Ocean Grove Main Beach
A stunning, family-friendly beach on Victoria's coast, offering expansive sands, mild surf, and breathtaking sunrise views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Ocean Grove Main Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, family-friendly beach on Victoria's coast, offering expansive sands, mild surf, and breathtaking sunrise views.
"One of the best beaches near Melbourne that is worth visiting."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The free car park gets busy fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays to snag a spot.
🚩 Swim Between Flags
Lifeguards patrol seasonally. Always swim between the flags for safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shores
Ocean Grove Main Beach
Wide, flat, packed sand perfect for frisbee, kite flying, or simply spreading out. Low tide reveals ample space.
Sunrise Spectacle
Ocean Grove Main Beach
Witness breathtaking sunrises painting the sky over the ocean. A truly beautiful and serene experience.
Rock Pool Exploration
Left of the Life Saving Club ramp at low tide
Discover fascinating marine life in the rock pools, a delightful activity for kids at low tide.
Coastal Views
Ocean Grove Main Beach
Enjoy stunning panoramic views stretching from Barwon River Mouth to Point Lonsdale lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Seasonal Patrols & Dog Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The free car park gets busy fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays to snag a spot.
🚩 Swim Between Flags
Lifeguards patrol seasonally. Always swim between the flags for safety.
🐶 Dog Beach Nearby
No dogs on main beach peak season, but a dog beach is just 1km down the road.
🏄♀️ Surf Conditions
Great for boogie boarding and surfing outside flags. Serious surfers might prefer Raffs or 13th.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The free car park gets busy fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays to snag a spot.
🚩 Swim Between Flags
Lifeguards patrol seasonally. Always swim between the flags for safety.
🐶 Dog Beach Nearby
No dogs on main beach peak season, but a dog beach is just 1km down the road.
🏄♀️ Surf Conditions
Great for boogie boarding and surfing outside flags. Serious surfers might prefer Raffs or 13th.
🧘♀️ Gentle Yoga Sessions
Look out for community yoga sessions on the beach for a mindful start to the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ocean Grove Main Beach's stunning coastline, expansive sandy shores, and family-friendly atmosphere. The clean facilities and beautiful sunrise views are frequently praised. However, parking can be a significant challenge during peak times, and dog restrictions apply during the summer season.
"Stunning coastline with views all the way from Barwon River Mouth to Point Lonsdale lighthouse from Ocean Grove main surf beach. A family friendly beach patrolled beach (seasonal) and lots of room to spread out on the sand especially low tide and grassed areas looking down on the water. Modern clean toilet shower facilities cafe and restaurant kids playground and life saving club for a cold ale at the end of your beach day. No dogs during peak season but there is one dog beach about 1km down the road for your furry mates. Rock pools to the left of the lifeboat ramp at low tide to explore for the kids. There is plenty of chances to boogie board or surf outside the flags depending on conditions but the more serious surfer maybe better at Raffs or 13th especially at peak times. There is a big free carpark but on those hot days it can be difficult to get one as it get very busy over the summer. Watch for Rips and swim between the flags when they are out and enjoy one of the best beaches in Victoria"
Vicki Pickett
"Beautiful beach. Wide flat packed sandy area for frisky throwing, ball kicking, kite flying, playing cricket, or a catch. We walked all the way to the end where Barwon Head Bridge is. It took about 20 mins from the main area. A popular spot for paragliding."
Fina Lay
"One of the best beaches near melbourne that is worth visiting. Site is clean and the toilets are clean. There are private showers so you can easily shower and change. Lovely visit especially on weekdays. Weekend is normally super packed. Great for surfing."
Indaylakwatsera Gamay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean Grove Main Beach is easily accessible by car, with a large free car park available. It's a popular destination on the Bellarine Peninsula, often mentioned in travel guides for the region.
Yes, parking can be very difficult, especially during hot summer days and weekends. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to secure a spot in the free car park.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, it's generally accessible via bus services to Ocean Grove. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Access is generally straightforward from the main car park, with clear paths leading onto the sand. The beach is wide and flat, making it easy to navigate.
