Moyne Beaches Trail
Beyond Port Fairy, the coastline unfurls in a parade of picture-perfect beaches of every type. Follow the trail to remote windswept bays, thundering surf breaks or family-friendly swimming beaches.
Take your pick and create your dream beach day: ambling to distant bluffs, diving into frothy shallows, surfing ocean waves or sinking into a great book while digging your toes into white sand. Seek out a famous or local-favourite fishing spot and haul in a big catch, or pull on your snorkel mask and delve into underwater worlds.
On the Moyne Beaches Trail, every beach offers a whole new experience.
Moyne Beaches Trail Map
1. East Beach
The jewel of Port Fairy! East Beach's 5.8km shoreline curves in a broad arc from Reef Point to the harbour entrance wall. Paddle or swim safely in the shelter of the bay. Dig your toes into the fine, white sand. Read the afternoon away in utter relaxation.
Surf any of the many breaks in the shallow surf zone, including a local favourite that breaks over an old shipwreck. Swim between the flags when lifesavers are patrolling and say hello to the local lifeguards.
East Beach, Port Fairy VIC 3284
2. Pea Soup / South Beach
Safe, small and super-fun. On the south side of Port Fairy, Pea Soup and South Beach are adjoining reef-protected, family-friendly beaches.
Reach the sand from any of three car parks with direct shore access. Families can spend hours discovering curious creatures in the rock pools, building sandcastles and paddling in the shallows.
Both beaches are relatively sheltered, but keep an eye out for submerged rocks and holes, especially at high tide.
Ocean Drive, Port Fairy VIC 3284
3. South Mole
Got swimming on your mind? Head to South Mole, known for its low waves and continuous shallow sandbar. The 200m-long beach faces north-east and is relatively sheltered from ocean swell.
Pack a picnic, your board and some shade. The beach is reached on foot from Martins Point car park by crossing the pedestrian bridge onto Griffiths Island. The island protects the beach, so waves average approximately 0.5m and rips are uncommon.
Martins Point car park, Gipps Street, Port Fairy VIC 3284
4. Killarney Beach
A beach for the ages! This hidden gem offers excellent whiting fishing, snorkelling and paddling in a natural lagoon, abundant birdlife, a boat ramp and seemingly endless beach walking.
Lovely clear water and wide-open spaces set the scene for a relaxing family outing. The approximately one-kilometre-long beach is protected by extensive offshore reefs, so the waves are usually low to calm and rips are uncommon.
Mahoneys Road, Killarney VIC 3283
5. Peterborough Beach
Expect salt spray, breezy fun and beach walks towards distant limestone cliffs. It feels like a world away, yet the beach remains within easy reach of Peterborough's facilities.
This is a true ocean beach with surging waves and a permanent rip near the eastern end. Fishing is popular in the lagoon and from the beach and surrounding rocks. Nearby parking and picnic areas make it easy to spend several hours exploring the foreshore.
11 Irvine Street, Peterborough VIC 3270
6. Childers Cove
A secluded ocean beach where nature rules time and tide. Follow Childers Cove Road from the Great Ocean Road to reach this isolated section of coastline.
The small cove is low and relatively flat, but a permanent rip makes swimming dangerous and swimming is not recommended. Instead, enjoy the secluded setting, walk along the sand when the tide permits and admire some of the largest sea stacks west of the Twelve Apostles.
The access road is partly unsealed, and there are no toilets or other facilities at the beach.
Childers Cove Road, Mepunga VIC 3277
Beach Safety:
Conditions along the Moyne coastline can change quickly. Some beaches are unpatrolled and may contain permanent rips, submerged rocks, reefs, strong currents, deep water and unstable cliffs.
Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. Closely supervise children around all beaches, rock pools, lagoons and waterways. Check the weather, tides and individual Beachsafe information before entering the water.
Access for Dogs:
Dog restrictions vary between beaches and may change during summer. Some beaches and nature reserves prohibit dogs throughout the year. Check the signs at each beach and the current Moyne Shire beach restrictions before visiting.
