As locals, we know all the hidden gem beaches on the Mornington Peninsula to send you to that nobody else will tell you about! And we promise you will not be let down. Although we may regret putting up our favourite swimming holes, we think these places seriously deserve to be seen. From beaches with secret entrances winding through dense bush to the Mediterranean like golden cliffs. The Mornington Peninsula has it all…and arguably some of the best beaches in the world.
The Best Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula
Birdrock Beach
This is by far our favourite beach on the entire Mornington Peninsula. Unless you were told, you would definitely drive past Birdrock Beach and have absolutely no idea. A small pull in to the side of the road surrounded by trees cleverly hides this absolute gem of a place. A short boardwalk then winds through the native bush, offering glimpses through the trees of Port Phillip Bay. Once you reach the edge of the cliff, a picturesque staircase makes its way down to the golden sand beach. With both ends of the beach enclosed by rocks and the cliffs behind you, it feels incredibly remote and secluded.
It’s hard to believe this is 2 minutes away from some of the busiest beaches on the Peninsula, yet so much better! The water here is calm and gets deep gradually. Itis the ideal family beach or for those looking to soak up the sun. Because of the length of the beach, you are sure to find a large space all to yourself.
Diamond Bay
At the end of a dirt road, you will find a walking track heading up a short hill. You are then presented with the incredible view of Diamond Bay, a secluded beach surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. Protected by a reef and rocky shelf this beach is often quite calm for the surf side of the Peninsula. From the top of the stairs looking down the water glistens the most enticing shade of blue. You could easily spend an afternoon here as there are several short walks along the cliff tops that showcase the incredible Bay of Islands and other beaches. The entire Diamond Bay area reminded us of a much quieter Great Ocean Road.
Bridgewater Bay & Blairgowrie Jumping Rock
Bridgewater Bay is on the ocean side of the Peninsula but is quite sheltered. The main drawcard here is the awesome limestone rock formations and the countless rockpools. One rock, in particular, is known as the Blairworie Jumping Rock. A popular spot with locals looking for a thrill. The rock will often have a queue of people waiting to jump. This tiered rock features three jump spots increasing in height up to seven metres. This freefall jump lands into a three-meter deep rockpool (regardless of the tide). As always use your own judgement and be careful! The rock pools here are regarded as some of the best on the entire Peninsula and there are lots of caves and coves to explore.
The Pillars
Ok, so this may not be a hidden gem anymore and is very well known secret, but there is a reason why. The Pillars are spectacular. Picture tiered levels of golden coloured sandstone overlooking the glistening turquoise water. You will feel as if you are somewhere in Portugal, with avid beachgoers spread out all over the rocks and multiple boats and jetskis anchored close by. Those who enjoy adrenaline may choose to cool off by jump off the cliffs into the water below! There is no doubt that The Pillars is certainly worthy of being one of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula, regardless that there is no actual beach there!
Cape Schanck Rockpools
Whilst Cape Schanck may not be your typical beach, you need to witness the surreal prehistoric-looking landscape. A lengthy stairway winds down a barren outcrop with the roaring ocean to either side. Make sure you visit at low tide so that you can begin searching for rockpools at the bottom. Scattered all over are large holes within the jet black rocks that make for the perfect swimming holes. Thanks to the summer sun, these private plunge pools are even solar heated. Nearby there is also a picturesque beach if you need to get your sand fix.
Point King
Melbournes Millionaires Row at Point King in Portsea is home to many massive beachfront properties. It’s no surprise that the beach in front of them is one of the best around. Honestly, you will need to pinch yourself over the colour of the water. Think 50 shades of blue! Blissfully secluded with incredibly coloured water, Point King is one heavenly beach. There are several private beach boxes and jetties here adding to the exclusive vibes. One jetty even has its own sea pool! Hanging out here for the afternoon is the perfect vantage point to spot the Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry crossing the heads. Once you are done with the beach there is a walk along the clifftop called Millionaires Walk that takes you past many of the ritzy properties.
Mount Martha Beach South
Mount Martha Beach South is for sure one of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula. A long time favourite of locals and holidaymakers to the Peninsula would have to be Mount Martha Beach South. When you think of picture-perfect Aussie beaches. This is it. A huge length of golden sand lined with a seemingly neverending amount of private beach boxes. Many of which with unique designs or stunning colour schemes. The water itself is the perfect temperature (in summer) and is almost always super calm. Roughly 10m out to sea is a large sandbank making for an awesome spot to hang out!
Where to stay on the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula has lots of accommodation options to choose from, so we have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay on the Peninsula See the list of accommodations below that we personally recommend:
Luxury: Peppers Moonah Links Resort
Peppers Moonah Links Resort is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts and perfect for visitors looking for stylish accommodation from which to explore the delights of the Mornington Peninsula region. The resort is one of Australia’s finest golf resorts, home to the 2005 Australian Open. Peppers Moonah Links Resort has been designed to harmonise with the land which has been moulded from rolling sand dunes promoting a calming atmosphere perfect for a weekend escape. Peppers Moonah Links Resort offers stylish accommodation in deluxe rooms and open suites, all with balconies overlooking the stunning golf course or putting green.
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Midrange: RACV Resort Cape Schanck
- Located at the southern edge of the Mornington Peninsula, the new RACV Cape Schanck Resort is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In this rare and raw location, you’ll experience one of the most special corners of Victoria. A rugged wilderness formed by the elements, and a beautiful new resort shaped by the landscape around it. It’s a place to reconnect with what’s real. Where an invigorating hike along the Cape’s dramatic coastline can be followed by an indulgent spa afternoon.
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Budget: Kangerong Holiday Park
- Kangerong Holiday Park is wonderfully located opposite a family swimming beach at Dromana and within a short stroll of cafes, restaurants and the local shopping centre. Centrally located in Dromana, most of the Mornington Peninsula’s attractions are within a 30 minute drive. Kangerong has a full range of holiday accommodation choices from the luxurious Spa Villa, our freshly renovated Beach House, Beach Cottages, Deluxe Villas and Holiday Cabins to powered caravan and camping sites. Recreational facilities for families & groups includes solar and gas heated pool, games room, volleyball, Koala Kid’s Club activity program, direct access to the beach, huge nipper’s sandpit, playground & more.
Click Here to check rates and availability.
For all other places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula, Click Here to search on Booking.com
We also highly recommend searching for homes on Airbnb. If you have been living under a rock, here’s a link to sign up for Airbnb that will automatically give you $55 off your first booking, whatever and wherever that may be.
If you are visiting the Mornington Peninsula, make sure to check out our 13 Instagrammable Spots on the Mornington Peninsula. There are some seriously photogenic places around here just begging to be snapped!