Blairgowrie sits on the Mornington Peninsula, squeezed between Rye and Sorrento at one of the narrowest parts of the coastline. On the Port Phillip side you’ve got a sheltered beach and a long pier; cross the peninsula and you hit Bass Strait in all its wild form — surf, rocks, reef and coastal trails through Mornington Peninsula National Park.
This is Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country, cared for by the Traditional Custodians for thousands of years.
I wouldn’t head to Blairgowrie chasing a long list of famous landmarks. What it does particularly well is give you the chance to experience two very different coastlines in a single day.
Beach And Foreshore
Blairgowrie Beach is a 5 km stretch of sand that works particularly well for family beach days. Because it’s on the Port Phillip side, the water is generally calmer, although that doesn’t mean there are no hazards. The water remains shallow in places out to 200–300 metres offshore, and Beachsafe gives the beach a low general hazard rating of 1/10. Check the conditions before getting in rather than relying on the rating alone.
For swimming and general beach time, this is where I’d start. Toilets, picnic areas and shops are nearby, and the foreshore is easy to access.
Pier And Yacht Squadron
Blairgowrie Pier stretches for almost 280 metres and has another attraction beneath the surface: more than 100 species of nudibranchs have been identified around it. That makes it more than a pier with a nice outlook — it’s also a recognised spot for snorkelling and recreational scuba diving.
You don’t have to get in the water to make the stop worthwhile. The Yacht Club and marina add boating activity to this part of the foreshore, with boats regularly coming and going from the harbour.
Rock Pools And Reef Coast
Cross to the Bass Strait side, and Bridgewater Bay is a completely different proposition from the gentle bay foreshore. Here, the coastline becomes rocky and exposed, with high bluffs and reef flats extending more than 100 metres offshore.
If I had to prioritise, I’d combine Blairgowrie Beach and Bridgewater Bay rather than spend all my time on one side of the peninsula. Together, they show the contrast that makes Blairgowrie interesting.
Bridgewater Bay is better suited to rock-pool exploring and coastal scenery than straightforward swimming. The waves, rocks and reefs introduce considerably more risk than on the bay side.
Check The Tide Before You Go
At Bridgewater Bay, the tide genuinely changes the experience. Low water exposes more of the rock and reef platforms, making the rock pools easier to explore. As the tide comes in, accessible areas shrink, and waves interact differently with the rocks.
Check the tide times before setting out rather than treating them as an afterthought.
The Wild Ocean Coast
Koonya Ocean Beach is an exposed stretch of Bass Strait coastline within Mornington Peninsula National Park, with surf, reefs, dunes and a lookout over the coast.
Parks Victoria warns of unpredictable rips, strong currents, large waves and submerged rocky reefs. Koonya is not a place for a casual swim: it’s unpatrolled, emergency access is limited, and I’d treat it primarily as a walking, fishing or experienced-surfing stop.
The surrounding dunes are also home to Hooded Plovers, so stick to established coastal trails rather than cutting through nesting areas or fragile vegetation.
Coastal Walks And Quieter Beaches
Given the choice between squeezing another town into the day and taking a proper walk along this coastline, I’d take the walk.
The Bridgewater Bay to Diamond Bay section covers about 5 kilometres one way and takes around 1.5 hours. Rated 2/5 for difficulty, it passes Spray Point, Koonya Ocean Beach, Dog’s Head and Jubilee Point.
Another option is the Number 16 Beach to Bridgewater Bay route, covering about 6 kilometres one way in roughly 2 hours. It’s also rated 2/5 and crosses dunes, cliff-top country and smaller ocean beaches.
Parts of these coastal trails follow the old 11-kilometre Lifesaving Track, established in the 1890s after serious shipwrecks. Sixteen strategic points were created to help rescuers reach stranded sailors. That history explains why some of the old access tracks have since become recreational walking routes.
Smaller Coastal Stops
Pearses Beach, Dimmicks Beach and Spray Point make worthwhile additions to a coastal walk, but I wouldn’t treat them as must-see attractions in their own right.
Pearses has rugged terrain, rocks and reefs, with bathing conditions dependent on the tide. I’d include these smaller stops when you’re already exploring the ocean coastline rather than building a separate day around them.
Village And Foreshore Facilities
Along Point Nepean Road, the village has cafes, shops, a supermarket and places to eat close to the foreshore, making Blairgowrie a practical beach stop.
You’ll also find plenty of local holiday rentals and accommodation, including Moody’s Motel opposite the beach and close to Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. I wouldn’t come to Blairgowrie primarily for shopping or food, though; the beach and coastline remain the stronger draws.
Add Your Heading Text Here
I’d tailor the day to what you want from the coast. Swimming, rock-pool exploring and longer walks all work best under different conditions, so the order of your itinerary matters.
Best Time To Visit
For swimming, I’d favour the warmer months. Spring and autumn can be more comfortable for longer coastal walks.
Whatever the season, check the weather forecast, tides and current beach conditions before heading to the ocean side. Summer weekends and holiday periods can also make parking and crowds more challenging.
How Long Do You Need?
How much time I’d allow depends on whether you want a quick look at the Port Phillip foreshore or intend to cross over to the Bass Strait coast.
| If You Have | What I’d Prioritise | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 hours | Blairgowrie Beach, pier and foreshore | Covers the sheltered Port Phillip side without rushing |
| Half a day | Beach, pier and Bridgewater Bay | Gives you the strongest contrast between bay and ocean coastline |
| Full day | Bay side, Bridgewater Bay or Koonya, plus a 5–6 km coastal walk | Enough time to properly explore both sides of the peninsula |
| 1–2 nights | Coast, nearby towns and hot springs | Makes it practical to add Sorrento, Portsea, Peninsula Hot Springs or Alba Thermal Springs |
For me, half a day is the bare minimum if you want to appreciate what makes Blairgowrie tick rather than simply stopping at the beach. A full day is worth allowing if you want to tackle one of the longer coastal walks.
Getting Around
A car is the practical choice if you want to explore both coastlines. Individual areas are walkable, but driving makes it much easier to connect Port Phillip to Bass Strait and continue on to Rye, Sorrento, Portsea or the hot springs.
Choosing Between Nearby Coastal Towns
I’d choose Blairgowrie when beaches, walking and access to both Port Phillip and Bass Strait matter most. Rye is a better bet if you want a larger foreshore-oriented town base, while Sorrento has the edge for shopping, dining and heritage attractions.
They’re close enough to combine easily, so there’s little reason to treat them as competing destinations unless you’re particularly short on time.
Nearby Places To Add To Your Trip
Rye lies just to the east, while Sorrento and Portsea continue west along the Mornington Peninsula. For a change from another beach stop, head inland to Peninsula Hot Springs or Alba Thermal Springs. Golfers can continue towards Portsea Golf Club or Mercure Portsea.
With only one day, though, I’d prioritise Blairgowrie Beach, Bridgewater Bay and a section of the coastal trail before trying to squeeze in one or two surrounding towns.
