The Best Hidden Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula, located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is a stunning stretch of coastline that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria. While some of these beaches are well-known and heavily frequented by tourists, there are also many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we will explore seven of the best hidden beaches on the Mornington Peninsula.

1. Bushrangers Bay: Bushrangers Bay is a secluded beach located at the end of a 2.6 km walking trail in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The trail is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. The beach itself is small and rocky, but it is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a sense of seclusion and tranquillity that is hard to find on other, more popular beaches. It’s important to note that swimming at Bushrangers Bay can be dangerous, as the currents can be strong, so exercise caution if you do decide to take a dip. Read and see more about Bushrangers Bay here!
2. Diamond Bay: Diamond Bay is another hidden gem that requires a bit of effort to access. To get to this beach, you’ll need to follow a steep walking trail that winds down the side of a cliff. The trail is challenging, but the reward at the end is well worth it. Diamond Bay is a secluded beach with crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations that are perfect for exploring. It’s important to note that there are no facilities at Diamond Bay, so make sure to bring all the supplies you need for the day.
3. The Pillars: The Pillars is a series of rock formations located on the coast of Mount Martha. The area is a popular spot for cliff jumping, but it’s also home to a secluded beach that can only be accessed by climbing down the rocks. The beach itself is small and rocky, but the surrounding cliffs and turquoise water make it a truly stunning location. It’s important to exercise caution when swimming at The Pillars, as the cliff jumping can be dangerous.
4. Bridgewater Bay: Bridgewater Bay is a quiet, secluded beach that’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds. The beach is located on the western side of the Mornington Peninsula and is accessible via a walking trail that winds through the surrounding forest. The beach is relatively sheltered, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, especially in rock pools. You can also cliff jump here.. however, safety is a key concern and there are incidences of serious injuries. There are also no lifeguards patrolling here.
5. Somers Beach: Somers Beach is a hidden gem that’s located on the western side of the Mornington Peninsula. The beach is relatively small, and a little “off the radar”. The water at Somers Beach is relatively calm, making it a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also near a good cafe/restaurant, Somers General Store.
6. Fishermans Beach: Fishermans Beach is a quiet, secluded beach that’s located in the coastal town of Mornington. The beach is relatively small, but it’s surrounded by beach boxes and offers beautiful coastline views, and is close the Mornington. The water at Fishermans Beach is relatively calm, making it a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
7. St. Andrews Beach: St. Andrews Beach is a stunning, secluded beach that’s located on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula. The beach is accessible via a walking trail that winds through the surrounding sand dunes. The beach is relatively untouched and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. It’s important to note that this is a surf beach without lifeguards. Have high safety considerations.

Read more about top Mornington Peninsula day trips and itineraries here!