‘Portsea Back Beach’ lies within the parameters of the ‘Mornington Peninsula National Park’ which runs all along the surf coast from just west of ‘London Bridge‘ to beyond Cape Schank. Arriving at the first car park as you enter the National Park, atop a hill, the views are breathtaking !!! A 360° panorama greets you with the most enormous views across Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay.
Portsea ‘Back Beach’ is iconic – enjoying a history of surfing, swimming, iron man contests, and fun in the Sun !!! The Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has protected ocean goers since 1949, as the powerful forces of the surf must never be underestimated.
” . . . A pleasant bush walk of 20 minutes brings one to the Back Beach. If there should happen to be a big swell on, as is very often the case, the sight is a very grand, not to say awe-inspiring one. Descending a precipitous cliff by a sinuous track, you land upon a broad smooth beach, which girdles a vast field of foam. The great waves of the Southern Ocean are dashing with impotent fury on the reef, which rises within a stone’s throw of the shore, and making a scene of magnificent desolation. A volume of sound rises now like a roar of fierce anger, now with a measured dirge-like like tone, and now in melancholy strains, tristfully surgent like those of an Æolian harp. Hurling themselves upon the impregnable barrier, the waves often send up shoots of rosy foam to a great height, where they glitter for a moment in the rays of the sun, and fall like obelisks of diamonds. As the volcanic spines of rock receive the onset of their ocean foe, aqueous galleries and arches are formed, which maintain a continuous roar, and in the narrow openings of the reef the flux and reflux of the sea forms a miniature maelstrom, which would be fatal to the largest ship afloat that had the misfortune to be drawn into the leaping and thundering vortex . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘Illustrated Australian News’ – Article “A Holiday Tour Round Port Phillip” – published 18th December 1886
Whether it be Winter, Spring, Summer or Winter – the wild, open, ocean beach always has something to offer. Descending down to the water, the magic feel of the negative ions embrace you, the waves mesmerise. Walking along the beach, the waves roll in, crashing at your feet – a little further on, rock platforms break the surf as tranquil rock pools extend out to sea – each with their own micro environment of underwater plants and animals. The escarpments that tower above you bestow the most amazing patterns and colours – the rugged coastline extending as far as the eye can see.
Large car parks service this stunning location, however during the Summer months, be prepared for massive crowds . . .
Helpful Hints:
– Located approximately 2 km South of the Portsea Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Attractions & Facilities available along the Mornington Peninsula Coastal Walk
– No Pets are allowed in the ‘Mornington Peninsula National Park’
– Walking Trail to ‘London Bridge’
– Disabled Beach Access via the SLSC
– Five large Car Parks service the Surf Beach at Portsea
Discover Portsea:
– Shopping
– Facilities available at Portsea include:
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- Off Street Parking
- Sealed Road