12 Surf Beaches Mornington Peninsula (2024)
Welcome to the surf beaches of Mornington Peninsula!
Surfing doesn’t instantly come to mind when people think of the Mornington Peninsula, it’s not what this area is generally well known for.
But, it should be!
Trust me, the Mornington Peninsula is packed with stunning surf beaches where waves of up to six feet are beckoning you.
The eastern side of the Peninsula (which I like to call the ‘Wild Side’) has over 100 km of exposed wild ocean coastline stretching from the tip of the peninsula at Portsea all the way to Balnarring.
In this article I’ve listed seven different beaches where the waves are awaiting you, including details of Monrington Peninsula’s most famous surf beach, Gunnamatta.
So, whether you’re chasing your first wave or already a seasoned barrel rider, there’s a wave here to suit everyone.
Let’s dive in…
Mornington Peninsula Surfing – A side note about this article
Before we dive into everything there is to know about Mornington Peninsula surfing, I’d like to premise this article with the fact that I myself, am no Kelly Slater – unless of course, surfing on ten centimetre waves with your dad’s old malibu classifies you as a pro surfer? But, most likely not, so, you should know…
This post is based on my knowledge of the surf from having lived here for many years, of having visited all the mentioned surf beaches, and of having learnt from those who are in the know, i.e. the Morn Pen surfing community.
Map of Mornington Peninsula Surf Beaches
Use the plus and minus signs in the bottom left corner of map above to zoom in and out. Drag the map around to move to different locations. Alternatively, click on the square icon in the top right corner to open a the map in a new tab.
1. Gunnamatta – Fingal
Let’s start with one the most famous, and thrilling, surf beaches on the Mornington Peninsula, Gunnamatta – a spot that’s extremely well known by the surfing community here.
This beach is not just a pretty face; it boasts some of the most powerful waves the coastline has to offer.
Gunnamatta Beach stretches for approximately 3km and is located in Fingal in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.
WAVE CONDITIONS
This beach is known for its powerful waves, which can be as unpredictable as Melbourne’s weather. The waves are often big and punchy with an average size of 1.9m, but reaching up to 6m.
Exposed to southerly swells, Gunnamatta delivers consistently strong surf. This beach has deep rip holes and gutters paired together with rocks and reefs, so is not for the faint hearted.
Seasoned surfers who love a challenge will feel right at home here.
SURF BREAK NAMES: Gunnamatta
FACILITIES
Toilets, showers, and a large parking area make it easy to settle in for the day. There’s also a surf life-saving club on patrol during peak times to watch your back.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT GUNNAMATTA
Not ready to face the waves? Gunnamatta is also great for beach walks or simply kicking back and watching the surf drama unfold. Horse riding tours are nearby too. And if you’re a photographer, than get excited, as there’s some gorgeous photo opportunities here.
2. St Andrews Beach
St Andrews is like the slightly mysterious cousin of Gunnamatta—wild, rugged, and ideal for those who like to surf in more secluded spots.
St Andrews Beach is a gorgeous 2km stretch of beach located between Rye Ocean Beach and Gunnamatta.
It faces directly onto the open swells of Bass Strait and is infamous for its strong rips that run fast and hard, creating unpredictable currents that demand a surfer’s focus and respect.
The surf at St Andrews beach is less crowded but just as intense when it comes to wave action.
WAVE CONDITIONS
Big, powerful waves that can be unpredictable, making it more suited for experienced surfers. Strong currents and rips are a result of long rocky segments of beach at certain points and outcrops within the water.
Waves average around 1.8m.
ST ANDREWS‘ SURF BREAK NAME: St Andrews Beach
FACILITIES
Basic facilities like toilets and parking. You’re here for the surf, not the creature comforts, but the wildness is part of the charm!
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT ST ANDREWS BEACH
Explore the sand dunes or take in the sweeping ocean views from the cliff tops as Bass Strait demonstrates its truly awesome power.
This beach is not patrolled, so I would not recommend swimming here, there are some very dangerous rips.
Accommodation near Gunnamatta and St Andrews
These two Mornington Peninsula surf beaches are slightly off the more well-worn tourist track, so if you want to stay close by, my recommendation would be to find accommodation in St Andrews Beach itself, or in and around Fingal (which is also where you’ll find the famous Peninsula Hot Springs). Just note, it’s generally not cheap to stay in these locations and heading towards Rye, Tootgarook or Blairgowrie would provide cheaper options.
To find the right accommodation for you, zoom in and out on the map above to see accommodation listings. Hover and/or click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail.
3. Portsea Surf Beach
Portsea Surf Beach faces south-west and stretches for 2.5km. It’s wild, rugged and most certainly, a coastal beauty.