Yes, the Barwon River Mouth and Point Lonsdale lighthouse are visible and accessible from the beach, offering further exploration opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ocean Grove Main Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. The large car park is also free.
As a public beach, it is accessible at all times. However, lifeguard patrols are seasonal, and facilities like toilets and showers have standard operating hours.
No booking is required to visit Ocean Grove Main Beach. It's a public space, but arriving early is advised due to parking limitations.
During peak season, dogs are not allowed on the main beach. Lifeguard presence is seasonal, so swimming between flags is crucial when they are on duty.
Information about lifeguard patrol times is typically displayed at the beach or can be found on local surf life saving club websites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, kite flying, beach games, and exploring rock pools at low tide. Sunrise viewing is also a popular activity.
Yes, it's a family-friendly beach with a wide, flat sandy area, mild surf, and a playground nearby. Rock pools are also a hit with kids.
Yes, there are modern, clean toilet and shower facilities available, including private showers for changing.
The surf can be great for boogie boarding and surfing outside the flags, depending on conditions. More experienced surfers might prefer nearby spots like Raffs or 13th.
Dogs are not permitted on the main beach during peak season. However, there is a dedicated dog beach located about 1km down the road.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants located near the beach, as well as a life saving club where you can enjoy a drink.
Absolutely! Packing a picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend the whole day. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Options range from casual cafes to restaurants, catering to various tastes. The life saving club offers a place for a relaxed ale.
While not explicitly mentioned, the grassy areas overlooking the water could be suitable for picnics. It's always a good idea to check for designated picnic areas.
Yes, the Life Saving Club is mentioned as a place to get a cold ale, suggesting it likely has some food or beverage service.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers stunning light and colors, making it a prime time for photographers. Early mornings generally provide softer light and fewer crowds.
The expansive sandy shores, the coastline views towards Point Lonsdale, and the rock pools at low tide are all highly photogenic. The sunrise itself is a major draw.
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the beach and coastline. Look for interesting compositions with the waves and sand textures. Capturing the sunrise is a must.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current Australian drone laws and any local restrictions before flying. Always fly responsibly and maintain visual line of sight.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing surfers or distant details. Protecting your gear from sand and salt spray is crucial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Convenient facilities like clean toilets, showers, and a nearby playground make a day at the beach much easier. While dogs aren't allowed on the main beach in peak season, a dog-friendly beach is just a short walk away, so the whole family can enjoy the coast.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
For those seeking more challenging breaks, experienced surfers often head to nearby spots like Raffs or 13th. It's always wise to check local conditions and be aware of the surf and any potential rips.
📸 Photography Buffs
The expansive coastal views stretching towards Point Lonsdale lighthouse are also a major draw. The beach's wide sandy expanse and the intricate details of the rock pools at low tide provide diverse subjects for your lens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Water Sports
The beach's wide, flat sandy area is also ideal for other beach activities like frisbee, kite flying, and ball games. At low tide, the rock pools to the left of the life-saving club ramp provide a safe and engaging environment for children to explore marine life.
It's important to note that while the beach is generally family-friendly with mild surf, conditions can change. Always be aware of the surf conditions, watch for rips, and swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty.
Family-Friendly Features
A significant draw for families are the rock pools located to the left of the life-saving club ramp. At low tide, these pools teem with small marine creatures, providing hours of educational and fun exploration for kids. The presence of clean toilet and shower facilities, including private changing rooms, adds to the convenience for families.
While dogs are not permitted on the main beach during peak season, a dedicated dog beach is located just a kilometer away, ensuring that all family members, including furry ones, can enjoy the coastal environment. The nearby playground also adds to the family appeal of the area.
Photography Opportunities
The expansive coastline provides dramatic vistas, with views stretching all the way from the Barwon River Mouth to the Point Lonsdale lighthouse. The interplay of light on the wide, flat sand, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, creates beautiful photographic moments. The rock pools at low tide also offer intricate details and reflections for macro photography.
Whether you're using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the beach or a telephoto lens to focus on surfers or distant landmarks, Ocean Grove Main Beach provides a diverse and rewarding landscape for photography enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit