Swimming Beaches

Days spent beachside is a key part of life in these parts. Even during the cooler months, avid swimmers can be found braving the water for an invigorating dip.

Beaches range from sandy and pristine to rugged and dotted with rockpools. Some are gentler where young tackers splash in the shallows, others have pumping surf with waves up to 10ft.

Originally built in the 1930s, Eastern Beach Reserve is home to an enclosed sea bath, boardwalk, diving towers, children’s pool, floating islands, kiosk, change room, terraced lawns and playground. The promenade is patrolled during summer.

With barbeque facilities, picnic tables, public toilets, ample parking and a playground, it’s a popular spot for families.

Ocean Grove Main Beach is two kilometres of rolling waves and wide sandy beach – a magnet for families and those learning to surf. It’s patrolled during summer by the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club which also runs a livestream of the beach.

Public toilets and showers, a boat ramp and free parking are located nearby.

In the heart of Point Lonsdale village sits 'front beach', a picturesque and family-friendly beach perfect for young children and those learning to surf. Conveniently opposite the strip of shops and cafés (coffee by the beach anyone?) the beach is at its most spectacular during king tides seen just a few times a year.

Public toilets, seating, barbecue facilities and parking are nearby but please note this beach is not patrolled.

One of the quieter beaches in the area, Portarlington Front Beach, is a short stroll downhill from the main shopping and dining strip.

Lined with pine trees and a bike trail cutting through the grassy foreshore, it’s the kind of beach where more time is spent lounging on land than in the water.

Keep an eye out for mussels that wash up on the shoreline, which the town is known for harvesting offshore.

A bit out of the way, Bancoora Beach was relatively untouched but its popularity has grown in recent years. A 1-kilometre-long south-east facing beach, its heavily vegetated dunes and curving coast make it a scenic spot. It’s also home to the endangered Hooded Plovers which nest with their chicks on the shore, so keep an eye out for signage on your visits.

This beach is patrolled during summer and can be known for its rips, especially near the rocks, and moderate swell.

Barwon Heads is a much-loved family destination and the banks of the beautiful Barwon River Estuary – where the river meets the sea – is a big reason why.

The shallow and sandy river foreshore is a great spot for a splash and swim with the kids. Watch your step though, ankle-deep can become hip-deep in a flash and the banks along the river are not patrolled.

Rockpools around the Barwon Bluff are exposed at low tide, perfect for rambling and sandcastle building.

While the beaches in these parts are beautiful, they can also be powerful. All beaches require respect and caution – strong rips can occur anywhere and catch out unsuspecting swimmers.

At patrolled beaches, please swim between the red and yellow flags and follow the advice of lifeguards. Patrols may change so please check online before visiting.

Stay up-to-date with beach closures, shark sightings and other incidents via the Vic Emergency App.

For life-threatening emergencies, please call Triple Zero 000.