Warrnambool - Stingray Bay

Stingray Bay is a small, sheltered cove at the mouth of the Merri River, tucked between the Warrnambool Breakwater and Middle Island. At low tide, a short sandy beach and rock platforms are exposed, providing families with opportunities for rock-pool exploration, beachcombing, birdwatching and photography. Coastal paths connect the bay with the Breakwater, Pickering Point and Thunder Point.

Beach length: Approximately 150 metres
Beachsafe hazard rating: 4/10 - moderately hazardous
Patrol: Unpatrolled
Best time to visit: Low tide
Access: Short walk from Viaduct Road

Features:

Small sandy cove exposed around low tide
Rock platforms and rock pools
Views of Middle Island, Pickering Point and the Breakwater
Shorebird and marine-life observation
Access to the coastal walking tracks towards Thunder Point
Good location for beachcombing and photography

Facilities:

Parking on Viaduct Road
Public toilets
Showers
Drinking water
Walking paths and a footbridge near the beach

Safety:

Stingray Bay is unpatrolled and has no lifesaving service.
The sandbar is usually covered by water at high tide. Check the tides and ensure that rising water cannot cut off your return route.
Strong currents and undertows can occur near the river mouth and surrounding coastline.
Closely supervise children near the water.
Rock platforms can be slippery and may be struck by unexpected waves.
Access can temporarily close following storms or coastal damage. Observe all signs and barriers.

Middle Island:

Middle Island is permanently closed to the public to protect little penguins, short-tailed shearwaters and other vulnerable birds. Do not attempt to cross to the island, even when a sandbar is exposed at very low tide.

Marine Sanctuary:

Stingray Bay is within the Merri Marine Sanctuary. Fishing and collecting fish, shellfish, bait or other marine life are prohibited. Families can look at creatures in the rock pools but should leave them where they are.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are prohibited at Stingray Bay throughout the year, including dogs on a lead. This restriction protects shorebirds using the beach and wildlife on Middle Island.

Opening Hours:

There are no set opening hours, but the exposed beach is best visited around low tide.

Location

61 Viaduct Road, Warrnambool 3280 View Map

Web Links

→ beachsafe.org.au/beach/vic/warrnambool/warrnambool/merri