Best Beaches in Victoria: 16 Must-Visit Spots for Summer

The beach has a special place in any Aussie’s heart — be it to cool down from the sweltering summer heat, or to escape to on a weekend away with the girls. Our collection of these 16 best beaches in Victoria tick every box. 

With some of the best beaches in the world found in Australia, we're pretty spoilt for choice....and Victoria is no exception, with over 2,500 kilometres of rugged shores and pristine sands, hugging the Southern Ocean.

Whether you’re after that quintessential day at the beach or simply wanting to find that little slice of paradise for yourself, we've discovered the most incredible beaches in Victoria promising the ultimate sandy sojourn. 

St Kilda Beach

Some of the best beaches are the ones where you can just grab your towel on the way out the door and pop down to on a hot summer’s day. With a tram line running from the city basically to the water’s edge, St Kilda Beach remains an ever-popular go-to for Melburnians and tourists alike. The beach is a safe swimming spot for all types, as it’s protected from Port Phillip Bay by the long breakwall of St Kilda Pier. The foreshore esplanade is also a popular spot for bike riders and runners, and when you’re done with the beach for the day, you can then head on over to the iconic Luna Park to ride on the rollercoaster, or go penguin spotting out on the breakwall where the resident colony spend the night. 

St Kilda, Melbourne 

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach, one of the best beaches in Melbourne is another stretch of coast that face into Port Phillip Bay, but rather than being known for being a beautiful beach, it’s actually more famous for the 82 colourful bathing boxes lined up along the sand. The uniform Victorian-era wooden structures were built well over a hundred years ago when a trip to the beach required a little more, ‘respectability’, shall we say. The original boxes have now been painted a myriad of colours by their individual licensees and a trip here is worth it, even for the iconic photo alone.

Brighton, Melbourne 

Half Moon Bay 

Golden days await at this must-visit beach in Victoria. One of Melbourne's best kept secrets, aptly-named Half Moon Bay is a secluded gem that's especially popular come summertime. 

It's a bay beach, with nice sand for lying idly with a book or picnicking with friends and providing a sheltered environment for swimming, thanks in large part to the rugged cliffside that partially protects it from the wind. There's limited shade however, so don't forget to pack a brolly! 

Worth noting: There is plenty of Mobi-Mat wheelchair parking on the sand, plus beach matting available, which makes Half Moon Bay one of the most accessible beaches on the list. 

Black Rock, Melbourne 

Sorrento Back Beach

The Mornington Peninsula is as acclaimed for its many best beaches, as it is for its charming seaside towns. Almost at the very tip of the peninsula sits the quaint town of Sorrento, which due to its geographic location, actually has two beaches. The first, a calmer Front Beach, facing into Port Phillip Bay, and the second, a rugged Back Beach, facing into the Bass Strait. The Back Beach or ‘Ocean Beach’ as it’s also called is a perfect place for swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking along the cliffs or even just exploring the little rock pools at low tide, and is well worth the short 90-minute drive from Melbourne. 

Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Mount Martha Beach 

A popular beach for bathers, sailors and boaters, with facilities for all, Mount Martha Beach is a two-kilometre beauty that slopes steeply to the shoreline, with usually deep water against the beach face. A deep water trough often runs along the beach, with a broad, shallow, outer bar cut by deeper channels parallel to the beach.

Mount Martha Beach is also home to some of the most beautiful bathing boxes on the Mornington Peninsula, and also actively welcomes people with access needs. It's family-friendly, but only strong swimmers should make a break for the water. There are plenty of BBQ and boating facilities, and picnic areas for that perfect post-swim feed. 

Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria 

Squeaky Beach

Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Promontory is not only one of Victoria’s best beaches but has recently been named one of the world's best beaches Lonely Planet, right behind Whitehaven Beach in Queensland. Famous for its soft, squeaky white sand—created by fine quartz grains—and crystal-clear turquoise water, this beach is a must-visit.

Enclosed by striking granite boulders, Squeaky Beach offers stunning views of Leonard Bay, and its coastal walk to Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay is one of the Prom’s most scenic. Perfect for families, this iconic beach in Victoria promises fun and unforgettable memories.

Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria 

Refuge Cove

For the beach goer who likes their visit on the quieter side, you won’t get much more secluded than Refuge Cove, one of a handful of isolated beaches within Wilsons Promontory National Park. The only way to get there though is by a 34 kilometre round trip hike, or by boat — hence its seclusion. Boats are permitted to anchor in the pristine cove and the beach also has basic camping facilities, as it’s recommended to make it a multi-day trip, especially if you’re hiking. Old whaling ships previously used the cove for shelter, and as such, whale bones can still be found on its shores. 

Refuge Cove Hikers Camp, Wilsons Promontory

Whisky Bay 

Follow the track from the carpark along the creek line before passing over the sand dunes into the picturesque Whisky Bay. One of the best beaches in Victoria, it's flanked by the Prom's distinctive granite boulders, which beautifully frame and shelter its golden sand and azure blue water. 

Hop, skip and jump from rock to rock and take in the serenity of this secluded wonderland. Afterwards, you might like to walk to nearby Picnic Beach or continue along the Three Bays Track to Tidal River.

Nuzzled into the west side of Wilson's Promontory National Park, Whisky Bay truly shines at sunset.

Sitchu Tip: This beach is unpatrolled, so is not ideal for swimming. But a good splash about is more than worth journeying here for! 

