11 Hidden Beaches Mornington Peninsula (2024)
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Welcome to a local’s guide on all the best hidden beaches Mornington Peninsula has to offer!
No doubt about it, people flock to The Ninch in summer so they can laze the day away on one of the dozens of beaches located on this pointy piece of land.
And having lived here since 2018, I can say with certainty that man, it does get busy here come Summer!
Which is why I’ve written this post; my reasons are actually two fold.
1.) I want to help you find some hidden beaches that might offer a little more peace and quiet come the silly season and…
2.) I don’t want you to miss out on some of the Monrington Peninsula’s most gorgeous beaches that the hoards of tourists overlook due to their secretive locations.
So whether you’re looking for a calm, safe beach suitable for family fun, or an action packed day involving cliff diving into Grecian-style aquamarine waters, then this post is the post for you.
MOUNT MARTHA
1. The Pillars
WARNING – This place is gorgeous, but it is extremely dangerous. Most years someone gets helicoptered out of here. Personally, with my wonky hips, I can’t even get all the way down to this location, so grease those joints and be prepared! DO NOT TAKE CHILDREN.
If you’re looking for a slice of the Mediteranean in Melbourne, then The Pillars is the place to go!
The Pillars is technically not a beach. I’d call it more of a clifftop ledge. Although, that doesn’t sound very appealing, so let’s call it an exotic sandstone balcony overlooking the sparkling, aquamarine waters of Port Philip Bay. There, that’s better!
The drawcard of visiting The PIllars, is not just the spectacular view. What people come here for, is the chance to cliff jump.
If you come on a summer’s weekend, or the summer school holidays, this place is full to the brim with thrill seekers. So avoid these times if possible. Although it is fun watching the masses diving or summersaulting into the turquoise water below.
To find The Pillars, just type it into your maps app and it will bring it up straight away.
It’s located along the Esplanade in Mount Martha. There are no signs to identify its location and you cannot see it from the road. There are no parking bays on the road and the nearby streets are lined with ‘No Parking’ or ‘Permit Only’ signs. So yes, parking is a wee bit tricky!
Once you do eventually find a car park, you’ll need to walk down a dirt path and some rock faces to reach The PIllars. There are no amenities and no bins, so please take all rubbish home with you.
It takes a bit of effort to find, and to get to, but this hidden beach (or ledge top) is sooooo much fun and absoloutely worth the effort.
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
2. Birdrock Beach
Mount Martha main beach, come summer time, is hectic!
So if you’re in Mount Martha and looking for a day of swimming and relaxation, where the crowds are much smaller, then head to the truly gorgeous, secluded haven, known as Birdrock Beach.
Birdrock Beach has calm crystal blue waters and a golden stretch of sand running approximately 500 metres in length. The water is calm and a perfect swimming paradise for all ages.
The beach is enclosed by cliffs and incredible rock formations, which are extremely fun to climb and explore. If you peer into the rockpools, you’ll see schools of small fish and starfish galore!
The one drawback to Birdrock Beach is its accessibility. It’s at the bottom of a cliff face and currently the only way to access the beach is via a hidden path which is incredibly steep. In all honesty, it’s one of the steepest paths I’ve ever climbed. So be prepared, because the walk back up to the car does require effort! My five year old can walk this path, so kids can do it, but you might get your fair share of complaining!
LIke many of the hidden beaches mentioned in this post, there are no signs directing anyone to Birdrock Beach. But type it into your maps app and it will come up.
It’s located on the Esplanade in Mount Martha, but very close to Mornington. There’s a tiny dirt car park at the top of the pathway and there is some parking along the Esplanade or in the streets directly opposite.
Birdrock Beach is just stunning, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a beach in Far North Queensland. It’s absolutely worth the effort of the steep pathway and is top of my list for beaches to swim and explore.
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
MORNINGTON
3. Fishermans Beach (aka Fishies)
Fisherman’s beach (also known as Fishies to us locals), in the town of Mornington, is not as hidden as some of the beaches mentioned in this post, it’s just that it’s less well known.
When people come to Mornington, they usually flock to Mothers or Mills beach, probably because they’re closest to the town centre, pier and shopping district of Mornington.
Fishermans beach is a couple of kilometres away, located on the Esplanade, at the base of 20m high bluffs.
