A Sun Lover’s Guide To Every Geelong Beach Worth Exploring

Find idyllic stretches of surf and sand with our guide to every unmissable Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong beach.

As a Gold Coaster, my bar is set mighty high when it comes to good beaches. But there’s something (well, several things) about Geelong and its next-door neighbour, the Bellarine Peninsula, that consistently dazzle. While the coastal stretch lacks the column inches of its flashier eastern cousin, the Mornington Peninsula, there are excellent surf conditions, surprising (again, I’m a Queenslander) soft sand, smudgy tangerine sunsets, and a chilled beach culture to fall in love with.

Below, I’ve rounded up every standout Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong beach for your next sun-soaked session.

In short

If you only visit one Geelong beach, make it Eastern Beach Reserve. It’ll be crowded but the bayside buzz creates instant memories and there are multiple waters (including a children’s wading pool) to dip into.

1. Ocean Grove Main Beach, Ocean Grove

a surfer on Ocean Grove Main Beach — Chase the waves at Ocean Grove. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Before I get to the central Geelong stars, let’s talk Ocean Grove Main Beach down near Barwon Heads. A two-kilometre stretch that goes from Point Lonsdale to the mouth of the Barwon River, it’s a wildly beautiful, rugged surf beach that stole my heart upon discovery. Sitting on the sand, facing the horizon, bushy dunes and jagged rocks flanked both sides of my perspective as the curving coastline rolled all the way to Point Lonsdale Lighthouse. The beach is untamed and forever windswept, and I love the upgraded timber viewing platform (they only unveiled it in April 2025), at the end of the Wedge St beach access path, for elevated gazing. Active surf patrolling makes Ocean Grove super family-friendly and you’ll spot surfers chasing waves even when conditions aren’t perfect.

2. Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong

the Eastern Beach Reserve in the heart of Geelong — Geelong’s Eastern Beach offers a dream escape for families on Corio Bay. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve visited Geelong, you’ve likely been to Eastern Beach Reserve , located right in the thick of the port city. While it’s always tourist-heavy, I adore its easy-access amenities and year-round buzz, especially during summer when the Children’s Pool, circled with glass and dotted with in-ground umbrellas, opens. To the side, a shark-netted swimming enclosure has water slides and diving platforms, while a small patch of sand right at the end of the boardwalk offers yet another opportunity for relaxed swims. When you’re not cooling down, there are sheltered picnic tables, barbecues, and a playground to get stuck into. A standout spot to bring the whole family on a sunny day.

3. Raffs Beach, Barwon Heads

Another lesser-known beauty near the Barwon River mouth, Raffs Beach is blissfully quiet, and feels almost untouched. It runs from the western end of Ocean Grove Main Beach, so tack a tiptoe over to Raffs’ golden sand if you’re already exploring that way. North-west to westerly winds attract surfers, but only cautious swimming as strong currents frequent the river mouth. Despite the tougher conditions, this Geelong beach is such a local’s secret, and I love its year-round lowkey vibes as grassy dunes keep the scene entirely wild. Park your wheels in the car park before taking one of several access paths to the sand.

4. Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads

the Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads — Grab your swimmers and explore this 4.5 kilometre stretch of picturesque coastline.

Have board, keen to rip it? Thirteenth Beach is Geelong’s ultimate wave machine. You won’t find many people on the sand along this beach’s 4.5 kilometres – it’s an untouched swathe of silica backed by dunes and scrub for most of its length. Lapped by brilliant turquoise seas, Thirteenth offers a variety of conditions to suit both beginner and pro surfers: The Beacon (in front of the shipping beacon) is one of the most frequented hot spots for all talent levels. This Geelong beach is also a good spot for beach fishing, with waters known to harbour gummy, snapper and mulloway. While it’s safe to swim, rips are common so dip in only when the flags are out.

5. Santa Casa Beach, Queenscliff

an aerial view of Point Lonsdale pier — Point Lonsdale has long enticed Victorians for a weekend getaway.

If you’re all about that crystal-clear water-frolicking life, get familiar with Santa Casa Beach . The little-known slice of heaven, wedged between Shortland Bluff and the township of Point Lonsdale, is best known for having the cleanest sea water around. It’s a south-east-facing, three-kilometre stretch with small waves, but while things may sound calm, it’s kid central as it ticks so many family-friendly boxes. Additionally, picnic areas freckle the beach reserve just behind, and a walking track threads through much of this beach’s beauty.

6. St Leonards Beach, Bellarine Peninsula

Another hit with families is St Leonards Beach , right next to Indented Head at the eastern end of the Bellarine Peninsula. It’s the shady foreshore reserve that won me over, perfect for kicking a ball around between splashes in its sheltered waters. Low-slung conditions also mean surfers stay away so this spot really is for mellowed beach hangs. Anglers, however, do tend to converge at the rocks near Indented Head, plus the ones at the St Leonards Pier which looms at the southern end. They’re a magnet for fishing, offering ultra-deep water to encourage decent bites.

