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A list of Melbourne’s best secret beaches

Summer’s not over yet.

We’re busy trying to make the most of that last little bit of warm weather. And sometimes there’s nothing finer than heading down to where the sand meets the sea.

Escape the crowds and say hello to these lesser-known slices of paradise with our guide to Melbourne’s secret beaches.

Kitty Miller Bay 

This peaceful cove sits at the base of an extinct volcano, boasting dramatic windswept and rugged terrain. Be warned though, Kitty Miller does have the occasional shark siting. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic spot for beach-combing and is an excellent spot for exploring its many nooks for driftwood and interesting shells that wash ashore. Get there for low tide when the shipwrecked remains of the SS Speke come into view.

Kitty Miller Road, Phillip Island.

Tideways 

Referred to by those in the know as one of the best spots in Sorrento, the lesser-known beach is safe for swimming and comes loaded with a large jetty, perfect for cannonballing into the icy waters. It’s a secluded gem with great views hidden between bursting vegetation.

Off Point Nepean Road, Sorrento. 

Half Moon Bay 

Half Moon Bay may be one of the smaller beaches on this list, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with sheer beauty and adventure. If you’re feeling especially daring, try swimming or rafting out to the rusted shipwreck of HMVS Cerberus – a vessel first commissioned in 1867.

Off Beach Road, Black Rock. 

Kerferd Road Beach 

Kerferd Road Beach is home to a heritage listed pier, first erected in the 1800’s. You’ll be too busy for a history lesson however, with its stretching size perfect for finding your own alcove and clean, vast tides to swim through. At just under 15 minutes from the city, it’s ripe for a quick escape.

175A Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park. 

Point King 

Point King boasts flat beaches with calm oceanside, protected from the elements on even the windiest days. Head down the track to find a a pristine beachfront with reef flats dotted ahead. The best time to go is high tide, when the water rises above the reef for better swimming. The Portsea area is also famous for its dynamic marine life, and is a favourite for budding scuba divers.

Point King Rd, Portsea

Pearse’s Beach

Pearse’s Beach is a hidden jewell in the crown of beaches that sit between Sorrento and Rye. This is a smaller pocket beach, surrounded with steep and sandy dunes. While not the best for surfing, it’s ideal from breaking away from the crowds when the area heats up for some solitude and swimming.

Pearse Road, Blairgowrie.

Fairy Cove

Tucked inside the picturesque Wilsons Promontory National Park, this hidden treasure will feel like you’ve stumbled across a private beach all of your own. The only way to get there is on foot, via a walking track from Tongue Point. With squeaky clean sand and large boulders that break the tide as it rolls in, this really is a magical spot.

A 2.5km walk from Darby Saddle, Wilsons Promontory. 

Sunnymead Beach

A top quality spot for surfing, swimming and other warm-weather shenanigans. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery and jagged cliffs, the beach is dog-friendly as well, so your four legged companion can get a dose of sun and sand too. The perfect road trip destination.

Boundary Road, Aireys Inlet. 

Bushrangers Bay 

The quintessential combination of serene and adventurous, Bushrangers Bay is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by sweeping cliffs and occasionally heavily crashing waves. While not always safe enough for swimming, the seclusion alone is worth it. To get there, you’ll need to take a short hike from Bushrangers Bay Track, leaving from the Cape Schanck car park. Getting there after a winding walk makes arriving there all the more satisfying.

Cape Schanck Road, Mornington Peninsula. 

Croajingolong

If you’re really after something special and want to find something often left undiscovered by the masses – pack the car and head down to Croajingolong. The gorgeous national park stretches out over 100 km of vast coastline. Along the way, there is a myriad of rolling dune hills, coastal forests and near-perfect beaches to be found. Look out for sponges, sea stars, abalone and hermit crabs hanging out in the crystal clear waters or head towards the tranquil Wingan Inlet. Find your own hidden secret and enjoy, because half the fun is getting there.

Gales Hill Track, Wingan River.

 

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