Whisky Bay Carpark Road, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria

Ninety Mile Beach

It might surprise you to find that Victoria is actually home to the third longest uninterrupted beach in the world. The aptly named, Ninety Mile Beach, is a 90-mile long (155 kilometres) stretch of untamed, pristine coastline in the East Gippsland region, separating the stunning Gippsland Lakes from the ocean. The unspoilt sands lend themselves to an array of beach activities including swimming, fishing, whale spotting, or just for a leisurely day in the sun. Make your way to the seaside towns of Lakes Entrance, Seaspray, or Woodside Beach to access one of the best beaches in Victoria and its stunning surrounds. 

Gippsland, Victoria 

Bells Beach

If you’re off to visit the Great Ocean Road, then a stop off at Bells Beach near the seaside town of Torquay, should be on your best beaches in Victoria list. Not only because the dramatic cliffsides create a natural amphitheatre over the beach, offering sweeping vistas along the coastline, but also because every Easter weekend, the rugged beach hosts the Rip Curl Pro surfing competition, drawing the biggest names in the surfing world to compete. This beach is definitely one for the experienced riders, as big swells from the Southern Ocean break over the shallow reef, with the surf biggest during autumn and winter.

Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road

Apollo Bay Beach

Time seems to move a lot slower down the coast and for good reason. The Great Ocean Road has some of the country's most spectacular beaches and Apollo Bay is no exception. Tucked away between the Wye River and Cape Otway on Victoria's scenic coastal route, Apollo has all the makings of a perfect seaside retreat; glittering turquoise water, white sandy beaches and a long list of outdoor adventures to keep you busy all summer long. In the warmer months, the 3km beach is under the watchful eye of the Apollo Bay Life Saving Club and boasts naturally calm waters so it's the ideal spot for the whole family. Learn the art of patience at the main wharf where locals and holiday-goers try their hand at catching the evenings meal - just be sure to have a Victorian recreational fishing licence. 

Apollo Bay, Great Ocean Road, Victoria 

Gibson Steps

If you're looking for a Hallmark moment, Gibson Steps is your spot. Standing just offshore of the Twelve Apostles Marine National Parks are the majestic limestone stacks known as Gog and Magog. While they are not considered part of the Twelve Apostles, their remarkable presence makes for a truly spectacular beach experience. Like all great things, Gibson Steps Beach makes your work for it with a cool, 86 step journey down the 70-metre cliff face to reach the beach. If you're not looking for a full leg work out and just want to take in the beauty of it all, head to one of the primly positioned viewing platforms for the ultimate insta-worthy shot. 

Port Campbell National Park, Great Ocean Road

Loch Ard Gorge

Just a limestone's throw away from the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge ticks all the boxes; crystal clear waters, unbelievable natural landscapes and multiple vantage points to take it all it. Named after survivors of the Loch Ard shipwreck who were safely washed ashore in 1878, Loch Ard Gorge's tide is surprisingly gentle thanks to the mammoth cliff faces that protect this pocket of pure perfection. As one of the most iconic and best beaches in Victoria, the summer months unsurprisingly bring in tourists by the bus load, so with the international boarders still closed - now is your chance. 

Port Campbell, Great Ocean Road

Johanna Beach

It just doesn’t seem fair that one of Victoria’s best beaches is also one of its most dangerous. On the Southern Ocean's 'Shipwreck Coast’, Johanna Beach is sadly is not recommended for swimming but is one of the areas prized surfing and fishing spots. In the warmer months, its golden sand and impressive dunes make for the perfect picnic spot. Work up an appetite on one of the surrounding walking trails or try your luck at catching one of the area's delicious fresh salmon for your seaside feast. 

Johanna, Great Ocean Road

Forrest Caves Beach

With its pearly white shores and erosion-produced sea caves, Forest Caves Beach surprisingly flies under the radar when it comes to Victoria's best beaches. While it's a known surf spot along the Phillip Island Tourist Road, its unpatrolled waters make it less popular with families and tourists looking for a spot to swim. If you’re keen to check out the caves (and we highly recommend you do), be sure to head down at low tide when they are accessible.

Bass Strait, Phillip Island Road, Newhaven 

Cape Woolamai Surf Beach

Phillip Island has a lot to offer visitors to Victoria — the spectacularly landscape, unique wildlife, excellent food, and friendly locals, just to name a few. But first up on the island, if coming by car, be sure to make a visit to Cape Woolamai. The pink granite cliffs of the headland create one of the highest points on the whole island for coastline viewing, and the golden strip of sand below has even been listed on the National Surfing Register, recognising it as one of Victoria’s premier surfing spots.  

Newhaven, Phillip Island, Victoria 

Cowes Main Beach

One of the only north-facing beaches in the state, Cowes Main Beach is one of the prettiest, most-family friendly beaches in Victoria, and the perfect place to soak up Phillip Island's seaside holiday vibe. 

Ideal for swimming and summer fun, the golden, sheltered and sandy shoreline is patrolled by lifesavers during the summer holidays. The low winds and gentle waves really make it one of the best beaches for families to flock too.

High tide offers excellent swimming, and a low tide, a joyful abundance of shallow rocks and tidal flats to explore. The jetty is perfect for fishing and is the departure point for several ferries. You'll also find the Cowes Yacht Club west of Mussel Rocks.

The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island 

Don't rely on air-con to get you through the sweltering summer, hit the road and explore Victoria's stunning coastline. Whether you're looking for weekend escape or a quick dip without ever leaving the city, our list of the 10 best beaches in Victoria has your summer sorted. Find the perfect place to stay along the Great Ocean Road or continue the adventures with our best caravan parks and best glamping spots in Victoria guides.