Nestled on the pristine coastline of Victoria, Australia, the Sandy Point Waratah Bay Shallow Inlet Coastal Reserve is my sanctuary of serenity. This hidden paradise, where the untamed Southern Ocean meets tranquil inlets and sandy shores, embodies the unspoiled beauty of nature. Its secluded beaches offer a retreat from the everyday hustle, where the rhythmic waves and the symphony of shorebirds become my companions. With captivating vistas, pristine dunes, and opportunities for coastal adventures, it’s a haven for beachcombers and nature enthusiasts. Join me on a journey through this coastal reserve, where the wild and the serene coexist in perfect harmony.
Food Shops
I suggest planning your meals in advance and doing your major food shopping before approaching Sandy Point, as there are no large supermarkets in the area—only a general store that carries a variety of items but not everything you might need.
Sandy Point General Store 107 Beach Parade, Sandy Point VIC 3959, Hours:Tuesday to Monday 8am to 6pm, Phone: (03) 5684 1362
Sandy Point Waratah Bay Shallow Inlet Coastal Reserve
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Waratah Bay in Victoria, Australia, Sandy Point is a picturesque destination renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. Surrounded by pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and crystal-clear waters, this coastal paradise offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Allure of Sandy Point
Sandy Point is a small coastal village that attracts visitors from far and wide, especially during the summer months when its population swells. Known for its reputation as a wind-surfing paradise, Sandy Point is a haven for water sports enthusiasts seeking thrills on the waves. The strong, consistent winds and wide-open beaches make it the perfect spot for wind-surfing, kite-surfing, and other water-based activities.
Waratah Bay and Shallow Inlet
One of the highlights of Sandy Point is its proximity to the Shallow Inlet Coastal Reserve, a pristine tidal waterway located on the eastern side of Waratah Bay. This tranquil inlet is a hotspot for fishing, with salmon, trevally, flathead, and King George Whiting being popular catches of the day. The reserve also offers excellent opportunities for swimming, sailing, and kayaking, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Coastal Walks
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Sandy Point offers a series of scenic coastal walks. Wander along the boardwalks and tracks that wind through the coastal dunes, providing not only great exercise but also spectacular views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Flora and Fauna
The coastal reserve is also home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including migratory birds, kangaroos, and wallabies. Visitors can explore the reserve’s network of walking trails, which wind through coastal woodlands and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Wilson’s Promontory National Park
Sandy Point is conveniently close to Wilson’s Promontory National Park, one of Australia’s most beloved natural treasures. A short drive from Sandy Point, this park offers hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and pristine beaches, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Check out my blog post on Wilsons Promontory at the end of this post for the links.
Practical Information
- Sandy Point is approximately a three-hour drive from Melbourne, making it an excellent weekend getaway destination.
- The best time to visit is during the warmer months, from December to March, for the most favorable weather.
- Accommodation options range from beachfront holiday homes to cozy cottages, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Relaxing
For those looking to relax and unwind, Sandy Point boasts pristine beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a leisurely swim. The town is set behind rolling sand dunes, providing a peaceful backdrop for picnics, beachcombing, and birdwatching. Coastal tracks carve their way down to the sandy shores, offering easy access to the water and stunning views of the coastline.
Facilities and Accomodation
In addition to its natural beauty, Sandy Point offers a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The town is home to a variety of accommodation options, including holiday homes, cottages, and campgrounds, making it easy to find the perfect place to stay. There are also picnic areas, barbecue facilities, and public toilets available for visitors’ convenience.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re seeking adventure on the waves or simply looking to relax and reconnect with nature, Sandy Point, Waratah Bay, and Shallow Inlet Coastal Reserve offer something for everyone. With its pristine beaches, stunning scenery, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder Sandy Point is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.
Sunset
The sunsets are amazing over the ocean, but it can be really cold along the coast.
Sandy Point, Victoria, Australia, is a coastal haven that beckons with its pristine beaches, serene inlets, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, outdoor adventures, or a taste of coastal culture, this hidden gem has something for everyone. Sandy Point offers an idyllic escape from the hustle of daily life and a chance to connect with the tranquility and beauty of the Australian coast. Discover the charm and allure of Sandy Point, and make lasting memories in this coastal paradise.
Places to Explore Close to Sandy Point
Shallow Inlet
At the northern edge of Wilsons Promontory, you’ll find this peaceful and secluded tidal waterway.
The calm waters are perfect for a variety of activities, including swimming, sailing, surfing, and sea kayaking—whatever your preference, it’s likely available here. The surrounding woodlands teem with native wildlife and a vibrant range of bird species.
