Exploring Victoria’s Best Beach Holiday Destinations
Victoria is famous for its diverse coastal landscapes, ranging from picturesque estuaries and rugged cliffs to bustling seaside towns and secluded coves.
Check out some of our favourite spots:
Mornington Peninsula
Situated just one hour from the Melbourne CBD the Mornington Peninsula is a favorite among locals and tourists. Renowned for its charming seaside villages, vineyards, orchards, rugged beaches, boating and fishing. Sorrento is situated on the south west of the peninsula, with its historic charm and crystal-clear waters, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity.
Visitors can explore rock pools, snorkel in the bay, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal trails. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the peninsula’s back beaches, such as Gunnamatta and Rye Back Beach, provide challenging surfing conditions with powerful waves and dramatic landscapes.
Great Ocean Road
Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is a must-visit for any beach holiday enthusiast. Stretching from Torquay to Allansford coastal drive is almost 250km long and is dotted with picturesque towns and awe-inspiring scenery. Torquay, the starting point of the Great Ocean Road, is the surfing capital of Australia.
Home to Bells Beach, Torquay attracts surfers from around the world and is a main feature in the Rip Curl Pro, hosted for more than 60 years as part of the pro surfing world tour destinations. Torquay is vibrant, with a lively surf culture, numerous surf shops, and a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Further along the road, the town of Lorne is nestled between the ocean and the forested hills of the Otway Ranges.
During summer Lorne’s main beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the nearby Erskine Falls and Teddy’s Lookout offer spectacular views and scenic hiking trails throughout the year.
Apollo Bay
Another gem on the Great Ocean Road that serves as a gateway to the Otways, where lush rainforests meet the sea. The town’s long sandy beach is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also embark on the Great Ocean Walk, a long-distance trail that winds through coastal forests and along cliff tops, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean.
Gippsland
For those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, the Gippsland region boasts some of Victoria’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches. Wilsons Promontory National Park, often referred to as 'The Prom' is a highlight of this region. Squeaky Beach, with its unique white quartz sand that squeaks underfoot, is a particular favourite. The park offers a range of activities, from bushwalking and wildlife spotting to snorkeling and kayaking. As a protected area, The Prom’s beaches are surrounded by pristine wilderness, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Phillip Island
A popular destination only 2 hours from the Melbourne CBD. Famous for its wildlife and family-friendly attractions, it also also boasts some excellent beaches and is a favourite among the surfing community.
The island’s southern coastline features rugged surf beaches like Cape Woolamai, which is popular among surfers and beachcombers. In contrast, the northern shores, such as Cowes Beach, offer calm waters ideal for swimming and paddling.
Phillip Island is also renowned for its Penguin Parade, where visitors can watch little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, and the Koala Conservation Centre, where koalas can be seen up close in their natural habitat. Let’s not forget the Phillip Island Circuit, which hosts the Australia GP, World Superbikes and V8 Supercars.
Bellarine Peninsula
Lastly, the Bellarine Peninsula is another popular beach destination west of the Melbourne CBD, offering a mixture of serene bay beaches, estuaries, surfing and camping destinations. Queenscliff, with its Victorian-era charm and stunning coastal views, is a delightful place to relax and unwind. Historic architecture, combined with its modern amenities and attractions, makes it a popular holiday destination.
Nearby Ocean Grove offers wide sandy beaches with great conditions for swimming and surfing. The Bellarine Taste Trail also features local wineries, breweries, and farm gates, providing a culinary dimension to the beach holiday experience.
Victoria’s beach towns offer a range of experiences from thrilling surf beaches and family-friendly shores to secluded coves and pristine national parks. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Victoria’s coastline provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday, so load up and get out there!
