parking more easily but also gives you a head start on claiming the best beach spots before the crowds arrive.
- Unwind in the nearby restaurants, cafés, and wineries. After a day of beach fun, chill out at the Mornington Peninsula’s top wineries that offer a delightful range of wines and delicacies. If you want to indulge in some of the best local flavours the region has to offer, there are Sorrento restaurants and cafés you can explore nearby. Just across the bay, discover the vibrant food scene in Queenscliff, featuring some of the best restaurants and cafés known for their diverse and enticing dishes.
Start Your Epic Beach Adventure With Us
Ready to dive into the stunning beaches of the Mornington Peninsula? Elevate your weekend or holiday trip by taking Searoad Ferries. Soak in the breathtaking coastal views along the way and set sail for an unforgettable seaside experience. Discover the beauty of Mornington Peninsula and make your beach day even more exciting with Searoad Ferries.