7. Jan Juc Beach, Torquay

the cliffs at Jan Juc Beach, Torquay — Jan Juc is the place for in-the-know swimmers.

Though it’s not strictly the Bellarine Peninsula, Jan Juc Beach ’s exposed crescent of sand merits a mention while we’re combing this neck of the woods. Located on the Great Ocean Road, just beyond Torquay, 1.2 kilometres of golden sand flows into crystalline waters and in the height of summer, this place is routinely packed with in-the-know beachgoers. Copping waves that average some 1.4 metres, the surf is best suited to surfers, strong swimmers, bodyboarding enthusiasts, or anybody looking for a Vitamin D hit while stretched across the sand. It’s patrolled over the weekend in summer, hence dialled up crowds. Once you’re keen to look around, there are clifftop walks and lookout points to uncover, too. Love your fishing? Head up to the northern end to rub shoulders with locals also trying their luck.

We round up the luxe, the lovely and the latest places to stay in regional Victoria.

1. Hotel Ernest, Bendigo

Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit.

2. Norsu Cabin, Macedon

a look inside Norsu Cabin, Macedon — Settle into this Scandi-inspired abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu . Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment.

3. Islay House, Woodend

the bedroom at Islay House, Woodend — Bed down at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. (Image: Tiffany Warner)

Lean all the way into a country luxe state-of-mind with a stay at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House . This bed and breakfast sleeps up to nine guests and is just a short walk from town, but you’ll want to spend most of your time curled up fireside in the elegantly styled rooms as you admire the collection of antiques.

4. Nerissa Rye, Mornington Peninsula

This Rye beach pad is just a 10-minute walk from 16th Beach, and while a morning walk is lovely, returning to the barefoot luxe vibes of this four-bedroom escape is just as enlivening. Bright, open and welcoming, this is the place to settle in for endless cups of tea and a good book between beach jaunts.

5. Hotel Vera, Ballarat

a close-up of the bed at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — Modern meets bygone elegance.

This Ballarat beauty set in a 1900s mansion is all bygone elegance edged with modern style. Just seven boutique suites, each with its own distinct personality, makes it a singularly luxe stay. Sister to Bendigo’s Hotel Ernest, Vera is similarly bequeathed with a stand-out fine diner, Babae, which plates up the best of the region’s produce.

6. Hotel Sorrento, Port Philip Bay

The historic and iconic clifftop Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay is mid-refurb and will reopen 1 December 2025, just in time for Amalfi-style beachside stays.

7. The Idle Lake House, Lakes Entrance

Enjoy a ripple of serenity when you step aboard this water-top abode on the Gippsland Lakes. Once a Chinese restaurant, this spacious and stylish two-bedroom stay offers unbroken gazing of the shimmering surface in a beautifully private bay. Lounge on the deck and enjoy the onboard bathhouse; come evening, sit by the sleek suspended fireplace.

8. The Monty, Anglesea

the bedroom at The Monty, Anglesea — Bed down at the vintage motel, The Monty.

Palm Springs makes an entrance on the Great Ocean Road with the opening of The Monty in October 2025. Its vintage motel meets modern muse at this playful boutique stay complete with pool and a vibrant Mexican cantina. You’re just a stroll from the beach here, which tells us it’s ripe for summer vacays this season.

9. Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura

vibrant bedroom wall and pillows at Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura — The bright and retro-style bedroom at Trentham Waters Resort.

Another new property lands in regional Victoria in time for an endless summer with Trentham Waters Resort expected to open by February 2026. Breezy, subtly retro and brightened by the big Mallee sky, this river’s-edge escape is perfect for settling in for a spell with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. There’s a lagoon-style pool, riverside hot tubs and onsite dining for all your relaxation requirements.

10. Crowne Plaza, Geelong

the Trattoria Bar in Crowne Plaza, Geelong — Sink a cold one at the Trattoria Bar.

Geelong is getting its own Crowne Plaza in 2026. Its arrival on the waterfront will make it the city’s largest (and newest) hotel with 200 contemporary rooms and suites, a Skybar, all-day dining, indoor pool and gym, and event spaces. Keep it on your radar.

11. Re’em, Yarra Valley

a private tub with lush views at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Sip and soak in tranquillity.

With verdant Yarra Valley views that take in the linear beauty of tended grapevines, the 16 suites and rooms at Re’em are set amid the Helen & Joey Estate and invite sipping and sitting in tranquillity. The onsite restaurant deftly balances Chinese and Australian flavours and if you’re staying over the weekend, be tempted out of your stylish room for yum cha that features delicate handmade dumplings and vineyard vistas.

12. Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians

the yard front door of Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — Spend an overnight stay in the Natimuk stone house. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

These 1880-era mountain-adjacent digs have been tenderly restored to provide rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers a chic place to rest. You’ll find four bedrooms in the Natimuk stone house, as well as a heated pool out the back and plenty of luxe embellishments. There’s also a two-person ‘Crash Pad’ in the confines of the Clubhouse with its own separate entrance.

the lounge at Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — The Crash Pad offers a resting place for rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

Every breathtaking Geelong beach to uncover this summer