The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria. Not to mention, several of them are incredibly safe, making them a fantastic holiday location for families.
Firstly, the beaches on the Mornington Peninsula vary quite a bit. Moreover, the southern facing beaches front onto the ocean, which means they receive higher swell and waves. However, the bay facing region from Mount Eliza to Portsea offers calm water with minimal waves.
Therefore, the majority of the beaches along the Mornington Peninsula are phenomenal for younger children or people learning to swim.
Finally, discover the best thirteen beaches on the Mornington Peninsula and unveil your next potential getaway destination!
Where Is the Mornington Peninsula and How Far Is It from Melbourne?
Starting from the Melbourne CBD, the peninsula is about an hours drive. And, to reach this location, it’s best to use the M1 freeway, turn onto Eastlink and then use the Peninsula Link.
Once you’ve passed through Frankston, use the Nepean Highway to travel down the coast of the peninsula. Not only will you be greeted with gorgeous views of the coastline along the drive, but you will get to proceed through each town.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Mornington Peninsula?
The best time of year to visit the Mornington Peninsula is typically from January through to April. Moreover, this is usually when the days are warmest and clear, and the ocean is mild. Therefore, set out on an adventure during this timeframe to enjoy some time along the coast.
Also, check the forecast before leaving to avoid disappointment. And, pack plenty of warm clothes if temperatures are likely to drop.
Read more: Best Beaches in Victoria: 10 Places to Visit
13 Mornington Peninsula Beaches to Visit This Summer
This list is in a descending order in which you can create a road trip. Therefore, start at the top of the list and follow the route to see the beautiful Mornington Peninsula beaches. On the other hand, you can decide on several of these locations or complete a day trip to one of the destinations.
This map includes the following locations:
- Mills Beach
Mills Beach is a lovely first start to the beginning of the Peninsula. Not to mention, it’s close to the Mornington town square, making it a terrific spot for a swim after enjoying some lunch.
However, keep in mind, this location gets exceptionally busy during the warmer weather, and finding parking is often a frustrating task. So, I would advise parking in the Coles parking lot, as there is much more space available. However, keep an eye on the time limits!
Furthermore, I’d recommend arriving early to secure a parking space and area on the beach. Truly a beautiful spot for a family day out enjoying the summer weather.
Address: Mills Beach, Mornington VIC 3931
- Mount Martha Beach South
Mount Martha beach is an idyllic location for locals of the area. Along this beach, there is plenty of sand space to enjoy sprawling out. Also, the Bathing Boxes create a seaside ambience and give the beach a fun summer vibe. And, The Pillars are just down the road for those looking for a little more adventure.
Address: Mount Martha Beach South, Mount Martha VIC 3934
Read more: Mount Martha Pillars
- Dromana Beach
Dromana Beach boasts stretching and white sand shorelines. While you’re in the water, take a look back at the land and see if you can spot the Arthurs Seat lookout.
Moreover, this beach is gorgeous for an afternoon by the water, and it’s super safe for children. Finally, if you or someone else are learning to swim, head to this location as it’s an ultra serene and great place to learn.
Dromana is easily one of the best Mornington Peninsula Beaches, and it’s reasonably apparent with the flocks of crowds.
Address: Dromana Beach, Dromana VIC 3936
- Rosebud Beach
Rosebud is another popular location for holiday-goers in and around Melbourne. And, it’s easy to see why! Rosebud is another lovely and calm bay beach. Therefore, making it family-friendly.
So, take a wander along the pier to enjoy stunning views over the beach and water. Or, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the peaceful shoreline.
Address: Rosebud Beach, Rosebud VIC 3939
- Rye Beach
A little further down the coast is another fan-favourite, Rye. Like the others, Rye boasts crystal clear water that shimmers when the sun hits it. Truly a breathtaking place for an afternoon paddle.
It’s also a great location to enjoy the sunset. While visiting, be sure to head up to the White Cliffs Lookout for fantastic views over the beach.
Additionally, there are a few boat ramps at this location to enjoy a day on the water. It’s fair to say that Rye is one of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula, are you’re bound to find out.