Like Gunnamatta, Portsea Surf Beach is a well known surf spot on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s also well known as the spot where ex Prime Minister, Harold Holt, disappeared, so this gives you an indication of just how powerful the rips and tides can be here.
This Mornington Peninsula surf spot is definitely not for the faint of heart. Portsea Surf Beach boasts powerful, hollow waves that attract the daring. You’ll need some serious skills here.
WAVE CONDITIONS
Waves average around 1.8m with permanent rips against major reefs. The swells here are often big and strong and waves can be fast and heavy. Portsea surfing calls for the skills of the medium to advanced surfer.
The best time of year for surfing at Portsea is during Autumn.
PORTSEA SURF BREAK NAMES: Portsea Back Beach and Spooks
FACILITIES
There’s a parking area nearby, along with basic amenities like toilets and showers.
Life savers patrol during busy periods, but it’s always good to keep an eye on those currents.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT PORTSEA SURF BEACH
Known for its rugged beauty, there’s plenty to do here. Make sure you have your camera as you walk the coastline, this place is gorgeous. Walk to London Bridge for some stunning rock formations.
There’s a surf life saving club here, so go for a swim between the flags.
Or head into nearby Portsea village and grab some much needed, post-surf, food and drinks.
4. Sorrento Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach is an absoloute stunner, both for its surf and its scenery.
Its amphitheater style beach has a long, wide stretch of sand, perfect for spreading out and having a true-blue Aussie beach experience.
Located at the back of the town of Sorrento, Sorrento Back Beach offers a variety of surf breaks for both the beginner and experienced surfer.
The surf at Sorrento can get crowded during summer and weekend/holidays, as along with surfing, it’s a popular bodyboarding and swimming spot, so be prepared for crowds if you visit at these times of year.
WAVE CONDITIONS
This south-west facing surf spot has waves reaching up to 1.9 metres over the outer reefs, but lower at the beach.
Waves can be strong and fast out back, so best suited for experienced surfers while beginners can practice closer to shore on long peeling waves (given the right conditions).
SORRENTO SURF BREAK NAMES: Sorrento Back Beach
FACILITIES
You’ll find toilets, showers, and plenty of parking. There’s also a café/kiosk located right in the carpark for that essential post-surf coffee fix!
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT SORRENTO BACK BEACH
The rock pools here are epic! At low tide they’re so big and deep you can even dive into them for a swim!
Also pack your walking shoes and take a hike along the truly stunning 3km Coppins walking track. The track offers phenomenal views over Bass Strait along with markers detailing the area’s history.
Sorrento Back Beach has a surf life saving club that patrols the beach during peak season.
5. Rye Ocean (Back) Beach
Rye’s coastline offers a variety of breaks, all with stunning backdrops. The beaches are located inside the Morningtingon Peninsula National park, out the back of the town of Rye.
A mixture of sand dunes and wild rock formations, the Rye coastline stretches for 4km from the surf break of Orr Point at the west all the way down to St Andrews Beach at the East.
Rye Ocean beach faces south-west and like most surf beaches on the peninsula, has persistent rips.
Rye Ocean Beach offers steady waves and less crowded conditions, compared to some of the more popular spots (like Sorrento or Gunnamatta).
WAVE CONDITIONS
There are a few different Rye Back Beaches to surf at. The waves at Rye Ocean beaches can average 1.8m.
At Rye Ocean Beach, a popular reef break can be found at the rocks in front of the car park, which produces lefts and rights.
There are surf spots also at both Orr Point and Number Sixteen Beach, but waves break over outer reefs, which is not for the faint of heart.
Surfing at any Rye back beach is best at mid to high tide.
RYE SURF BREAK NAMES: Rye Ocean Beach, Orr Point, Number 16 Beach, also Supertubes and Kegs
FACILITIES
Basic facilities like toilets and parking are available at Rye Ocean Beach. It’s a quieter spot, so you won’t be fighting the crowds here.
There is a small car park at Number 16 Beach with a cute general store across the road with a toilet and, more importantly, coffee!
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT RYE OCEAN BEACHES
The surrounding area is perfect for bushwalking. Orr Point actually marks the beginning of a stunning 10km coast walk through the Mornington Peninsula National Park to Sorrento Ocean Beach.
The Dragon’s Head (only visible at low tide) and Lizard Rock are popular rock formations for photographers at Number Sixteen Beach.
None of the back beaches at Rye are patrolled and swimming is not recommended.
Accommodation near Portsea, Sorrento and Rye
There are sooooo many options for accommodation near these surf beaches. My recommendation would be to base yourself in Sorrento as the town has so much to offer in ways of not just accommodation, but shopping, dining, bars and other things to do.
To find the right accommodation for you, zoom in and out on the map above to see accommodation listings. Hover and/or click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail.