We used to live walking distance from Fishies beach and I have literally visited here hundreds of times. Its calm waters and relatively wide beach make it the perfect spot for families. Our daughter from the ages of 0-5 has swum at this beach, and apart from really windy days, I’ve always felt relaxed and safe swimming here with her.
It’s a great beach for stand-up-paddle boarding and kayaking.
If you come on a calm, blue-sky day, the waters are aquamarine, and from the top of the cliffs, you can see right down to the bottom of the ocean-bed. You may even spot the huge local stingrays that often swim here.
If you park at the North end (near the roundabout) you’ll need to park on the street and walk down the short, but steep, cliff tracks to access the beach. This is what we always do as this end of the beach is quieter, but yes, harder to access, especially if you’re carrying a lot of gear.
There’s a small carpark at the south end, at the base of Linley Point, with very limited parking, but there is street parking available here too. The cliffs dissipate at this end, so access to the beach here is much easier, but because of easier access, it’s also the much busier end.
So if you’re in the town of Mornington, and want to avoid the Summer crowds, then Fishermans Beach is your best bet. I might just see you there, so make sure to say hi!
Amenities – two toilet blocks, one at each end of the beach.
ACCESIBILITY – wheel chair access at the south end if you can get a carpark
4. Marina Cove
Unbeknownst to most travellers, between the adjoining towns of Mornington and Mount Martha, there are a number of secluded and pictuesque beaches. They are unmarked, and lie at the base of the cliffs which you’ll drive atop to travel between the two townships.
Birdrock Beach, mentioned above, is one of these secluded beaches, and Marina Cove (also known to locals as Coral Cove) is another.
While not as long or wide as Birdrock Beach, Marina Cove is more quaint and rugged, but just as gorgeous.
You’ll generally find locals here, with their families, swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding in the calm waters of the cove.
One word of warning about Marina Cove, it can collect quite a bit of seaweed, so not as enjoyable if you come here after some choppy weather, which is when the seaweed seems to pile up.
This cove, nestled at the bottom of 20m high cliffs, is accessed by a hidden path behind the shrubbery that stretches along The Esplanade, on the outskirts of Mornington.
There’s a small dirt carpark on The Esplanade, located opposite Coral Road (hence why the beach is often referred to as Coral Cove), where you can park your car to access the beach.
Stairs wind their way down to the shoreline and you’ll have to scramble over some rocks to reach the small stretch of sand. It’s a fun way to access a beach, but important to be mindful of if you plan on carrying lots of gear down.
Small but picturesque, quiet and a little rugged, Marina Cove is well worth a visit for a unique beach experience on the Mornington Peninsula.
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
5. Fossil Beach
If you’re looking for a beach to truly go exploring, then Fossil Beach is the place to go!
It’s actually the next beach past Marina Cove (mentioned above). It too, lies at the end of a dirt walking track at the base of the same 20-30m high cliffs that you drive atop between the towns of Mornington and Mount Martha.
There are no sign posts for Fossil Beach, and you’d drive straight past the tiny car park if you weren’t looking for it, so it truly belongs in this Hidden Beach post!
Fossil Beach, located in the town of Mornington, is not at all a beach for sun-baking, nor really swimming. In fact, there’s no sand, it’s just rocks, and is the perfect beach for adventure.
It’s called Fossil Beach, as this is where you’ll come to explore and search for, well you’ve probably already guessed, fossils!
I’ve written about Fossil Beach more exetnsively in my Unusual Things to Do on the Mornington Peninsula post, so check that out for more into.
But if you’re looking for adventure with the kids, or with your partner, or on your own, then put on your hiking shoes and head to Fossil Beach.
Oh, and bring your dog, as it’s a leash free beach!
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
Accommodation near Mornington and Mount Martha Beaches
Zoom in and out on the map below to see accommodation listings. The townships of Mornington and Mount Martha are side by side, so zoom out to see listings for both towns. You can click and hold on the map to move the map up/down, left/right. Click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail and make a potential booking.
SORRENTO
6. Point King Beach – Sorrento
Hidden and quiet, calm and quaint, these are perfect descriptors, for Point King Beach.
