Five of the best beaches in Victoria

With 692 beaches spanning the coastline and islands of Victoria it is certainly a challenge to nominate the best beaches of the lot. Each and every one of the coastal regions is wonderful in its own right and worth a visit. At some of Victoria’s beaches there are estuaries and rich plant life, at others, scuba diving and marine animals are plentiful. We have world class surf beaches that are home to international surfing competitions, calm bay beaches that host hundreds of families in the summertime and pristine promontory beaches that can only be reached on foot or by boat. We’ve chosen five of our favourites to share with you.

Loch Ard Gorge Beach, Great Ocean Road

We have a range of one, two and three day Great Ocean Road tours that can show visitors any number of the stunning beaches that line the winding coast, framed by cliff walls, and with views out to splendid arched structures that are thousands of years old. The Twelve Apostles have stood offshore near Loch Ard Gorge for thousands of years but only eight remain due to erosion. The Gorge beach itself is a protected shore, the site of a stirring historical tale of shipwreck and survival, immortalised in the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs you will be astounded by the beauty of the beach and stirred by the story. The vegetation all around is similarly remarkable, with walking tracks taking hikers through diverse ecosystems including Myrtle Beech Forests, Blackwood and tree ferns.

Sorrento Beach, Mornington Peninsula

With more than 50 Cellar Doors spanning the Mornington Peninsula, the region attracts wine connoisseurs and foodies and is a beacon for beach lovers all year round. On a Mornington Peninsula Around the Bay Tour you can stroll along the Sorrento foreshore lined with spectacular Norfolk pines. Eat an icecream and watch the children paddle in the shallows or jump from the jetties into the bay. Head out to the back beaches where the waves roll in and the sunsets are more spectacular. In town, The Continental Hotel has been restored to its former glory and now contains five restaurants as well as luxurious accommodation and the Aurora Spa and Bathhouse. For long lunches and fine dining, book a table upstairs at Audrey’s or to keep it more casual enjoy pub classics at The Conti.

Smiths Beach, Phillip Island

If the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is on your itinerary then our Phillip Island Wildlife Day Tour is the perfect opportunity to swing by one Victoria’s most amazing surf beaches, Smiths Beach. Because it faces south-west, the waves are consistently good for surfers and everyone from young children to experienced surfers come here to learn new skills and to hone their crafts. It’s also a popular spot for snorkelling, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and fishing. Surfboards and gear are available for hire from Island Surfboards and Surf School but you’ll need to organise these before you arrive. Smiths Beach General Store stocks all the summer favourites and hot foods needed to replenish those who work up a big appetite out in the water. Smiths Beach has lifeguards on duty during summer.

Squeaky Beach, Wilson’s Promontory

Famous for the squeaks that the quartz sand makes beneath your feet as you walk across the expanse from a tiny creek crossing to the red rocks of the coast, Squeaky Beach is one of the most easily accessible Wilson’s Prom beaches. The views are picturesque and photographers will love this beach. There are no lifeguards here, so take care when swimming and climbing on the rocks. Book a private bus tour so you can explore the rest of the pristine beaches that Wilson’s Promontory has to offer, most of which can only be accessed by foot or by boat. For a close up look at the rocks and cliff faces, take an eco cruise.

Bells Beach, Torquay

Bells Beach is known around the world as the location of the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition which is held over the Easter Weekend. Surfers visit every day of the year to catch waves and watch the sun set from the top of the high cliffs. This is not a beach for beginners; the point breaks are tough and challenge even the most experienced surfers. If you’re interested in wildlife, the two day Playtpus Great Ocean Road Tour can stop at Bells Beach on the way to the Otways, as can any of our adventurous Otway 12 Apostles or Surf Coast Livewire Park Tours.

What’s your favourite Victorian beach?