Beaches & coastlines

Experience the best of both worlds on the Bellarine Peninsula, with renowned surf beaches on one side and the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay on the other.

Catch a wave at popular Thirteenth Beach. Enjoy a picnic on the white sand, or explore the tracks and trails along the coast while taking in expansive views of The Rip and Bass Strait. Need a rest? Slow down bayside. Cool off during the summer months at tranquil bay beaches, where snorkelling, kayaking and boating opportunities abound.

Eastern Beach

Geelong's famous art-deco-style sea-bathing complex on Corio Bay has a swimming pool surrounded by a large promenade. There is also a shallower pool for children, and the parkland setting has playground, picnic and barbecue facilities. Geelong Life Saving Club patrols the beach on weekends and public holidays over summer.

Portarlington

This safe, sandy beach is a popular family holiday camping resort. Extensive shaded foreshore areas have kiosk, picnic, barbecue and play facilities, and there are views of the bay to the Melbourne skyline.

Indented Head

On Port Phillip Bay, between Portarlington and St Leonards. Safe swimming beaches that are popular with families. Picnic and camping areas can be found within the foreshore reserve.

St Leonards

This safe, sandy beach and camping ground on Port Phillip Bay is popular for swimming and a range of watersports. The extensive shaded foreshore reserves have picnic and play facilities.

Queenscliff

The historic resort town has safe, sandy bayside beaches that are popular with families. Wide and tree-lined foreshore reserves have excellent picnic, barbecue and play facilities. 'Narrows' dog exercise beach is nearby.

Point Lonsdale

The safe, protected bay beach is ideal for families, as is the surf beach at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. There are wide grassed and treed foreshore reserves, a lighthouse and a Rip View Lookout. The surf beach is patrolled by lifesavers during summer.

Ocean Grove

Excellent ocean swimming and surfing beach, but watch for rips. Has a cafe, kiosk and parking. Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club and professional lifeguards patrol in summer.

Barwon Heads

This picturesque and popular holiday resort has various sandy river estuary beaches that are excellent for swimming and windsurfing. Also has picnic and barbecue facilities and a boat ramp. The coastal surf beaches have larger waves and strong permanent rips.

Barwon Bluff

Climb the limestone cliffs and take in exquisite views across to Ocean Grove main beach, the wild waters of Bass Strait, the Barwon River mouth and The Rip (Port Phillip Bay entrance).

13th Beach

This rugged sandy surf beach at Barwon Heads is one of the closest surf beaches to Geelong and a year-round favourite with surfing diehards. Lifesavers patrol during summer.

For more information and safety details, visit beachsafe.org.au.

Plan before you go: Be sure to check weather and terrain conditions and pack plenty of water before you embark on an outdoor adventure. Stay up-to-date with the latest warnings and advice via the Parks Victoria and Vic Emergency websites.