Point King Beach is located at the end of Point King Road in Sorrento (with very limited parking). It’s down a hidden path and staircase below the mansions that adorn the top of the encircling bluffs called Point King.
This area of the Peninsula, is actually more well known for the famous Millionaire’s Walk, and Point King Beach, which you can see from the clifftop walk, still remains a hidden gem below.
The beach is protected by the encircling cliffs so the waters are calm and perfect for a family beach day.
Apart from its secret location, what makes this beach so special, is the old-school private jetties (some abandoned) and beach boxes. They create a beautiful juxtaposition to the modern mansions sprawled above.
From Point King Beach, you’ll get a wonderful view of the Searoads Ferry making its way across Port Phillip Bay.
And I must add, the sunsets here are killer! Maybe pack a bottle of bubbly and while away the afternoon here with your other half – swimming, bubbles and sunset, now that’s romantic!
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
7. Diamond Bay
As I’ve said in my Hidden Gems post, Diamond Bay is a beach that will make your jaw drop.
This hidden beach at the back of Sorrento, with its rugged cliffs, aquamarine waters and white sands, is truly divine.
Whenever I visit Diamond Bay, I feel like I’ve stepped off a plane and landed in some exotic location, instead of having just driven a short way from home.
As I’ve written about Diamond Bay before, all I’m going to say here is, make sure you visit Diamond Bay!
It doesn’t matter what the season is – dive into the crystal blue waters during the summer, or explore the cliff top walks in winter.
Any day, any season, it’s gorgeous.
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
BLAIRGOWRIE
8. Bridgewater Bay & Blairgowrie Jumping Rock
Hidden at the end of a dirt road, out the back of Blairgowrie, is Bridgewater Bay.
I’ve said it before in my Hidden Gems post, and I’ll say it again, this is my all time favourite beach on the peninsula.
It’s a beach you’ll spend the day at and then go home and brag about to all your friends and family.
Why?
Well it has everything – stunning cliff top views, rocks to climb and explore, stretches of soft sand to lay on, rock pools deep enough to swim in…
Actually it has rock pools deep enough to dive head first into from prehistoric looking rocks, otherwise known as the Blairgowrie Jumping rocks.
Now this is not a “Barbie-esque” type beach where you’d wear your prettiest bikinis and sip cocktails.
Bridgewater Bay is raw, it’s rugged, it’s an adventure. It’s more Bear Grylls, but that’s what makes it soooooooo darn fun and amazing!
For more info, check out my Hidden Gems post, and then get in the car and head to Bridgewater Bay asap!
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
RYE
9. Number 16 Beach
About 5km from Rye’s town centre, on the wild ocean side of the Peninsula, you’ll find the secluded and pristine, Number 16 Beach.
This beach is known for its picturesque rock formations; the most well known being The Dragon’s Head (pictured above) and Lizard Head Rock. Definitely a reptilian theme going on here!
These formations are a photographers dream and people come here specifically to photograph these two landmarks.
It’s best to visit here at low tide, as this is the only time that The Dragon’s Head is actually visible. Low tide also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the fascinating rock pools that magically appear as the tide recedes.
Word of warning though, definitely wear appropriate footwear as the rocks are covered in seaweed and are extremely slippery!
The beach is accessed from a sandy carpark on Tasman Drive, opposite Number 16 Beach General Store, where yes, you can definitely buy a coffee!
Climb the sand dunes from the carpark and then descend onto the golden sands of Number 16 Beach via a steep staircase.
I would not recommend this beach for swimming, but definitely for exploration, photography and a glorious beach stroll.
If you’d like a real treat, visit at sunrise or sunset when the pink skies paint the most stunning backdrop for looking in awe at the ‘other-worldly’ rock formations.
AMENITIES – café and general store with a toilet available across the road from the carpark
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
Accommodation near Sorrento, Blairgowrie Beaches & Rye Beaches
Zoom in and out on the map below to see accommodation listings. The townships of Sorrento, Blairgowrie and Rye are side by side, so zoom out to see listings for all towns. You can click and hold on the map to move the map up/down, left/right. Click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail and make a potential booking.
CAPE SCHANCK
10. Bushrangers Bay
Pack your walking shoes and prepare your eyes, and your soul, for the majestic beauty of Bushrangers Bay in Cape Schanck.