Address: Rye Beach, Bay Trail, Rye VIC 3941
- Koonya Dog Beach
A fantastic location if you plan on bringing your four-legged friend is Koonya Dog Beach. Firstly, this is a gorgeous location for dogs to enjoy a paddle while kicking the footy or enjoying a ball game.
Not to mention, this is a safe location for dogs to learn to swim as the water is calm and easy to paddle. Finally, this Mornington Peninsula beach is one of the few locations that dogs are allowed, so make use of this location!
Address: Koonya Dog Beach, Bay Trail, Blairgowrie VIC 3942
- Sorrento Front Beach
Sorrento is a lovely place for a weekend away, and the town is a gorgeous place to explore. There are numerous shops to enjoy, and the beach offers a tranquil ambience.
Firstly, the front beach is easily accessible, and there are lawns to lay on if you don’t enjoy getting sandy. And there are a handful of picnic tables in the area. Also, there are several points of interest in the area, making it a great place to do some exploring!
Address: Sorrento Front Beach, Sorrento VIC 3943
- Portsea Beach
Upon arrival at Portsea beach, take a stroll along the pathway to enjoy views over the beach and surroundings. The jetty is also serene to walk along, and a few people do jumps off the dock.
Furthermore, take some photos in front of the bathing boxes and enjoy some time at this picturesque location.
Address: Portsea Beach, 3730 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea VIC 3944
From Portsea Beach, you will now start to return on the opposite side of the coast to travel along the south coast and up the eastern side of the peninsula.
- Portsea Surf Beach
This side of the Peninsula is fantastic for surfers or lovers of the ocean. Moreover, the swell over this side often gets rough, so keep an eye on signage and swim where the flags are. However, if you’d prefer to enjoy the ocean from afar, check out one of the many lookouts or head to the London Bridge Lookout.
Ultimately, Portsea Surf beach offers one of the best surfing locations along the Mornington Peninsula as there are consistent wave breaks. And, the coastline is magnificent to enjoy.
Address: Portsea Surf Beach, Portsea VIC 3944
- Sorrento Ocean Beach
One of the more scenic beaches on the Mornington Peninsula is easily the Sorrento Ocean Beach. Besides, there are plenty of rockpools to enjoy at low tide, and there are surf lifesavers during the peak months.
However, this favoured Mornington Peninsula beach gets busy during peak times. So, arrive early to secure your parking space.
Finally, enjoy a hike along the Coppins Walking Track for a bit of physical activity.
Address: Sorrento Ocean Beach, 250 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943
- Diamond Bay
Diamond Bay is a stunning hidden gem in a truly idyllic location. Moreover, this Mornington Peninsula beach is surrounded by sandstone cliffs and is a popular location for fishing.
Furthermore, the bay is small and reasonably sheltered, making it a great spot to enjoy during windy weather. Additionally, enjoy a wander along the walking trail for stunning views of the beach and ocean.
Don’t miss out on visiting this location!
Address: Diamond Bay, Diamond Bay Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943
- Gunnamatta Ocean Beach
Accessible by a classic set of wooden stairs is the gorgeous Gunnamatta Ocean Beach. Furthermore, this spacious location is ideal for surfers and those that enjoy wave beaches.
However, keep an eye on rips as there are often dangerous currents. Alternatively, visit this beach for a lovely stroll and take in the far-reaching views. Finally, swim between the flags as this is the safest location on the beach.
Address: Gunnamatta Ocean Beach, Fingal VIC 3939
- Point Leo Beach
Another classic and popular surfing location is Point Leo Beach. There are broad stretches of sand to enjoy and lots of reefs and rock pools to explore. Furthermore, there are several surf breaks in the area, making it a considerable place for consistent waves.
Finally, this is a great location to finalise your travels around the Mornington Peninsulas beaches.
Address: Point Leo Beach, Point Leo VIC 3916
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the Mornington Peninsula beaches are some of the best on the Victorian coastline. And, they are easily accessible from Melbourne and the Eastern Suburbs, making it a fantastic weekend getaway.
So, plan a weekend getaway to enjoy a handful of these locations, or choose one from this list to appreciate for the day. Nonetheless, all of the beaches on the Peninsula are stunning, and each has its characteristics making them unique.
Which beach do you like the sound of? Have you found your next summer hang out location?
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