6. Point Leo
For those days when you’re not looking to battle the ocean but still want to enjoy a good surf, Point Leo is your spot. It’s got a more relaxed vibe, and the waves tend to be friendlier, making it a great location for beginners or those wanting to sharpen their skills.
Point Leo Beach is approximately 500m long, with wide stretches of sand facing the south. Located several kilometres inside the wide entrance to Western Port Bay, Point Leo is considerably protected from high ocean waves.
WAVE CONDITIONS
Generally more forgiving with smaller, cleaner waves, averaging 0.5m. It’s perfect for long-boarders or surfers just starting out. This area can be affected by rips.
POINT LEO SURF BREAK NAMES: Point Leo and Crunchie Point
FACILITIES
There’s a surf life saving club, picnic area, barbecues, and camping spots, so why not make a weekend of it? You’ll also find toilets, showers, and a car park close to the beach.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT POINT LEO
Not just a surf haven, Point Leo is great for paddle-boarding, swimming, fishing or exploring rock pools at low tide.
A Few More Surf Beaches Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula surfing is not just limited to the six locations listed above, there is so much more!
But, as mentioned earlier, my prowess as a surfer is less than ideal, hence my knowledge of the below surf spots is limited.
But I would hate to let you pros, miss out on any of the surfing action that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. So below I have listed a number of other surf spots you might like to explore and the names of the surf break/s you’ll find at each.
7. Cape Schanck Surfing
Well known surf breaks at Cape Schanck are U-Turns and Bushrangers Bay. A word of warning about Bushrangers Bay, it’s a 2km walk to reach this beach, but by golly is it a spectacular hike with a beach that’s super secluded and gorgeous! And if you’re there at low tide, set aside some time for exploring the gorgeous rock pools which are big enough to swim in.
8. Blairgowrie Surfing
The best surf spots are at Blairgowrie Back Beach, with well known surf breaks including Koonya Reef, Shorties and Tiber
9. Flinders Surfing
Well known surf breaks include Cape Flinders, Cyrills, Big Left, Sunset, The Gunnery, Left and Rights and The Farm.
10. Shoreham Surfing
Well known surf breaks at Shoehram include Little Noosa, Once and a Half, and Second Reef. Great place for beginners. In fact, there’s even a surf school here!
11. Merricks Surfing
The surf break at Merricks is called Hellicars Hill. Merricks is a good place for beginners.
12. Balnarring Surfing
The surf break at Balnarring is called Balnarring Point.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
– Are there any Mornington Peninsula Surf Schools?
Sure is! Learn to surf at either of the two below Mornington Peninsula surf schools. You have the choice of private lessons, group lessons, or for the littlies, a Surf Groms program:
– Mornington Peninsula Surf School – numerous locations including Gunnamatta, Shoreham and Point Leo
– Salty Surf School – Shoreham
– Which of the Mornington Peninsula surf spots mentioned has the biggest waves?
Without a doubt, Gunnamatta is your best bet for large swells. Followed by St Andrews and Portsea. These beaches are not for beginners due to strong rips and the wildness of the waves.
– Which of the Mornington Peninsula surf spots mentioned are best for beginners?
If you’re a newbie, or want a safer place for kids to surf, Point Leo is your best bet. You could also try out Shoreham or Balnarring. The surf at these beaches is very tame. I would check out local surf conditions before going just in case it’s flat as a tack. Sorrento Back Beach does offer surfing options for a range of abilities.
– Can I take public transport to the Mornington Peninsula surf spots?
Only buses operate on the peninsula, and as you’d probably already guess, taking a surfboard on a bus, especially one packed with summer tourists, is not ideal! Definitely take your car. If you don’t have a car, then you can hire a car here.
– Where’s the best place to stay?
Some beaches mentioned above are near to one another, while others are up to a 30 minute drive apart. Below I’ve listed the best location to base yourself on depending on which beach you want to surf.
– Stay in Balnarring or Flinders to be near the surfing action in Balnarring, Merricks, Point Leo, Shoreham, Flinders and Cape Schanck
– Stay in St Andrews Beach, Fingal, Rye, Tootgarook or Blairgowrie to be close to Gunnamatta, St Andrews Beach, Rye Back Beach, Blairgowrie Back Beach and kind of close to Cape Schanck.
– Stay in Blairgowrie, Sorrento or Portsea to be close to Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie and Rye surfing beaches.
To find the right accommodation for you, zoom in and out on the map below to see accommodation listings. Drag the map around to move to other locations. Hover and/or click on a price tag to explore the accommodation in more detail.
The map is currently open at the town of Rye.
RELATED POSTS
You might also like to learn about:
- 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
- Wildlife Parks on the Mornington Peninsula – there’s quite a few to explore