When you think Australia, I bet you think sunshine and beaches (among many other of the great things the country has to offer). And there’s a reason beaches are top of the mental list. Australia has a ton of them and they are all amazing! In the state of Victoria alone there are nearly 700 beaches! Obviously that’s too many for any one person to visit on a trip (but power to you if you try). So which of the beaches in Victoria do you absolutely need to visit?
The best of the best: Beaches of Victoria
Ninety Mile Beach
Not to be confused with New Zealand’s Ninety Mile Beach (which is really 55 miles), Victoria’s is also not actually 90 miles. It’s 94 miles! That’s 151 kilometers long! Talk about having lots of space to spread out in the sand and go on an oceanside walk or run!
Refuge Cove
Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, this is the perfect beach retreat. To get there, you’ll need to take some walking trails (or a boat). But once you’re there you’ll see why it’s such a great secluded spot to enjoy the coastline. There is a campsite with basic facilities, allowing you to stay anywhere from 2-7 days in that section of the Park. This hidden-away cove is perfect for rest and relaxation. Plus, it’s a safe anchor spot for boaters, too.
Loch Ard Gorge
Just up the Great Ocean Road from the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge is a really cool beach spot. Surrounded by tall rocky cliffs, it’s truly a beach like no other. And it’s so close to a bunch of really cool things to do too! While in the area, be sure to see the Grotto, London Bridge Lookout, or Gibson Steps. This beach is also a part of Port Campbell National Park!
*Note that Loch Ard Gorge is currently closed due to a rock slide so if you’re traveling now you may not be able to access. You can check the current open status before your travels here.
Phillip Island
Why travel all the way to an island just for some beach time? First of all, penguins! Phillip Island is the home of Australia’s Little Penguins. So heading there will give you the opportunity to see some real live penguins in the wild without needing to get to cold Antarctica. Plus it’s just a really pretty spot. The beaches here are typically low wave beaches, perfect for getting in some swimming. For extra safety, opt for Cowes Main Beach during the summer months when there is a lifesaver there.
Best beaches in Victoria for surfing
Australia is well known for its surf lifestyle, right? And the beaches of Victoria have plenty of options with great waves to catch. Some of our top picks? Bells Beach, Fairhaven, and Gunnamatta Beach. All three are south of Melbourne and pretty easy to get to. Plus, Bells Beach and Fairhaven are on the Great Ocean Road!
Not a professional surfer, but want to give it a try?
Don’t stress if you haven’t surfed before. How iconic would it be to learn to surf while in Australia? And Point Leo is a fantastic learn-to-surf spot. The waves are gentler and much easier to navigate for the true beginner. It’s still just south of Melbourne so you don’t have to travel far to get there and if you want instruction, you can enroll in Surf School to help you get your groove on the waves.
So there you have it. The best beaches throughout Victoria. Which one will you head to first? Don’t forget your sunscreen 😉. Shop for your flight to Australia today and save £50 off your flight with code MELBOURNE23.
Need more Australia resources? Learn more about the Working Holiday Visa to Australia or see what our top things to do in Melbourne are.
