The Mornington Peninsula has some of the best breathtaking beaches you’ll find anywhere. From calm, shallow waters perfect for a dip to open surf spots with a bit more punch, there’s a beach for every kind of day.

There are beaches in Mornington Peninsula where the sand is soft and white, spots ideal for paddleboarding, and some are even with rock pools to explore when the tide’s out.

It’s easy to spend the whole day hopping from one beach to the next, with fish and chips in hand and the salty breeze following you around.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven of the best beaches in Mornington Peninsula—ones that locals return to time and again. Each has its own vibe, and all are worth a visit.

Best Beaches in Mornington Peninsula

1- Mount Martha Beach

Mount Martha Beach is one of the best beaches in the Mornington Peninsula, known for its colorful beach boxes and long sandy shoreline.

The beach stretches over two kilometres and is divided into Mount Martha North and South by the mouth of Balcombe Creek.

Also, Mount Martha Beach offers plenty of space to relax, swim, or take a peaceful walk along the shore.

The southern beach is where you’ll find the Mount Martha Life Saving Club and the yacht club. South of this area, a natural bluff lines the beach with small boat sheds between the bluff and the sand.

The beach is steep and meets deep water, which makes it a good place for more confident swimmers.

Waves here are generally calm, but strong westerly winds can create surf over the outer sandbars.

While usually safe, it’s always best to check conditions before entering the water, especially during rough weather.

2- Mothers Beach

Mothers Beach is a family-friendly beach in the Mornington Peninsula and faces the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay.

It’s a great beach for young children thanks to its shallow water, soft sand, and protected location. Access is easy via Schnapper Point Drive or through the nearby Shire Hall Beach.

Behind the beach, you’ll see rows of colorful beach boxes and can find rental options for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

Facilities like picnic tables, toilets, drinking water taps, and outdoor showers make it convenient for a day out with the family.

Just steps away is Mornington Park, which includes a playground and open grass areas.

The nearby Mornington Main Street offers food options, and the adjacent Marina has a boat ramp and parking space.

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach close to town with everything you need, Mothers Beach is a top choice for locals and visitors alike.

Also Read: Best Beaches in Gold Coast

3- Rye Front Beach

Rye Front Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the Mornington Peninsula, especially popular during school holidays.

It stretches from the White Cliffs through the town and past the long Rye Pier. With soft white sand and shallow waters, it’s perfect for families who want a calm swimming experience.

This beach is great for walking year-round, and in windier months, you’ll see kite surfers taking advantage of the breezy conditions.

Along the foreshore, you’ll find a camping reserve, picnic areas, a playground, and a yacht club. There’s also a boat ramp if you plan to head out on the water.

Rye Pier is a local favorite for fishing and strolling, but jumping or diving off the pier is not safe due to the shallow water.

Moreover, you can do snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing on the beach.

4- McCrae Beach

McCrae Beach is a calm and scenic beach on the Mornington Peninsula, stretching from Anthony’s Nose to Rosebud.

It’s a popular beach to swim, paddleboard, or simply float around on a hot day, thanks to the calm bay waters and lack of waves.

The soft white sand and shallow entry make it great for kids and families. A wide foreshore area with barbecue spots, picnic shelters, and a playground adds to the family-friendly feel.

There’s also a shower at the toilet block to rinse off after a swim. Walkers and cyclists often pass through as part of the 28km Bay Trail that runs from Safety Beach to Portsea.

The beach is just across the road from cafes and local shops, making it easy to grab coffee or snacks.

Even in cooler months, it’s a peaceful place for a beachside walk. It’s a relaxing, clean, and accessible beach ideal for all ages.

Also Explore: Things to Do in Mornington Peninsula

5- Somers Beach

Somers Beach is a peaceful, 3-kilometre stretch along the Western Port Bay and is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula.

The beach is split into three main areas: the central beach near the Somers Yacht Club, the southern stretch next to Coolart Homestead, and the eastern end with a dog-friendly area.

At low tide, the sand and reef flats are exposed, making it great for beachcombing. At high tide, the beach becomes deeper, attracting small boats and yachts just off the shore.

One of the highlights is the Coolart property, a historic homestead surrounded by wetlands and walking tracks.

You can also explore coastal bushland, lagoons, and formal gardens while enjoying birdwatching along the way.

The beach has fewer crowds compared to others, so it feels more secluded and calm.

While swimming can be tricky due to steep sections, Somers Beach is still ideal for walking, sailing, or enjoying the views of Phillip Island across the water.

6- Sorrento Ocean Beach

Sorrento Ocean Beach offers a more rugged ocean experience compared to the calmer bay beaches nearby.

This wide, sandy beach is perfect for surfers, rockpool explorers, and photographers. Its dramatic coastline, rock shelves, and ledges are best explored at low tide.

You can reach the beach via stairs or a ramp, with a large car park nearby, although it fills up quickly in summer.

For those wanting more than just the beach, there’s a beachfront café with great views and a scenic walking trail.

The 3km Coppins Track links you to historic lookouts, or you can stroll 1.5km to the local shops.

During busy times, surf lifesavers patrol the beach, and swimming between the flags is strongly advised due to strong rips and rocks.

Also, Sorrento Back Beach is not a dog-friendly beach, and conditions can be wild, so always check safety signs before entering the water.

Also Read: Best Wineries in Mornington Peninsula

7- Portsea Surf Beach

Portsea Surf Beach is one of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula for wave lovers.

Located off Portsea Back Beach Road, it’s known for strong surf, wide sandy shores, and stunning ocean views over Bass Strait.

Surfers often gather here for the reliable beach breaks that roll in over sandbars and reefs, especially during northerly winds and moderate swells.

There’s a lookout and car park above the beach, but getting down requires a steep walk.

The beach is around 2.5 kilometres long and framed by rock platforms and reefs, creating both beauty and risk.

Swimming here can be risky—only swim between the flags and be aware of the powerful rips and shifting tides.

It’s also a favorite fishing spot due to the deep rip holes and reef areas. While it’s a great beach for surfing and scenic walks, dogs are not allowed.