
Thirteenth Beach Barwon Heads
A stunning, expansive beach on the Bellarine Peninsula, perfect for surfing, scenic walks, and peaceful relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, perfect for peaceful walks

Thirteenth Beach Barwon Heads
Best Time
Quieter, perfect for peaceful walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, expansive beach on the Bellarine Peninsula, perfect for surfing, scenic walks, and peaceful relaxation.
"Beautiful quiet beach. Clean. Beautiful."

🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots, but can get busy on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots!
🚶♀️ Perfect for Beach Walks
Enjoy long, scenic walks along the shore. Great for both humans and dogs!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thirteenth Beach Surf
Thirteenth Beach
Renowned for consistent waves, this beach is a surfer's paradise. Catch a wave or simply enjoy the dynamic ocean views.

Barwon Bluff Walk
Barwon Bluff
Scenic coastal walk offering world-class views of the landscape. Keep an eye out for marine life.

Sunset Serenity
Thirteenth Beach
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the ocean. A perfect, peaceful end to a day at the beach.

Dog-Friendly Shores
Thirteenth Beach
A fantastic spot for dogs to roam and play. Enjoy the beach with your furry friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Vibe
Plan for Parking and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots, but can get busy on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots!
🚶♀️ Perfect for Beach Walks
Enjoy long, scenic walks along the shore. Great for both humans and dogs!
🏄♀️ Surfer's Delight
Consistent waves make it a prime spot for surfing. Beginners and experienced surfers welcome.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning views. Limited food options nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots, but can get busy on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots!
🚶♀️ Perfect for Beach Walks
Enjoy long, scenic walks along the shore. Great for both humans and dogs!
🏄♀️ Surfer's Delight
Consistent waves make it a prime spot for surfing. Beginners and experienced surfers welcome.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning views. Limited food options nearby.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Clear skies make it an excellent location for stargazing.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends will love it here! Many visitors bring their dogs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Thirteenth Beach's stunning natural beauty, clean shores, and peaceful atmosphere. It's a popular spot for surfing, long walks, and enjoying the ocean's grandeur. While amenities are basic, the serene environment and dog-friendly nature make it a beloved coastal escape.
"Clean beach, you can go for surfing or just have a picnic. Lots of parking available.
Good area for star gazing as well"
Udit Chetia
"beautiful beach with such a mind blowing scenic view of the ocean, waves at first sight. The sound of waves was wonderful and felt very connected with nature! awesome"
Sue
"Beautiful quiet beach. Clean. Beautiful"
Chantelle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thirteenth Beach is located west of Barwon Heads. If driving from Melbourne, it's about a 1.5 to 2-hour journey. Many visitors from Geelong also find it an easy drive, often less than 30 minutes. Parking is available near the beach access points.
Public transport options to Barwon Heads are limited. While there are bus services to the general area, direct access to Thirteenth Beach might require a taxi or ride-share from the nearest bus stop. It's generally recommended to drive.
The drive from Geelong to Thirteenth Beach is straightforward and typically takes around 20-30 minutes. You can follow local roads towards Barwon Heads.
Yes, the drive along the Surf Coast towards Barwon Heads offers beautiful coastal scenery. Consider taking the scenic route if time permits.
Thirteenth Beach is part of the wider Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast region, which includes attractions in Geelong, Torquay, and Ocean Grove.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Thirteenth Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. Access is free for everyone.
Thirteenth Beach is open 24/7, as it is a natural beach. However, facilities like the surf club may have specific operating hours.
No booking is required to visit Thirteenth Beach. It's a public space, so you can simply show up and enjoy.
General beach rules apply, such as respecting the environment and other visitors. Dogs are welcome, but always check local signage for specific leash requirements.
The Thirteenth Beach Lifesaving Club operates during the warmer months and on busy days. It's always advisable to swim between the flags if lifeguards are present.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy surfing, swimming, beach walking, picnicking, and dog walking. The Barwon Bluff walk nearby offers stunning coastal views.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Kids can enjoy playing on the sand, and the calmer sections of the beach are suitable for swimming. The sunset walks are also family-friendly.
Absolutely! Thirteenth Beach is very dog-friendly, and many visitors enjoy walking their pets along the shore.
Basic facilities like parking are available. There are no extensive amenities directly on the beach, so it's best to bring your own food and drinks.
It can get busy on weekends and during peak season, but it's generally less crowded than some other popular beaches, offering a more peaceful experience. Weekdays are usually very quiet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants directly on Thirteenth Beach. You'll need to head into Barwon Heads or nearby towns for dining options.
Barwon Heads offers several cafes and eateries. A popular local recommendation is the award-winning pies from Rolling Pin Pies.
Yes, Thirteenth Beach is an ideal spot for a picnic. There are plenty of open spaces to set up and enjoy the ocean views.
While not explicitly mentioned, public parks near beaches often have BBQ facilities. It's best to check local council information for Barwon Heads.
Barwon Heads has a range of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, often featuring fresh, local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch of beach offers stunning ocean vistas. The Barwon Bluff provides dramatic coastal backdrops, and sunset is a prime time for photography.
Capture sweeping ocean views, surfers catching waves, coastal landscapes, and beautiful sunsets. It's also a great place for dog photography.
The open space and scenic views make it potentially good for drone photography, but always check and adhere to local drone regulations and airspace restrictions.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear ocean shots.
The unique proximity to the 13th hole of the golf course offers a blend of coastal and golfing scenery for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The beach is a fantastic place for a relaxed family picnic, allowing everyone to enjoy the coastal scenery. It's also a great spot for children to experience the joy of a wide, open beach.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be sure to bring a leash for when you're near other visitors or in designated off-leash areas. The vastness of the beach means there's plenty of space for dogs to explore safely, making it a truly enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Beach Lovers
Beyond surfing, the beach offers a serene environment for those who simply love the ocean. Enjoy long walks, relax on the sand, or take in the spectacular coastal views. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect escape for anyone seeking a connection with the sea.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Water Sports
Beyond surfing, the ocean here is great for swimming, though it's always recommended to be aware of currents and swim between the flags if lifeguards are on duty. The Thirteenth Beach Lifesaving Club plays a vital role in ensuring safety during the warmer months.
For those interested in other water activities, the general coastal environment of the Bellarine Peninsula offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding in calmer bays, though Thirteenth Beach itself is more suited to wave-based sports.
Coastal Walks and Scenery
Thirteenth Beach itself is perfect for long, leisurely walks. The expansive shoreline means you can often find a quiet spot to yourself, even on busier days. It's a popular route for both locals and tourists looking to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh sea air. The beach is also a great place for beachcombing, especially after a storm.
Photographers will find plenty to capture here, from the dramatic cliffs of the bluff to the sweeping sandy expanses and the ever-changing moods of the ocean. Sunset, in particular, paints the sky with incredible colors, making it a magical time to be on the beach.
Dog-Friendly Environment
When visiting with dogs, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other beachgoers and to keep your dog under control, especially if they are prone to chasing wildlife or other dogs. While the beach is generally spacious, respecting others' space ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.
The wide-open spaces and the natural environment make it an ideal spot for dogs to exercise and play, contributing to its popularity among pet owners in the region.






Social
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