Swimming – Mornington Peninsula

Swimmers are spoilt for choice on the Mornington Peninsula. On the bay side, calm waters and golden sand beaches extend from Melbourne's doorstep along the peninsula to the bay’s entrance. This almost unbroken string of sandy beaches links Frankston with the inlets around Mount Eliza and Mount Martha, and the long expanse from Safety Beach, to Dromana, Rosebud and Rye to Sorrento and Portsea.

On the ocean side, the surf rolls in relentlessly from Bass Strait to the sandy shores of Portsea, Sorrento, Rye and Gunnamatta beaches. Western Port offers a little of everything – on the ocean side surf beaches suit stronger swimmers and body surfers, and families and paddlers head for the calmer waters at Shoreham and Somers.

Take care and swim between the red and yellow put out by lifeguards and lifesavers who patrol beaches during peak holiday times. For further information on patrolled beaches contact the local visitor information centres.