The 2.5km walk from the Bushrangers Bay Parking area (very limited spaces!) on Boneo Road, to the Bay, is a treat in itself. You’ll wind your way through coastal heathlands, offering panoramic views of Bass Strait. As you descend towards the bay, the views only get more captivating, making every step of the journey worthwhile.
The bay is framed by limestone cliffs that dramatically plunge into the waters below, creating a stunning backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
One of the highlights of Bushrangers Bay are the glorious rockpools, nestled among the coastal formations to the left of the beach. Only accessible at low tide, these rockpools create secluded swimming holes of crystal blue water, just waiting for you to dive in and explore. So make sure to bring your snorkel and goggles.
There’s also a large stretch of beach here for children to play on, or to lay out your towels and take a sun-kissed nap.
Make sure to pack a picnic with plenty of water and snacks. Bushrangers Bay is a destination you’ll want to stay at for hours on end and there are absolutely no amenities here.
If you dare, come at sunset, when the cotton candy skies light up the bay, making you feel like you’re standing inside of a postcard. It’s a breathtaking moment when, at the risk of sounding corny, you’ll thank the universe for being alive to witness this moment.
Bushrangers Bay promises anyone who visits, a truly unforgettable experience.
AMENITIES – no toilets or shops for food/drink
ACCESIBILITY – not suitable for wheelchairs
SOMERS
11. Somers Beach
Located on the Western side of the peninsula in the town of Somers, is Somers Beach.
It’s definitely off-the-radar for most tourists. You’ll generally find the local’s with their families enjoying a day on the beach here.
In my opinion, it’s not a beach that has the same wow factor as the Bay Side beaches of Mt Martha or Sorrento for example. But it certainly does have its own charm, it’s a bit more rustic and wild.
From the beach, you’ll be looking out to Phillip Island.
The beach is quite affected by the tides, so you’ll find the sand narrow and steep at high tide and wide with sand flats at low tide.
You’ll sometimes get windy, choppy waves at Somers Beach, but never any large surf swells, so it’s a good swimming location for families. There is however, often quite a bit of seaweed here.
And if you’re a sailor, then you’ll be happy to know that the Somers yacht club is here. The club hosts regular races and events.
The main swimming beach is located on The Boulevard. There is car parking, which does get quite full in the summer.
Across the road is one of The Peninsula’s most amazing cafes which you absolutely must check out, Somers General Store.
I actually adore coming to Somers Beach in winter. It’s quite magical to grab a coffee from the general store, then stroll over to the beach for a winter beach-side walk.
AMENITIES – toilets, BBQ areas and a café across the road
ACCESSABILITY – no wheelchair access
Accommodation in Somers
Zoom in and out on the map below to see accommodation listings. You can click and hold on the map to move the it up/down, left/right. Click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail and make a potential booking.
MAP OF HIDDEN BEACHES MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Click on the partial square icon in the top right corner of the map to open a larger view.
FAQ’S about Mornington Peninsula Hidden Beaches
How do I get to the beaches mentioned?
The fastest and easiest way (and certainly the way I would definitely recommend) to visit the Mornington Peninsula hidden gems, is drive your car or rent a car.
There is a bus service on the Mornington Peninsula which can take you to most of the beaches mentioned in this post. It is however slow and some walking would be involved in getting to some places, like Bridgewater Bay or Diamond Bay.
Which of the beaches mentioned are free?
– All of them.
Which of the beaches are suitable for families with little kids?
The best beaches, that don’t have steep tracks for access and have calm waters for swimming are:
– Fishermans Beach
– Somers Beach
Which of the beaches have rock pools to swim in?
– Bushrangers Bay (at low tide)
– Bridgewater Bay (at low tide)
Where can I book accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula?
There is a range of options, to suit various budgets, when it comes to accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula: camping, glamping, hotels, motels or rental of private houses.
To find the right accommodation for you, zoom in and out on the map below to see accommodation listings. Click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail.
RELATED POSTS
You might also like to learn about:
- Unusual things to do on the Mornington Peninsula that you wouldn’t expect, but will absoloutely love!
- Hidden Gems to visit on the Mornington Peninsula that aren’t as ‘touristy’ as the hot-spots
- Wildlife Parks on the Mornington Peninsula – there’s quite a few to explore
