7 ROCK POOLS MORNINGTON PENINSULA (2025) – deep enough to swim in!
The rock pools of Mornington Peninsula are truly unique!
Here on the Peninsula, rock pooling is not just about tiptoeing around shallow, rocky ponds about the depth of a puddle.
No, this is what I’d call, the Bear Grylls style of rock pooling!
Rock Pooling here is about diving, sometimes head first, and sometimes off 8 metre high rock shelves, into sparking, crystal clear, ocean pools which appear like magic during low tides.
The 7 Mornington Peninsula rock pools I’m about to share with you, are often overlooked by tourists, as many are hidden away off the beaten track and may require some trekking and know how from a local such as myself, in order to find them.
Plus, the Mornington Peninsula is only 90 minutes from Melbourne, so they make for a great day trip from the city if it’s not in your budget for accommodation.
So if you’re looking to quite literally dive into the striking landscapes of the Mornington Peninsula, and take rock pooling to new extremes, then keep reading my friend!
Oh and don’t worry if you’re a family with children, I have some safer rock pool options in this post too.
1. BUSHRANGERS BAY ROCK POOLS (aka Cape Schanck Rock Pools)
Of all the rock pools mentioned in this article, Bushrangers Bay rock pools are my favourite. And I might add, they’re actually the hardest to access. Maybe that’s why I love them so much, because they’re so secluded and pristine.
Bushrangers Bay is a very remote beach located in Cape Schanck.
You have to walk 2.6km to even reach the bay/beach. But don’t let that deter you, as the walk over undulating bushland with spectacular views over rolling green fields and distant shorelines, is almost as spectacular as the rock pools themselves.
Once you reach the beach of Bushrangers Bay, head left across the sand towards the huge tabletop-like rock. It’s at the base of this rock, and in between the cliffs, you’ll find large rock pools with crystal-clear aquamarine water deep enough to swim in. Don’t forget your goggles and snorkel!
The rock pools are surrounded by unique rock formations and rugged cliffs which will have you believing you’ve stepped into some prehistoric time warp. Each time I visit the Bushrangers Bay rock pools (also known as Cape Schanck Rock Pools), I truly feel like I’m on a Jurassic Park movie set (minus the dinosaurs 😉🦖) because of its wild beauty.
If you’re there when the tide is starting to come in, the waves will crash over the rocks and start to fill up the pools. It’s a wild and thrilling experience where you’ll most certainly feel mother nature’s reckless spirit seeping into your soul (sorry if that sounds cheesy, but it’s ture).
Bush Rangers Bay rock pools are NOT to be missed!
How do I access Bushrangers Bay (Cape Schanck) Rock Pools
There are two access points to the Bushrangers Bay rock pools.
Park either at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse car park or the Bushrangers Bay Boneo Road carpark and follow the signs to Bushrangers Bay. Either option is an approximate 2.6km walk.
In my opinion the Boneo Road walking track is the easiest, my five year old has done this track a number of times.
Neither of the tracks are wheelchair or pram friendly. I wouldn’t even take a beach trolley.
What Amenities are at Bushrangers Bay?
The only amenity you’ll find is a toilet at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse carpark. Apart from that, there is absolutely nothing. You’re in the wild my friend!
2. BRIDGEWATER BAY ROCK POOLS (Blairgowrie)
I’ve written about Bridgewater Bay quite a few times on this website because it’s just quite frankly, spectacular!
Tucked away at the back of Blairgowrie, this slice of coastal paradise is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s best-kept hidden gems.
Picture this: towering rock formations that look like something out of a fantasy novel, crystal-clear pools that shimmer in the sunlight, and waves theatrically crashing against the rugged cliffs and rock ledges hidden beneath the ocean’s tide. This my friend, is what Bridgewater Bay is all about!
The pools themselves are a true highlight—nature’s jacuzzi, minus the bubbles. On a calm day, they’re perfect for a dip, with water so clear you can see every ripple, fish, and even your own reflection (time for a rock-pool selfie?). Just keep in mind that this isn’t your local heated spa—expect a brisk but refreshing experience.
