Explore more with SmartPage 39 www.visitor.com.au www.visitor.com.au SmartPage Enjoy our Magical Peninsula The picturesque Mornington Harbour makes a great vantage point to view the fishing fleet or fish from the pier itself.
Rosebud boasts an abundance of boat hire facilities and at Rye, the jetty is home to several charter and fishing boats.
OUR PENINSULA IS KNOWN FOR ITS FABULOUS BEACHES AND WATER ACTIVITIES AND IT S EASY TO SEE WHY SO MANY PEOPLE FLOCK HERE ALL YEAR ROUND.
There s no better way to spend a sun-drenched day than lazing on the sand staring out at the glistening ocean while filling your lungs with fresh sea air.
But we re also spoilt with some stunning hinterland areas full of walking tracks and parks with enormous trees to provide welcome shade when the beach is a little too hot and crowded.
BEACHES AROUND THE BAY We all have our favourite spots but Summer s a good time to go exploring and try some of the beaches just a little further from home.
Frankston waterfront is always buzzing with great swimming, yachting and boating activities.
The long pier and boardwalk are a great way to take in the magic and our local Life Saving Club patrols the beach over summer.
There are some great picnic and barbeque facilities plus a kid s playground on the foreshore which is ideal for families and even many locals don t realize that this is rated as Victoria s favourite beach and has even won Australia s Cleanest Beach Award.
The stretch of coast from Mount Eliza to Mornington has some lovely beaches too, including Daveys Bay and Half Moon Bay.
A spectacular place to enjoy the sunset is Canadian Bay with picnic tables and toilet facilities nearby.
Mornington is a hub of water activity around the harbor and has some patrolled swimming beaches during summer and great facilities for families.
The boardwalk and lookouts around Schnapper Point offer beautiful scenery and are definitely worth a visit.
Continuing down the coastline from Safety Beach to Rosebud there are many sheltered locations to choose from.
This area is very popular with holiday makers and families as picnic shelters, barbecues and playgrounds are dotted all along this section of coast.
On windy days, kite surfers love to get out around Rosebud foreshore and are amazing to watch in action.
Stand Up Paddle SUP will be set up on Dromana foreshore this year so why not try something new, have fun and get some exercise at the same time.
In Rye and Blairgowrie, popular spots are opposite the shopping strips with easy access to amenities and picnic areas.
Rye is fantastic for snorkeling and the pier here is home to Octopuses Garden , an amazing underwater trail offering a unique experience.
The community built playground is also nearby on the large grassy lawns and will keep the kids entertained for hours.
And for the more adventurous ones, Rye pier hosts Melbourne s only parasailing experience so book in early and soar high above the bay for some incredible views that you ll be talking about all summer.
Heading down into Sorrento, there are lovely shady picnic spots to choose from with breathtaking scenery that beckons you to stop.
A few hours can easily be lazed away watching the action on the water or the Sorrento to Queenscliff car ferry which departs every hour.
Stand Up Paddle SUP operates here so if you need an extra workout, the experienced staff will have you gliding along the bay in no time.
OCEAN BEACHES With many beaches along our rugged coastline patrolled during peak holiday times, families should only swim during these times and stay between the red and yellow flags.
Strong rips, currents and tides can change very quickly in these parts and it s important to watch the lifeguards for updates and information.
For any keen surfers out there, the beaches from Portsea to Gunnamatta are only suitable for those who are very experienced.
Definitely not for beginners, this stretch of water is ranked as one of the worlds most dangerous.
Sorrento back beach is a popular destination as it is patrolled by the Lifesaving Club and has great facilities including a kiosk and restaurant.
At low tide, the rock pools here are a fun activity where the kids can check out marine wildlife and find all sorts of aquatic creatures.
The popular Point Leo Surf Beach is also patrolled in summer and with a location several kilometres inside the entrance to Western Port Bay provides some protection from high ocean waves.
The large foreshore reserve also has a kiosk, camping grounds, picnic area and barbeque facilities.
Westernport Bay offers some lovely sheltered beaches around Merricks, Balnarring Somers.
Also blessed with a wide foreshore reserve area, there are many areas with great facilities to set up for the day.
STAY SAFE ON THE WATER No matter which beach you choose, it s very important to remember to stay safe.
Tides and currents can change very quickly and you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Swim only at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags.
Read safety signs and if unsure of conditions, ask a lifeguard for advice.
Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifeguards.
Never swim alone or unsupervised.
Always check the depth of the water and don t run or dive in the water as water conditions can change very quickly.
If you get into trouble, stay calm and raise one arm to attract attention.
Don t swim directly after a meal or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Always remember your 30 sunscreen, t-shirt and hat.
Remember to keep the beach clean and find a bin for rubbish or take it home.