Best beaches with rock pools to explore near Melbourne

THERE’S more to Victorian beaches than catching a wave or sunbathing — when the high tide recedes, jewel-like rock pools teeming with life and colour are revealed. Here’s where you can find some of them.

THERE’S more to Victorian beaches than catching a wave or sunbathing — when the tide recedes, little oases are uncovered and reveal their secrets.

Our crystal clear rock pools are teeming with life and colour, from brightly hued nudibranchs and shy crabs to slippery sea stars and delicate shells.

SECRET BEACHES YOU CAN DAYTRIP TO

Each glistening jewel-like pool holds fascinating wonders for young and old, with some even big enough for swimmers looking to channel their inner mermaid.

For young naturalists, Parks Victoria’s Junior Ranger program also holds rock pool rambles during the summer holidays.

Here are the best rock pools within two hours of Melbourne CBD.

LONDON BRIDGE, PORTSEA

The northernmost beach in Mornington Peninsula National Park, London Bridge’s namesake landmark overlooks a shallow rocky platform at low tide.

Forget jostling with the crowds on the bayside beaches — there’s plenty of space at this sandy beach for a dip and ramble through the pools.

Admire the stunning vistas from the clifftop lookout, then take a short walk down a steep ramp to the myriad of pools.

After working up an appetite, the landmark Portsea Hotel is just a four-minute drive away.

THIRTEENTH BEACH, BARWON HEADS

This wide expanse of coastline stretches 4.5km on the Bellarine Peninsula from Black Rock to Barwon Heads, and is a great spot to beat the heat.

The shallow pools are a cool spot for human and dog alike, with pooches allowed on most sections of the beach year-round. It’s also a great spot for collecting sea glass.

If you don’t mind braving a throng of beachgoers, Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary is around the corner and another top spot for a rock pool ramble.

CAPE SCHANCK

Many tourists wander along the boardwalk for views of the rugged coastline and return to the carpark without discovering these hidden pools past Pebble Beach.

THE PENINSULA’S BEST BEACHES

The biggest pools can only be found by exploring past the aptly-named beach at very low tide, but take extra care, make sure to keep an eye on the tide and heed all warning signs.

Don’t be fooled by the enticing pools either — despite their clarity, some can be metres deep.

EAGLE ROCK, AIREYS INLET

Another spot commonly admired from afar by day-trippers, Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary is tucked in the shadow of Aireys Inlet’s Split Point Lighthouse.

Near the lighthouse made famous by Round The Twist, its swirling waters and kelp forests are popular among snorkellers and divers.

But for those who prefer staying closer to shore, the sanctuary’s rock pools are a haven for animals including crabs, octopuses and molluscs.

Eagle-eyed beachcombers may also spot the spiralled egg cases of Port Jackson sharks on shore.

BRIDGEWATER BAY, BLAIRGOWRIE

After it gained recent Instagram fame, be prepared to share this lush spot with other thrillseeking beachgoers.

The churning waves of Bass Strait cover this small bay at high tide, before revealing a myriad of pools large and small when it recedes.

A huge rock pool at its eastern end is popular among swimmers and jumpers willing to take the plunge into the aquamarine lagoon.

Parking on St Johns Wood Rd is extremely limited, so arrive early.

CAIRNS BAY, FLINDERS

OUR BEST SPOTS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

This secret bay can be a little tricky to spot, owing to its secluded location.

And you’ll have to work for these rock pools by hiking among farmland and above the towering black basalt cliffs before the path makes its way down to the rocky beach.

The reward is a spectacular rock pool sheltered from the sea, although swimming is not recommended at this unpatrolled, isolated bay.

Time your visit right and you may be fortunate enough to witness an unusual sight: a gushing waterfall flowing down to the beach at nearby Tea Tree Bay.

POINT LONSDALE LIGHTHOUSE

A popular spot on the Bellarine Peninsula, this beach is overlooked by one of the few manned lighthouses remaining in Australia.

It forms part of Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, with more than 150 species of colourful sea slugs observed around Point Lonsdale’s waters, according to Parks Victoria.

The pools round the corner at Point Lonsdale pier are also worth exploring.

And keep an eye out for nearby the WWII observation bunker, which was used as part of Victoria’s wartime defence more than half a century ago.

BACK BEACH, SORRENTO

Trade in the serene waters of Port Phillip Bay for the rugged shoreline at Sorrento’s back beach, which has some of the best facilities on the Mornington Peninsula.

You’ll find a kiosk, bathrooms and surf life saving club here, along with a safe swimming hole for the littlies to practice their doggie paddle in when the tide goes down.

A myriad of shimmering rock pools are ready to be explored, covered with slippery strings of Neptune’s Necklace algae.

KITTY MILLER BAY, PHILLIP ISLAND

A little-known adventure playground for those on a budget, this secluded bay is home to rock pools, snorkelling spots and a forgotten shipwreck.

Nestled on Phillip Island’s southwest side, the quiet beach is protected from ocean swell and reveals its maze of rock pools at low tide.

WHERE ARE VICTORIA’S BEST BEACHES?

Rays and other invertebrates can be found on the rocky platforms, and the more adventurous can reach for a snorkel and explore underwater.

If the kids still have energy to burn, strap some study shoes on before traipsing uphill and east to explore the SS Speke wreck and its surrounding rock pools.

BUNURONG MARINE NATIONAL PARK, INVERLOCH

Explore the alien-like landscape on the Bunurong coast 140km southeast of Melbourne, where Eagles Nest juts out as an impressive landmark.

The massive rock formation is but one feature of the 2100ha marine national park, which is home to feather stars, seaweed gardens and more.

Nearby, The Caves is also part of the national park and has a large pool opening out to the sea at low tide.

TOP SAFETY TIPS

• Always swim between the 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

• If beachcombing, wear shoes with good grip

• Keep your hands where you can see them

• Check the tides and conditions before heading out

• Do not touch the highly venomous blue ring octopus

— More tips at beachsafe.org.au and Parks Victoria

Eliza Sum is a Herald Sun digital producer and also co-founder of Melbourne Girls Outside. Follow on Instagram @elizasum