And one mustn’t leave Bridgewater Bay without jumping into the deep rock pools below the 2 metre or 8 metre (if you dare) Bridgewater Bay jumping rock ledges. Promise me you’ll not skip this thrilling experience!
Whether you’re here to swim, explore, or simply marvel at the raw beauty of the Peninsula’s coastline, Bridgewater Bay’s rock pools are a must-visit.
How do I access Bridgewater Bay?
Park at St Johns Wood Road in Blairgowrie (keeping in mind that parking spaces are very minimal) and take the 15-minute walk along the sandy and rocky path to the bay.
Be prepared for a bit of a climb down some stairs and across rocks to reach the pools (wear sturdy shoes because of this). Again I’ve done this walk with my then 4-year-old, so it’s not too strenuous. It most certainly is an adventure though.
Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
What amenities are at Bridgewater Bay?
Absolutely none! So come prepared.
3. SORRENTO ROCK POOLS (Sorrento Ocean Beach)
For approximately 2hrs either side of low tide (or maybe less) the back beach of Sorrento unveils over a kilometre of rock ledges dotted with a divine assortment of crystal-clear, aquamarine ocean pools.
The rock pools here really are quite extraordinary, and in all my travels around the world, I’ve never seen such an extensive stretch of rock pools like this.
Park your car at the Sorrento Ocean Beach carpark and head either right or left for hours of exploration.
My advice is to head to the right side of the beach (right if you’re looking out towards the ocean) as this is where you’ll find the best rock pools for swimming in. One of the rock pools even has a popular jumping rock for you to dive off and it’s not too high, so perfect for kids to use.
Word of warning, this beach and accompanying rock pools get super busy in peak summer season so be prepared for crowds.
I guarantee you however, even if the Sorrento Rock Pools are crawling with people, the beauty and fun of this location is well worth it.
How do I access Sorrento Rock Pools?
Head down the ramp or staircase from the Sorrento Ocean Beach car park. The car park is located at the end of Ocean Beach Road.
This car park will fill up quickly come summer time.
What Amenities are at Sorrento Back Beach & Rock Pools?
Of all the rock pools mentioned in this post, this is one of the only ones where you’ll find great amenities!
There is a toilet block, a surf life saving club and a cafe!
4. NUMBER 16 BEACH ROCK POOLS (Rye) – The Dragons Head
Hidden at the back of Rye on Tasman Drive, is Number 16 Beach with its deep rock pools that only appear when the tide recedes to approximately 0.5 metres and below. Come when the tides are any higher, and you’ve missed your chance (this has certainly happened to me before ☹️).
When the tide recedes an extremely slippery, seaweed covered shelf appears with plenty of pools to trek around and peer into.
The rock pools here are wild and untame! The water of the pools will continue to churn around you as the powerful waves of Bass Straight continue to roll in and clap against the rock ledges that create the pools. It is certainly thrilling!
What most people come to experience at low tide though, is the rock formation known as Dragons Head (image above).
This prehistoric looking rock formation is not only great for jumping off (be extremely careful), but is a photographer’s dream subject to capture, so bring your camera!
If you’re keen for a truly unique experience, and you can find a warm night where sunset and the low tide aligns, you could find yourself floating in a crystal-clear rock pool while the descending sun transforms the sky into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colours. I’m yet to time this correctly, but by golly it would be pure magic 🌅🧡.
How do I access Number 16 Beach Rock Pools?
Park in the sandy carpark on Number Sixteen Beach Access Road just off Tasman Drive and opposite No 16 Beach General Store. Follow a sandy path to wooden stairs that will lead you down to Number 16 Beach. Head to the right for the rock pools and Dragons Head.
What amenities are at Number 16 Beach Rock Pools?
There are no amenities at the beach itself, but across the Road from the car park is No 16 Beach General Store. Here you will find toilets and a great place to purchase coffee and snacks.
5. MUSHROOM REEF ROCK POOLS (Flinders)
Tucked away in Flinders, hidden behind the Flinders Golf Course, is Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary. This is one of my daughter’s favourite places for exploring and crab hunting!
