Looking for that perfect beach for a family holiday? Or maybe you just want to take advantage of one of the upcoming public holidays? Well luckily, Victoria is chock full of beautiful sandy stretches. Here are 10 of the best beaches in Victoria.
Lorne
A top destination for families, Lorne boasts some of the best beaches in Victoria. With white sand, a fishing pier, sea air, a buzzing arts community and no less than ten waterfalls within ten minutes of town, it’s really no wonder people keep coming back here again year after year.
Head to Lorne Beach first for turquoise water and surfing. If you’re keen to throw a line in, you’ll find the Lorne Jetty at the southern end of this beach where you can try your luck reeling in whiting, trevally or barracuda. Shelly Beach can be found on the southern side of the jetty and here you’ll find the beautiful rock pools.
If it’s too cold to swim, pack a picnic and keep an eye out for the migrating whales (May to September).
Loch Ard Gorge
Named after the Loch Ard shipwreck that ran aground into Mutton Bird Island in 1878, find Loch Ard Gorge around three minutes drive west of the Twelve Apostles. This is by far, one of the best dramatic-looking beaches in Victoria. Compared to the rough coastline beyond the gorge, the beach here is known to be gentle when conditions are right.
Either way, it’s insta-worthy with its turquoise water, towering yellow limestone cliffs and spectacular lookouts.
Bells Beach
One of the most famous beaches in all of Victoria, Bells Beach is one of the best for surfing. Home to the Rip Curl Surfing Comp, it’s not so great for swimming with younger kids due to the large swells and crashing waves. But for experienced surfers, this place is heaven.
Even if you don’t paddle out, sitting on the beach surrounded by the high cliffs and watching the pros in action is a great way to while away the morning.
Apollo Bay
Looking for the perfect beachside holiday destination for families? Apollo Bay is your solution. Why? Because it has one of the best-looking beaches in Victoria and is surrounded by plenty of accommodation and cafes to keep you there longer! Swim, surf, fish or just enjoy picnics on the grassy foreshore.
On the off chance that you do get sick of the beach, take a break on a hike through the nearby Great Otway National Park.
Refuge Cove
Found on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory, Refuge Cove is simply stunning. The downside? There is no vehicle access and it’s a long hike.
However, those who are up for a multiday hike will be rewarded with one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Victoria. It’s the best experience that $7.20 can buy. This, by the way, is the measly amount it cost to book the hiker’s camp for the night. Refuge Cove can be reached by walking track from Little Waterloo Bay to the south or Sealers Cove to the north.
Brighton Beach
This wouldn’t be much of a list if we didn’t mention Brighton Beach with its colourful 1900s bathing boxes. This is probably one of the best beaches for taking an iconic photograph in Victoria! It’s not just the cute bathing boxes though, with a gentle swell, it’s the perfect beach for families and anyone wanting a day out not too far from the city. If you don’t get in early, finding a park here can be difficult.
Portsea
Situated on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, Portsea is a popular spot in the summer months with a coastline that offers swimming, rocks, surfing, fishing and sand dunes. You can even jump off the jetty here into the bay.
It’s best to stick to the flags on the surf side though as there are usually a number of rips.
Indented Head
The seaside destinations of Indented Head is what good old-fashioned holidays by the ocean are all about. Nestled between St Leonards and Portarlington, there are no less than three camping areas by the foreshore to choose from in the summer months.
It’s one of the best beaches in Victoria for families with soft lapping water and a laid back coastal vibe. Keep an eye out for the hull of the Ozone Paddle Steamer. It sunk back in 1925 and sticks out like a sore thumb.
Forest Caves Beach
Not only is Forest Caves beach on Port Phillip Island’s southeast shore beautiful, but it’s known for the rock platforms and caves that can be explored at low tide. Loved by bushwalkers, this is one of the best beaches on which to take a stroll in Victoria. It’s also a top spot for fishermen and popular with surfers. Swimming is not patrolled here, so be extra careful.
Rye Bay Beach
This beach is just magical when the sun is shining in the summer months. Found not too far from Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula, this calm stretch of water is popular with families. It’s one of the best beaches in Victoria for weekend day trips and public holidays.
Both the young and young at heart can jump from the pier but others may choose to cast a line in. Either way, it’s a top spot for a day out with picnic and BBQ facilities.
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
Browse our Victoria page for more information on visiting Victoria with kids, or head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide.
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Resources for booking a getaway to Victoria with kids
Flights and getting around
- Get a great deal on flights to Melbourne on Trip.com.
- Compare car hire across major brands with Discover Cars.
Accommodation
- You can’t go past the Langham Hotel in Melbourne City. It’s upmarket, in a great location with great restaurants, and has an old-school sophistication that’s hard to beat.
- In West Gippsland, Erica Caravan Park is a top holiday spot with both cabins and camping.
- East Gippsland travellers should head to the Dargo River Inn in the high country for cabins and camping. The Big4 Waters Edge is great for families at Lakes Entrance.
- In South Gippsland, Yanakie Caravan Park (it has cabins as well) has the best views over the ocean at sunset and is located just 5 minutes from the entrance to Wilsons Promontory.
Activities and tours
- Legoland Discovery Centre – Get your tickets here.
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – Get your tickets here.
- Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola Ride – Get your tickets here.
- Puffing Billy Steam Train – Get your tickets here.
