6 must-visit beaches near Geelong

Imagine slow beach strolls, surfing up the waves, having an ocean swim, snorkelling by the shore or relaxing on the sand. Experience your favourite beach past-times along the coastline by adding these six locations to your itinerary.

Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads

Find solitude along this 5km stretch of windswept coastline. With a backdrop of dunes and coastal scrub, Thirteenth Beach’s desolation offers a mesmerising seascape to explore. 

Situated on the southern end of the Bellarine Peninsula in Barwon Heads, the turquoise seas swell with waves that attract popularity with surfers. Particularly frequented by experienced and expert surfers, this surf coast offers a variety of conditions.

Bells Beach

If you’re a surfer, you’ve most likely heard of Bells Beach. Renowned to be one of the world’s best beaches for surfing, it’s home to the world’s longest running surf carnival — Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro. Attracting surfers and spectators around the world for the Easter long weekend, the event has the beach swelling with energy as the best surfers compete for the beloved Bell Trophy. 

The waves can rise as high as five metres, but on average stay between three to four metres. To paddle in the bright blue waters among soaring cliffs and ride these waves is known to be an exhilarating experience. For non-surfers, definitely head to the clifftop lookout to see it from a breathtaking view.

Ocean Grove Main Beach

This south-coast spot is one of the most family-friendly surf beaches in the area and is patrolled in summer. Popular with both locals and travellers, its blend of gentle waves and wide soft sand makes for a relaxing few hours by the water. With plenty of room to spread out — whether finding your own quiet spot or with a group — you can take a dip in the ocean before playing cricket on the sand, hit up the children's playground, or wind down with a good book.

Queenscliff Beach

This three-beach, three kilometre stretch of coastline is more than known to have some of the cleanest water bayside. Located on the south-eastern side of the peninsula, it has softer waves and wide shallow surf zones. This makes this quaint stretch of shoreline a calming atmosphere and a great place for a swim. It also has a few picnic areas at the beach reserve behind, and a walk track to explore. 

Portarlington Swimming Beach

The ebb and flow of calm shallow waters adds to the charm of Portarlington Beach and its tranquility and seaside bliss. Its long wide beach and flat soft sands makes it popular for slow beach strolls, whereas the gentle seaside makes it safe (and fun) for families with young children. As part of the scenery, at the end of the foreshore stands a long pier that’s surrounded by small fishing boats. 

Point Lonsdale Beach

There is so much to do at Point Lonsdale Beach, making it a crowd pleaser for travellers to return to time and time again. A protected bay beach with calm waters makes it a safe spot for swimming, as well as for families with kids. Point Lonsdale also has the back beach that attracts surfers to catch waves daily.

Time it well for low tide, and be mesmerised by hundreds of rock pools to spot sea creatures like crabs, octopus and mollusks. Before you head off, be sure to stroll along the jetty for views of the lighthouse and spectacular, calm coastline. 

Looking for the ultimate 7-day road trip exploring the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road? Check this out.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.