Shallow Inlet is renowned for its excellent fishing, with opportunities to catch salmon, trevally, large flathead, and King George Whiting. The area offers amenities such as toilets and barbecue facilities.
The well-compacted sand allows for vehicle access onto the beach, making it easier to reach the water. Just be sure to check tide times before driving onto the sand.
Patrols: None
Hazard Rating: 3/10. During severe weather, the entrance may not be easily navigable, and there could be significant changes to the channel configuration.
Foreshore: The beach is exceptionally wide and sandy. The inlet, which extends for 18 km, features compact sand.
Activities: Popular activities include swimming, windsurfing, kite surfing, and fishing.
Boat Ramp or Jetty: Access for launching is available via sand. Check tide schedules before launching.
Access: Convenient access is provided via a short walk from the car park on Sandy Point Road to the beach.
Waratah Bay
A serene and delightful coastal town awaits your visit.
Situated near unspoiled landscapes, the town boasts a pristine beach with breathtaking views of the rising mountains of Wilsons Promontory across the bay. Its picturesque coastline and tranquil ambiance provide a perfect retreat into nature.
Beach The shoreline offers a family-friendly beach experience with amenities such as toilets and picnic areas. It’s an excellent location for swimming, fishing, and surfing. Offshore Surf School provides lessons for beginners and those looking to enhance their skills, with options for both group and private sessions.
Fishing For ocean fishing, head to Waratah Bay Caravan Park to pick up bait. While there isn’t a boat ramp, you can launch a small boat from the beach. Just beyond the breakers is an excellent spot for catching whiting, with flathead, Australian salmon, and gummy sharks also commonly available. For optimal results, fish during the incoming tide to increase your chances of a successful catch.
Patrols: Absent
Hazard Rating: 6/10. Notable for high winds and strong currents.
Foreshore: The bay is open and faces south, boasting a 15 km long beach that is broad and flat. Typically, conditions are calm.
Activities: Suitable for swimming, occasional surfing, fishing, rock pooling, and family outings.
Boat Launching: Boats can be launched from the beach during periods of low waves.
Access: Conveniently accessed via brief bush and sand tracks from nearby carparks.
Wilsons Promontory
We invite you to treat yourself to a visit to one of the most enchanting destinations on Earth.
At the southern tip of the Australian mainland, you’ll find the renowned Wilsons Promontory National Park, lovingly known as The Prom. This park showcases a breathtaking variety of landscapes: granite hills blend with pristine white sand beaches, and vivid orange lichen-covered boulders stand out against the turquoise waters. With fern-filled gullies, expansive sand dunes, and rich wildlife, it’s one of the few places where you can truly unplug and immerse yourself in nature.
Check out my blog post on Wilsons Promontory at the end of this post for the links.
Beaches
Enchanting names such as Fairy Cove, Squeaky Beach, Waterloo Bay, and Whisky Bay evoke visions of picturesque shorelines. From secluded coves to vast sandy beaches stretching toward the horizon, Wilsons Promontory is celebrated for its stunning turquoise waters and awe-inspiring coastlines.
Walking
A network of walking trails invites you to discover every part of the national park. From the stunning panoramic views from Mt Oberon to multi-day hikes that lead to the secluded lighthouse, you’ll traverse lush, emerald fern-filled gullies and expansive sand dunes
Wildlife
If we promised refunds for wildlife sightings, we’d be out of business! Inside the park, you’ll encounter all your favorite native animals, both furry and feathered, just waiting to be discovered.
Look out for emus and kangaroos as you drive through the plains near the Airfield when you first enter the park. At Tidal River Campground, you’ll find resident rosellas and a bold wombat population (so be sure to secure your tents). Relaxing seal colonies are found at the base of Skull Rock, and playful dolphins frolic in the waves.
Wanderer Adventures
Experience Wilsons Promontory from a fresh angle aboard the yellow ecoboats. Embark on an adventure and uncover the hidden treasures of this enchanting marine national park. Take the 2.5-hour Wilsons Promontory Cruise from Tidal River to explore the rugged coastline, remote beaches, and isolated islands.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/outdoor-activities/wilsons-promontory-cruises—pennicott-wilderness-journeys
Accommodation
Tidal River offers a variety of accommodation options, including camping, cabins, lodges, and Wilderness Retreats (safari-style tents with added comforts).
Roofed accommodations are particularly popular, so it’s a good idea to book in advance to secure your preferred choice.
Accessibility
Wilsons Promontory offers a variety of accessible beaches, accommodation options, and facilities within the park, along with complimentary equipment hire.
