Secret Melbourne beaches you’ve probably never heard of

WANT a day at the seaside without having to battle the crowds? As summer heats up, here’s our pick of the best secret beaches perfect for a day trip.

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AS summer begins to sizzle, there’s nothing more Aussie than beating the heat with a trip to the beach.

But a day at the seaside doesn’t always mean having to battle crowds and children — these hidden Victorian gems are our pick of the best secret beaches perfect for a day trip, plus a few extras for the adventurous beachgoer.

Have a secret spot that you’re keen to share? Post it in the comments below.

PEARSE’S BEACH, BLAIRGOWRIE

Beat the crowds and cliff jumpers at Blairgowrie’s jumping rock and head slightly further east to this quiet beach on the ocean side of Mornington Peninsula. It’s a world away from the bustling shopping strips, with sandy trails that connect to even more remote beaches, where the only rush hour is on the waves when the tide’s up.

RED ROCKS BEACH, POINT ADDIS

A rare quiet spot on the Surf Coast, this beach is so obscure that you’ll struggle to find mention of it on Google. Just off Point Addis, between Torquay and Anglesea, the unpatrolled Red Rocks Beach lives up to its name and is a wild and weathered stretch of beach with nary a footprint on it. This beach is accessible via the Surf Coast Walk from Point Addis to Anglesea, which continues through to Urquhart Buff.

Kilometres of coastline, clear rock pools and off-lead zones for your furry friend are just some of the delights to be enjoyed at this Bellarine Peninsula stunner. Best of all, it’s round the corner from Barwon Heads’ shops so you can snag a takeaway pack of fish and chips and be on the sand before your flake gets cold. Unlike most beaches on this list, Thirteenth is patrolled by life savers from the local surf club.

Don’t be deceived by its name — there are no precious gemstones to be found at Diamond Bay. Named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, this sparkling ocean beach is tucked away behind several blocks of holiday homes and is also a ripper spot for surf fishing. Check the tides before you go, as a spare patch of sand can be a rare commodity at high tide. But beachgoers are often undeterred and roll out a beach towel on the sandstone cliffs instead.

JAWBONE MARINE SANCTUARY, WILLIAMSTOWN

Most beachgoers choose to hit Williamstown’s humming main beach, but a haven for snorkellers is less than a kilometre away. This forgotten seaside pocket is the closest marine sanctuary to Melbourne CBD, with jellyfish, banjo sharks, sea stars and other underwater critters to be discovered in 30ha of protected waters.

SHELLEY BEACH, KILCUNDA

If you’re more of a fossicker than a sunbather, the aptly-named Shelley Beach is about a 90-minute drive down the South Gippsland and Bass highways. Walk past swimmers at the main beach and round the western headland for a private slice of paradise, complete with rockpools, crystal clear water and yes, plenty of seashells to sift through for the perfect take-home souvenir.

Chances are you’ve driven past this bayside haven on scenic Beaconsfield Parade but never thought to stop. It won’t be as quiet as beaches outside of Melbourne, but the historic pier and surrounds make a close by beachside escape from the heaving crowds down the road in St Kilda. It’s a 15-minute jaunt from Melbourne CBD and has a playground, cafes and new toilets nearby, making this an easy beach destination for families.

WOOLAMAI BEACH, PHILLIP ISLAND

Phillip Island is always popular with families in the summer period, but there's plenty of room to spread out and stretch your legs on this 4.2km stretch of golden sand. Rugged cliffs and sweeping waves provide a stunning backdrop, and swimmers are under the watchful eye of life savers at the island’s only surf club. Hikers can also take in the views with a number of walking trails ranging from 4km to 8km.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS …

FAIRY COVE, WILSONS PROMONTORY

It’ll take more than a day trip, plus two hours of trekking by foot before you reach Fairy Cove, but hikers will say it’s worth the walk. The undulating 3.8km walk that leads to the anatomically-named Tongue Point from Darby River will get the heart rate up, but it’s this tiny secluded bay that’s worth stopping at for a refreshing swim. At low tide, you’ll be able to swim over to its neighbouring cove, which is so secret, it doesn’t even have a name.

BUSHRANGERS BAY, CAPE SCHANCK

Another hike-in beach, the path to this Cape Schanck jewel is a picturesque stroll sandwiched between basalt clifftops and rolling farmland. The crashing waves and jagged rocks make a dramatic sight at the end of the 2.5km walk. Swimming at this hazardous beach is not recommended by Parks Victoria, but the sheltered rock pools in the far corner are popular among hikers for a cooling dip at low tide.

BEACH SAFETY

• Always swim between and red and yellow flags

• Read the safety signs

• Ask a lifeguard for safety advice

• Swim with a friend

• If you need help, stay calm and attract attention

— More information at beachsafe.org.au

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