Mushroom Reef gets its name from the unique, mushroom-shaped rock platform stretching into Western Port Bay.
When the tide goes out, it unveils a labyrinth of rock pools teeming with life. The water is so clear you’ll feel like you’re peeking into nature’s aquarium.
My daughter and I love to pick up large rocks and watch as dozens of crabs scuttle away in search of new hiding spots.
It’s a hotspot for curious adventurers of all ages. Kids can play marine biologist, while adults can revel in the natural beauty and serenity of what feels like an untouched, prehistoric world.
Bring your snorkel and goggles and dive into the water, you might just spot the Weedy Seadragon (similar looking to a seahorse) which Mushroom Reef is well known for.
Don’t forget reef shoes to navigate the rocky terrain and a camera to capture those picture-perfect moments.
Mushroom Reef truly does offer an unforgettable experience. It’s a treasure hunt, science class, and mindfulness retreat rolled into one. Just remember to tread lightly and leave the starfish where you find them.
How do I access Mushroom Reef?
Park at the Mushroom Reef car park, off Golf Links Road, in Flinders and follow the well-marked path down to the beach. You’ll need to time your visit with low tide to access the reef and rock pools.
Remember, this is a protected area, so tread lightly and don’t remove anything from the pools.
What amenities are at Mushroom Reef Marine Sancturary?
Once again, there are absolutely no amenities here. But the main town of Flinders is literally a five minute drive away and has plenty of options for food, drink and shopping too.
6. FLINDERS BLOW HOLE ROCK POOLS (Flinders)
A little bit further west from Mushroom Reef, you’ll find another hidden gem for rock pool exploration, Flinders Blowhole.
Hidden behind the grassy private-property hillsides of Flinders and at the base of rugged cliffs, (which you’ll transcend via a wooden boardwalk and staircase) you’ll arrive at a black basalt rock platform dotted with rock pools so clear they’re like portals to the underwater world!
You can swim in some of the rock pools here, but most people come here to wander and explore with their clothes on as opposed to just a bikini!
While visiting, also take the time to climb Elephant Rock which you can see stretching into the ocean above. Can you spot the elephant shape?
It’s apparently at the end of Elephant Rock where you will find the blowhole, but to this date, I’ve never heard of anyone actually seeing the blowhole in action. So, please do shout out if it’s erupting (as the name might suggest) when you visit, I’d love to find out if this blowhole actually can live up to its name!
Whether you’re here to explore, snap some Instagram-worthy shots, or simply soak in the raw coastal beauty, this spot never disappoints. The waves crashing against the rocks add drama, while the peaceful pools invite you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
How do I access Flinders Blowhole Rock Pools?
Park at the Blowhole car park on Blowhole Track (opposite Razorback Road), off Boneo Road. Warning, there is very limited car parking down here, so if it’s peak season, you may need to park on Boneo Road. Make sure to time your visit with low tide for the best rock pools.
What ammenities are at Flinders Blowhole?
Nudda, zip, nothing! Come prepared.
7. KENNON COVE BEACH ROCK POOLS (Flinders)
Kennon Cove Beach in Flinders is certainly worth a mention in this article as it’s a favourite place of mine and my family’s to spend a few hours calmly exploring not only the shallow rock pools, but also the beautiful beach and impressive jetty.
Rock pooling here is not about daredevil diving or wild ocean waves. It’s the safe and peaceful version of rock pooling ideal for families.
Kennon Cove Beach is in Flinders and its waters form a part of Western Port Bay, hence why the waters here are calm and flat. The other rock pools mentioned in this post face the open ocean waters of Bass Strait, hence their wild and reckless nature.
Kennon Cove Beach has a long stretch of sand, very safe for swimming. When the tide recedes, long stretches of rocks appear, presenting you and your family with extensive shallow rock pools to climb over and explore.
How do I access Kennon Cove?
There is a large car park at Kennon Cove right on the beach. To get to it, head down the access road towards the beach. You’ll find the access road at the intersection of Bass Street, Gold Links Road and The Esplanade.
