Overview
Taking the whole family to the beach? Find sheltered spots with safe shallows for frolicking, suitable sand for creating kingdoms and rock pools for rambling at low tide. From Gippsland to Phillip Island, the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, and all along the Great Ocean Road, we've got just the spot. Pack the rashies and take your pick from our best family-friendly beaches.
Safety: Over summer, surf lifesavers patrol many Victorian beaches. For your family's safety, always swim between the flags.
Gippsland
Sheltered shallow waters and sandy beaches in Gippsland are great for families with young children. Popular places to take the littluns are Port Welshpool, Shallow Inlet, Seaspray, Lake Tyers, East Cape (Cape Conran Coastal Park) and Betka Beach.
Great Ocean Road
The protected sandy beaches at Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Point Roadknight, Lorne and Apollo Bay are ideal for swimming and popular beaches for families. Further along the Great Ocean Road you'll find safe swimming spots at Port Campbell, Warrnambool and Port Fairy.
Phillip Island
Head to the island's northern side for sheltered bay beaches. Let the kids splash and explore at family-friendly Ventnor Beach and at Cowes Beach – popular with families for its shallow high tide.
Mornington Peninsula
Take the kids to explore the string of Port Phillip Bay beaches, stretching from Frankston and Mount Eliza all the way to Sorrento and Portsea. Join hordes of families making the most of the gentle swells, foreshore picnic and barbecue facilities and playground areas. Expect beach cricket, snorkelling and plenty of new friends.
On the ocean side, try Shoreham Beach, Flinders Ocean Beach and Point Leo Surf Beach, and for Westernport Bay beaches, make your way to Merricks or Balnarring.
Geelong and the Bellarine
The bayside beaches in Geelong and the Bellarine have long been popular holiday spots for families, and with good reason. Start with a visit to the famous art-deco style bathing complex at Geelong's Eastern Beach, complete with splash pool and playground. Outside Geelong, plan picnics and dips at Portarlington, Indented Head, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale.
Melbourne
There are plenty of family-friendly beaches dotted around Melbourne's suburbs, from Altona and Williamstown beaches in the west to Brighton Beach and St Kilda in the east. If you live close to Melbourne city, you won't need to travel far to cool off with the little ones this summer.
