Warrnambool - Lady Bay Main Beach
Lady Bay Main Beach is Warrnambool's principal swimming beach, extending approximately 3.5 kilometres from the Warrnambool Breakwater to Point Ritchie at the mouth of the Hopkins River.
The western end near the breakwater is sheltered from much of the Southern Ocean swell, while waves and rip currents generally become stronger towards the surf lifesaving club and Point Ritchie. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, yachting, beach walking and relaxing on the sand.
Lady Bay was once a busy port, and more than 29 shipwrecks are recorded within the bay. Interpretive signs along the foreshore describe some of the ships and maritime tragedies associated with the coastline.
Beach length: Approximately 3.5 km
Beachsafe hazard rating: 6/10 - moderately hazardous
Patrol: Seasonal patrols near Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club
Main access: Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club, 76 Pertobe Road
Accessible access: McGennans car park, Pertobe Road
Activities include:
- Swimming between the red and yellow flags when patrols are operating
- Surfing and windsurfing
- Yachting and other boating activities
- Beach walking and running
- Exploring Warrnambool's maritime history through foreshore signs
- Walking, cycling, skating or using a mobility aid along the adjoining sealed Foreshore Promenade
- Watching permitted racehorses training along the waterline
- Several car parks and beach access points
- Public toilets, change rooms and showers
- Drinking water
- Picnic shelters and barbecues
- Food kiosks, cafes and shops
- Playgrounds and parkland in the adjoining Lake Pertobe precinct
- The sealed Foreshore Promenade
- An accessible beach ramp at McGennans car park
- Accessible parking and an accessible amenities building near the McGennans ramp
- Beach wheelchairs available to hire free of charge through Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club
Lifesaving Services:
Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club patrols a designated section of Lady Bay during the summer season and on selected busy weekends. Patrol dates and times vary, so check the current Beachsafe patrol information.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags when they are displayed. The remainder of the beach is unpatrolled.
Beach Safety:
Wave height averages less than 0.5 metres near the breakwater, increases to approximately 1.3 metres near the surf lifesaving club and can exceed 1.5 metres towards Point Ritchie.
Rip currents begin around the surf club area and generally increase in size and strength towards Point Ritchie and the Hopkins River mouth. Conditions can change quickly, and the more sheltered appearance of Lady Bay does not mean the entire beach is safe for swimming.
Supervise children closely, keep clear of boating operations near the harbour and avoid swimming near the Hopkins River mouth. Racehorses may train on the hard sand under permit, so give horses and riders plenty of room.
Accessibility:
An accessible beach ramp extends from McGennans car park towards the sand. Accessible parking bays and an accessible amenities building are located nearby.
Beach wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge from Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club. Contact the club before visiting to confirm availability and arrange collection.
Access for Dogs:
Different dog regulations apply to separate sections of Lady Bay:
From the Breakwater to the Flume, dogs are permitted on leash from April 1 to November 30. Dogs are prohibited from this section between December 1 and March 31.
From the Flume east to the western side of the Hopkins River, dogs may be exercised off leash throughout the year. They must remain under effective voice control, and owners must carry a leash and use it when required.
Dogs must remain on a leash on the Foreshore Promenade and are prohibited within the adjoining Lake Pertobe Reserve. Owners must carry waste bags and remove their dog's droppings.
Opening Hours:
The beach is accessible at all times, but swimming is recommended only when lifesavers are present and the red and yellow flags are displayed.
Location
76 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool 3280 View Map
Web Links
→ www.beachsafe.com.au/beach/vic/warrnambool/warrnambool/warrnambool