There is also another car park at the top of the cliffs on The Esplanade with a steep staircase that takes you down to Kennon Cove.
Don’t let the staircase deter you as this is such a pretty walk which takes you through what I’d describe as, a mini beach forest.
What Amenities are at Kennon Cove Beach
Kennon Cove, unlike many of the other locations in this post, actually features a toilet, boat ramp and beach BBQ area. Kennon Cove is also a 2 minute drive from Flinders’ main hub which has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to wander around. My hot tip, make sure to visit the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie for not only chocolate, but also some of the best ice cream on the Peninsula!
MAP OF ROCK POOLS ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Use the ‘+’ & ‘-‘ sign to zoom in and out on the map. Click and drag on the map to move the map around. To open a larger map, please click on the top right icon that looks like an incomplete square.
WHERE TO STAY
As the rock pools mentioned in this post are spread far and wide over the Mornington Peninsula, the options for accommodation are endless. 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 hundreds of other accommodations for you to explore!
(Please note I am partnered with a number of accommodation booking sites and hence may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, should you book through these links. If you do book though my links, a very heartfelt thank you ☺️)
My Top 3 Picks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RACV Cape Schanck Resort
✅ Close to Flinders & Cape Schanck rock pools
✅ Ocean View Rooms
✅ Pool, spa, golf course, restaurant & breakfast included
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kos Place – Blairgowrie
✅ Near Sorrento, Rye & Blairgowrie Rock Pools
✅ 3 Bedroom house with king, double and bunk bed, sleeps up to 7
✅ Pet friendly
✅ Kitchen, 2 bathrooms, laundry, BBQ
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sorrento Beach Motel
✅ Near Sorrento and Blairgowrie Rock Pools, also not far from Rye
✅ Great option for couples on a tighter budget
✅ Microwave, bar fridge, kettle and breakfast available
More Accommodation Options
Zoom in and out on the map below to see accommodation listings. You can click and hold on the map to move it up/down, left/right. Click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail and make a potential booking.
If you zoom out, you’ll also see I’ve added navy blue stars to indicate each rock pool location, making accommodation selection close to a rock pool easy!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to visit the rock pools?
It’s always best to visit at low tide. Please, please, please check the tide times as if you don’t come during low tide, there may be no rock pools at all for you to experience.
Which rock pools are best for families with children?
Kennon Cove, Mushroom Reef and Sorrento Ocean Beach rock pools are best for young children as they are the easiest to access and less ‘wild’ than the rest of the rock pool destinations mentioned in this post.
Which Rock Pools on the Mornington Peninsula have toilets?
Sorrento Ocean Beach and Kennon Cove both have public toilets. There is a cafe across the road from Number 16 Beach car park that has a toilet.
Do I need special shoes for visiting the rock pools?
I would suggest wearing reef shoes, or some other type of secure footwear to pretty much all the places mentioned in this post. You may need to walk across rocks or down steep tracks for access to the rock pools, and shoes will make this much easier.
Which of these rock pools is the deepest?
You’ll find the deepest rock pools, and hence those you can swim in like a pool, at Bushrangers Bay, Bridgewater Bay, Sorrento Back Beach and Number 16 Beach in Rye.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MORNINGTON PENINSULA ROCK POOLS
Of all the activities to do while here on the Peninsula, Rock Pooling is certainly up there in my top 5 activities to experience while visiting.
Even if you’re not one for swimming in the pools, the sheer beauty and remoteness of most of these locations, absoloutely justifies a visit.
The rock pools of Mornington Peninsula may only be 90 minutes away from Melbourne, but you’ll definitely feel like you’ve escaped to another world while visiting.
The cliffs, the waves, the open space, the ruggedness, the crystal-clear water…by golly it’s just breathtaking.
So go on, grab your snorkel, or just your sense of adventure if you don’t want to get wet, and go explore these pools of wonder today!
Read about more Mornington Peninsula Beaches (with possible rock pools!)
- Hidden Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula that are favourite with the locals
- Surf Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula
