8 Reasons to Visit Mothers Beach Mornington
If you’re looking for a beach that is not only family friendly, but jam packed full of things to do, then Mornington’s Mothers Beach is it!
It ticks all the boxes – calm blue waters, soft white sands, huge pier, boat/kayak hire, large public toilets, shops and cafes near by, playground…the list goes on!
It’s certainly a favorite among locals and visitors alike. When I lived close by to Mothers Beach, I used to walk here most mornings and watch the sun come up over the hills, lighting up the fisherman on the pier and the beautiful waters of Port Phillip Bay.
You are going to adore this beach!
So, ready to pack the sunscreen and dive in? Let’s go!
WHERE IS MOTHERS BEACH?
The location of Mothers Beach is quite unique.
It sits on a gorgeous piece of pointy land called Schnapper Point, which is a destination unto itself as well. Mothers Beach exact address, as you’ll see on the map below, is Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington.
You’ll find Mothers Beach and Schnapper Point right in the heart of the township of Mornington at the end of Main Street (Mornington’s main shopping and restaurant district).
The beach sits perttily below a small cliff and its waters are part of Port Philip Bay.
Mothers Beach is a part of what I’d call Mornington’s version of a marina or harbour. There’s a large pier and a smattering of boats docked here – it really is quite gorgeous.
MAP OF MOTHERS BEACH
8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MOTHERS BEACH MORNINGTON
Mothers Beach stretches for approximately 600m.
As you’ll see on the map above, the beach’s west end is known as Mothers Beach. The sands stretch over to Shire Hall Beach as you move eastwards.
No evidence of this, but in my opinion, I would say that Mothers Beach just might be Mornington’s favourite beach with visitors.
Given that its a short walk to the main shopping hub of Mornington, it draws a lot of people.
But proximity to the town centre is not just why people visit here! Let’s explore all the amazing things about Mothers Beach:
1. Calm, safe, crystal clear, blue waters
I’ve walked past and swum at this beach hundreds of times and it is only in extreme weather conditions, when Mothers Beach is anything but tranquil and pristine. Mothers Beach truly is the safest beach for families, and on most days, it’s like swimming in a calm lagoon.
Now because of it’s lagoon like tranquility, this beach is great for kayaking and paddle boarding. Also bring your goggles and snorkels as visibility under the water here is spectacular.
So, pack your infatable pool rings and other water toys and be prepared for a brilliant day out with the whole crew!
2. Wide beach with soft clean sand
The sand here is quite fine and so extremely soft to walk on. It’s great for beach play and sandcastle creation. Just watch out though, on hot days, the sand will absoloutely burn your feet!
3. Mornington Pier
Mornington pier is very impressive! While visiting don’t forget to go for a stroll along it for a gorgeous view over the bay towards both the city on one side, and then back towards Mothers Beach and the Mornington township on the other.
4. Fishing
With Mornington Pier being so huge, fishing is of course popular here! The pier attracts a lot of fishermen and kids alike. It’s a great place not only to catch a fish, but also to go squid jigging. My daughter and I had no luck catching fish here the last time we tried, but we did catch a huge starfish!
There is also a boat ramp here, so launch your boat and try your luck out in the bay.
Don’t have your own boat, reach out to Cassar Fishing Charters and and take off across the bay for a whole day of fishing. Their Snapper Fishing Charters are extremely popular.
5. Boat and equipment hire like paddle boards and kayaks
Say hello to Mornington Boat Hire! Here you can not only rent out your very own boat, but also kayaks, reef boards and stand up paddle boards.
You’ll find Mornington Boat Hire in one of the few beach boxes that line the sands of Mothers Beach.
6. Schnapper Point
If you walk from the beach towards the pier, you’ll end up at Schapper Point which holds great cultural significance to the original Bunurong people of this area.
The Bunurong name for Schnapper Point is Boona-djalang, which means “kangaroo-hide”. The name describes the point’s angular shape, which is similar to a stretched hide.
The rocks around Schnapper point and extremely popular with fishermen (the pier is not the only place for fishing here!)
There are around three staircases that will take you to the top of Schanpper Point where you’ll find the Matthew Flinders memorial and some picnic tables.
Also enjoy sweeping vistas of Mornington Harbour, the surrounding beaches, and the sparkling expanse of Port Phillip Bay. The sunsets here are particularly breathtaking.
7. Playground and Oval
Just on top of the cliffs that Mothers Beach lies below, is what us locals like to call ‘The Boat Park’.
The playground is located in Mornington Park and features a large wooden ship to climb on, hence why we call it ‘The Boat Park’!
There’s also swings, climbing frames, picnic tables and a huge grassy oval where many people set up for picnics and birthday parties.
8. Walking Trails
If you’ve packed your walking shoes, there are two walks you can do from Mothers Beach.
On the map below I’ve highlighted the two trails: one goes east to Mills Beach and the other goes west to Fishermans Beach.
The East Track to Mills Beach
Head east along Mothers Beach, or from the clifftops on Schnapper Point Drive, and you’ll find yourself on the Mornington Foreshore Reserve walking track.
This track takes you up along a headland, through gum trees and scrubland all the way to Mills Beach.
As you can see from the picture, you’ll be offered some very pretty views from this track. There are quite a few lookout spots along the way for you to stop and take your pretty pics.
The walk should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
The Westerly Track to Fishermans Beach
Make your way up to the Esplanade and head west. You’ll make your way along the Esplandade for a short while, and as soon as you pass Royal Beach, there’ll be a small track on the right. It’s just before the Bowls Club.
Follow this track and you’ll wind your way through clifftop scrubland all the way to Fishermans Beach.
You’ll find some great views over Port Phillip Bay on this track. Take your camera!
I’ve completed this walk many times and it will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete.
HOW DO I ACCESS MOTHERS BEACH?
There are a few options for accessing Mothers Beach.
If you park on Schnapper Point Drive at the top of the small cliffs, there are 2-3 pathways, such as you see in the image above, leading down to the beach.
If you drive down towards the pier and park in, or close to the car park, you can then follow the pathway around the restaurants (SPK Cafe and The Rocks) and along the marina to the beach.
– What about wheelchair access?
Glad you asked!
If someone has a physical disability and is in a wheelchair, or finds it hard to walk, then it’s best to park in the designated carpark near the pier (there are disabled spaces here).
Mothers Beach, between November and May, has wheelchair matting laid out over the sand so people can wheel their way to the water.
IS THERE PARKING AT MOTHERS BEACH?
There is plenty of parking at Mothers Beach, but just be weary, come summer time, it gets chock a block!
Note – in any of the parking locations I’ll list below, all will involve some walking, generally downhill, in order to access the beach.
Now here is a list of all the different parking options:
- Schnapper Point Drive – You can park all the way along Schnapper Point Drive, which winds its way behind Mornington Park and all the way down to the pier. If you park on the section of Schnapper Point Drive that is behind Mornington Park, you will have to walk down the cliff pathways for beach access.
- Mornington Pier – there is parking down the bottom of Schnapper Point Drive at the pier and beside the restaurants.
- Street Parking – if you cannot get parking at either of the above two locations, there is also plenty of street parking along Flinders Drive and the Esplanade.
IS MOTHERS BEACH PATROLLED?
The beach is not patrolled by a life saving club.
But take heart, there are no rips or waves at this beach and the water, as mentioned earlier, is as calm as a lagoon.
ARE THERE TOILETS AT MOTHERS BEACH?
Absoloutely!
Toilets are located right on the beach with outdoor showers as well.
There are also public toilets at Mornington Pier.
IS THERE A BOAT RAMP AT MOTHERS BEACH?
There is a boat ramp here.
Mothers Beach is a very popular spot for launching your boat. It is accompanied by a large parking area for your car and trailer.
You can access the boat ramp by driving to the end of Schnapper Point Drive, towards the pier. When you reach the pier carpark, make a U-Turn and follow this road to the boat launching area.
CAN I GET FOOD AND DRINK AT MOTHERS BEACH?
You will be very excited to know that there are two spectacular options for food and drink at Mothers Beach; one option is quite swanky, and the other is a cute café you can walk up to with bare feet should you choose!
1. Schnapper Point Kiosk (SPK Kiosk & Bar)
This quite recently renovated café is very popular. The swing sweets on the verandah are fun and unique!
SPK stands for Schnapper Point Kiosk.
They serve up hearty breakfasts, toasties, burgers and are quite famous for their fish and chips and house made potato cakes. And great news for our gluten free friends, their battered fish and potato cakes are gluten free!
Oh and I should mention, they’re licensed! So have a glass of wine or beer, go on, it’d be rude not to!
2. The Rocks Mornington
No flip flops allowed here my friends! This swanky restaurant and cocktail bar is more a party dress vibe, as opposed to bikinis!
The Rocks offers a seafood-focused menu with a gorgeous dining room and deck overlooking Mothers Beach and the Bay. Definitely worth a visit if you have your party frock tucked away in your beach bag 👗!
3. Other Food/Drink Options
As noted earlier, Mothers Beach is a short stroll away from Main Street where there are a plethora of cafes and restaurants for you to indulge at. Store 15 is a great café for the health conscious, while Go Fish Fish and Chip Shop and YOMG Burger Shop for the not so health conscious!
IS MOTHERS BEACH DOG FRIENDLY?
Dogs are allowed on Mothers Beach, but they must be on lead at all times throughout the year.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR MOTHERS BEACH
There is plenty of accommodation to choose from near Mothers Beach!
Below I have listed three options to suit a variety of budgets and group sizes. If you scroll past these three options, I have also included a map with dozens of other accommodations for you to explore!
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MORNINGTON MOTEL
✅ Ten minute walk to Mothers Beach & 5 minute walk to the main cafe/shopping strip.
✅ Great for couples, family rooms also available.
✅ Neat & clean with a kettle, bar fridge, toaster, microwave & outdoor pool.
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Yaminga House (with bay views)
✅ Across the road from Mothers Beach & a 2 minute walk to pubs, cafes & shops.
✅ Double story spacious home with 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms
✅ Fully equipped kitchen & laundry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Luxe on Main
✅ Located on the main cafe and shopping strip of Mornington.
✅ A two minute walk to Mothers Beach
✅ Fully equipped and self-contained apartment with a balcony
More Accommodation Options
Use the map below to browse a range of different hotel, motel and rental options, all with price ranges to suit a variety of budgets.
Click on any of the icons on the map to look at the accommodation in more detail and to book.
A FEW MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Mothers Beach good for collecting shells?
I’m sorry to say, but this is not a great beach for shell collecting. There are of course some, but my daughter more regularly collects snail sacs at this beach! Snail sacs are a large jellybean shaped, squidgy sac that looks a little like a jellyfish. Not dangerous, but very interesting to hold in your hands!
Can I see the sunset or sunrise from Mothers Beach?
You can actually see both! The best viewing point for either is from the top of Schnapper point. Head there at sunrise and look towards Mothers Beach for a great view of the sunrise. Sunrise also looks good from the marina/pier. Head to Schnapper Point at sunset and look in the opposite direction (west) for spectacular sunsets.
Are there rock pools here?
There are no rock pools at Mothers Beach.
CLOSING THOUGHTS (the good & the bad)
As you can tell from reading this post, there is a very long list of amazing things about Mothers Beach!
From the calm lagoon-like waters, providing a safe haven for a family beach day, to the marina and pier, providing great opportunities for fishing, dining and and exploring, Mothers Beach really is quite a show stopper.
But in saying all that, this may not be the beach for you.
If you’re chasing the thrill of rolling waves, the raw beauty of an exposed ocean beach, or the solitude that larger surf beaches offer, then you’ll want to look elsewhere. In that case, I’d recommend heading further down the coast to the ocean side of the Peninsula—think the rugged back beaches of Sorrento and Blairgowrie or the ever-popular Gunnamatta, a favorite among surfers.
Keep in mind, come summer, Mothers Beach gets busy—really busy. So if crowds aren’t your thing, you might want to reconsider.
But if you’re in Mornington, even if you’re not planning a swim, I’d still suggest taking a short stroll down Main Street for a visit to Mothers Beach. It’s picturesque, it’s buzzing, and there’s plenty to explore.
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You might also like to learn about:
- Surf Beaches of the Mornington Peninsula
- Hidden Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula that are favourite with the locals
- Hidden Gems to visit on the Mornington Peninsula that aren’t as ‘touristy’ as the hot-spots
