Mount Martha
Best Beach · VIC
Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2026, No. 8.
Making its debut in the Best Australian Beach study in 2026 is the Mornington Peninsula — or, as locals call it, The Pen.
Just over an hour's easy coastal drive south of Melbourne, Mount Martha Beach stretches for around two kilometres along the eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay. The beach is naturally divided into two equal sections by the natural rock buttress known locally as Mount Martha North and Mount Martha South. Mount Martha is considered one of the safer swimming beaches on a coastline that becomes increasingly hazardous to the south and east. It's protected by coves as an appealing and highly accessible coastal experience, framed by a colourful row of iconic beach boxes, a vegetated bluff to the south, and a gentle curve that delivers clear views across the bay. The beach stands out as one of the Mornington Peninsula's most inclusive coastal destinations. A strong commitment to accessibility ensures Mount Martha can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, and its approach has been widely recognised and adopted across the region. Volunteer surf lifesaving patrols operate on most weekends and throughout peak holiday periods, supported by the local Coast Guard and Life Saving base. This visible community presence reflects a long-standing culture of care for both visitor safety and the coastal environment. Practical amenities are close at hand, with easy parking and a cluster of cafés and local shops nearby. Swimming remains popular with the best sheltered beach access year-round. Swimming remains enjoyable, though less experienced swimmers should take care around deeper drop-offs. Overall, Mount Martha offers one of Victoria's most attractive seaside settings — vibrant without feeling busy, calm without feeling remote — and remains a genuinely restorative escape from the city.
⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.