Portsea Front Beach (Bayside) - W E Newton Reserve, 3782 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Strolling along the sand, with the water lapping at your feet, the symmetry of the ripples in the sand as seen through the crystal clear water, never ceases to amaze . . .

Portsea’s ‘Front Beach’ is nestled within a sandy cove named ‘Weeroona Bay’ – presumably after the paddle steamer ‘PS Weeroona‘ which once plied the waters of Port Phillip Bay from c 1911 until she was acquired to serve in World War II.  From the 1870’s onwards, this beach and region of the Mornington Peninsula has attracted many a tourist, and became a major tourist attraction as steamers made transport to this distant outpost possible – the pier being the lifeline.

 ” . . . Portsea lies in a quiet cove, which has a gently sloping beach on which it is pleasant to wander, and be lulled by the lap and lisp of the water . . . “

Source:  Excerpt – ‘Illustrated Australian News’ – Article “A Holiday Tour Round Port Phillip” – published 18th December 1886

Being situate directly within the town centre, the beach still attracts thousands.  A pathway through the ‘W E Newton Reserve‘, leads directly to the historic pier and beach, which stretches out on either side.  A short distance along the beach looking westward, the colourful and iconic beach huts add an extra element to the scene.  The Australian past-time of sun, sea and sand prevails – swimming, frolicking under the sun, sand castles, snorkelling around the pier and rocky outcrops, kayaking, boating . . .

Until recently the sloping sand provided easy access along much of the beach, however, Portsea’s ‘Front Beach’ has undergone dramatic change of late.  Unforeseen erosion has necessitated the temporary installation of massive sand bags and rock walling to either side of the pier approach.  The coincidence of the timing of the change to the blasting of ‘The Rip‘ in 2008 to 2009 lead many to believe they are related, however, it is yet to be verified by the authorities who are researching the matter.  Access to the beach westward, is via a stairway from the pier abutment, however, eastward, a small track currently runs adjacent to the top of the sand bags which leads to the beautiful sand and beach that stretches all the way to ‘Point Franklin‘.

Facilities available at ‘W E Newton Reserve’ include:  barbecues, picnic tables, playground, public toilets, water fountain, bench seats, and rubbish bins.

Helpful Hints:

– Within Town Centre – obtain Directions here

– Beach Access

– Car Parking is available at various locations within the village

Discover Portsea:

 – Points of Interest

 – Things to Do

 – Dining Out

 – Shopping

 – Places to Stay

– Facilities available at Portsea include:

– Picnic Tables

– Sheltered Pavilions

– Barbecues

– Public Toilets