Beaches

Port Phillip Bay beaches are not suitable for swimming or surfing until further notice. 
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has declared poor water quality across all Port Phillip Bay beaches due to flood waters.
Beaches are currently not suitable for swimming, fishing or other recreational activity until the situation is under control.
Stay up to date on changing conditions at the Environment Protection Authority's Beach Report website.

With 192km of coastline, two bays plus ocean beaches there are plenty of options to enjoy the beach on the Peninsula.

The sandy and shallow Port Phillip beaches of Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento are perfect for swimming. The ocean beaches of Sorrento, Portsea, Gunnamatta and Point Leo offer good surfing, but also have dangerous rips, so care should be taken to only swim between the flags. Before your visit, don’t forget to check current weather conditions and lifesaving services on the Beach Safe website or lookup which beaches are patrolled by Surf Life Saving Austrlalia. 

Boat ramps

Information about annual boat ramp permits, daily tickets, fees and locations relating to local boat ramps.

Camping

Seaside Camping right beside the sparkling sea, just over the road from the friendly villages of Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento.

Our Beaches and Foreshores

With over 190 kilometres of coastline along Port Phillip and Western Port, the Mornington Peninsula Shire has a strong interest and long-standing commitment to being leaders in coastal planning and management. The Shire has developed a suite of coastal and marine management plans to guide the management and future of our coastlines.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Boating and Swimming Zones

Mornington Peninsula Shire has boating zones and dedicated swimming only (areas prohibited to all vessels) zones on Port Phillip Bay for the beaches between Mt Eliza and Portsea. The zones are clearly marked by navigation markers located on the water and signage on the shore.

Accessible Recreation

View information on accessible reaction, beach matting, accessible beach wheelchair hire, Liberty Swing locations on the Mornington Peninsula and how to plan an inclusive and accessible event for everyone.

Dogs on Beaches

Learn more about where you can exercise your dog, which beaches have leash-free areas. Whenever you are exercising your dog on the beach, make sure to keep an eye out for signs indicating whether dogs are allowed on the beach, and whether they are required to be on lead. It is always recommended to keep your dog on lead until you reach a leash free zone where you can unclip them.

Beach Patrol

Beach Patrol is a chain of voluntary groups that clean up the beaches and foreshore. Every month, volunteers meet at designated areas to pick up rubbish.

Beach Report - Beach Water Quality Forecasts

Beach Report keeps you informed of the recreational water quality at beaches around Port Phillip Bay through daily forecasts and SMS alerts to let you know whether the water is suitable for swimming.

Wildlife on Beaches

Wildlife is a common sight on the Peninsula and seals occasionally visit our beaches. Learn more about what you can do it you see injured wildlife or wildlife that is in danger.