Accessible toilets are available throughout Tidal River. Visitors with physical disabilities can use free all-terrain wheelchairs, a TrailRider, and beach wheelchairs to enhance their outdoor experience. Additionally, there is a beach access wheelchair available for children.
Cape Liptrap Coastal park
Cape Liptrap extends from the windswept shores of Point Smythe to the serene waters of Waratah Bay, revealing its enchanting beauty.
The coastal park’s allure goes beyond its golden beaches. Banksia woodlands transition to limestone cliffs that plunge into the ocean, featuring an iconic lighthouse, vibrant azure waters, and breathtaking views across the bay to Wilsons Promontory.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy stunning vistas from Cape Liptrap Lighthouse, accessible via a straightforward, self-guided walk with interpretive signs detailing its historical significance.
- Explore the mangroves, teeming with unique birdlife.
- Camp at Bear Gully beneath shady banksias and fall asleep to the soothing sound of waves on the shore.
- Experience fishing from the rugged shorelines around Walkerville.
Walking
Point Smythe Beach
On a dreary autumn or winter day when outdoor activities might seem unappealing, visit Cape Liptrap Coastal Park for a refreshing and picturesque walk. The tea tree and banksia woodlands shield you from the wind as the trail winds through vibrant coastal vegetation, ultimately reaching Point Smythe Beach. Even on overcast days, the beach offers stunning photo opportunities.
Location: Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Level 3
Start/Finish: End of Lees Rd, Venus Bay
Check out my blog post on Venus Bay: Bushwalking to Point Smythe
Anderson To San Remo Shared Pathway
Revitalize yourself on this tranquil yet energizing trail.
Linking the quaint village of Anderson with the bustling town of San Remo, this route promises a fulfilling adventure. Begin your walk in the morning to arrive in San Remo by midday and witness the local pelican feeding frenzy, where co-op members hand-feed the enthusiastic birds.
As you walk, enjoy the calming views of the stunning Western Port Bay.
Location: San Remo
Distance: 8 km return
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Level 3
Start/Finish: Anderson Interchange car park, at the roundabout
Limeburners Walk
This trail links North and South Walkerville, tracing the coastal contours and leading to the historic lime kilns.
These kilns, which produced quicklime—a crucial component in cement—were in operation until 1954. Along the way, you can also visit the Walkerville Historic Cemetery and unwind on a serene stretch of beach.
Location: Walkerville
Distance: 1.5 km return
Duration: 40 minutes
Grade: Level 2
Start/Finish: The end of Bayside Dr, on the cliff behind the lime kilns
Walkerville Overlook Walk
Stroll through the scenic coastal woodlands of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park.
The trail meanders from the Walkerville North campground to a lookout with panoramic views of the bay. From the viewing platform, enjoy the refreshing sea spray from the turquoise waters below and take in the awe-inspiring, rugged peaks of Wilsons Promontory in the distance.
Location: Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Distance: 1.2 km one way
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2
Start/Finish: Walkerville Camping Reserve
Fishing
Cast your line from the beach or rocks along Walkerville’s shoreline. With an abundance of kingfish, snapper, trumpeter, and parrotfish, a seafood dinner is well within reach. You can also launch your boat directly from Walkerville’s beach.
Anderson Inlet’s protected waters are teeming with flathead, salmon, whiting, mullet, and trevally. For surf fishing, give Venus Bay Beach a try.
Great Southern Rail Trail
Nyora to Port Welshpool | 109 km One-Way
This spectacular trail winds through South Gippsland’s famous green hills, providing 360-degree vistas and passing through picturesque villages. If the full length of the trail seems overwhelming, you can explore it in shorter segments, with numerous access points and villages along the way.
The trail is also popular with horse riders, with designated horse parking available at Sagasser Park in Toora.
AT A GLANCE
Distance: 109 km
Start: Nyora Railway Precinct, Mitchell St
Finish: Port Welshpool
Track: Compacted gravel surface
Grade: Level 1 (The sections between Loch and Korumburra, and Fish Creek and Foster, are Level 2)
Getting There: Take the Monash Fwy (M1) and South Gippsland Hwy (A440), then turn onto Lang Lang – Poowong Rd to arrive at Nyora.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/do-and-see/outdoor-activities/cycling/great-southern-rail-trail
South Gippsland Beaches
The charm of South Gippsland’s renowned beaches is simply irresistible.
Stretching for miles, these beaches feature pristine sands, secluded coves, and stunning cliff-top trails, all set against a backdrop of picturesque coastal villages.
Relax and soak up the sun on the golden sands, or dive into adventure by riding the waves on your surfboard in the deep blue sea. From Phillip Island to the majestic Wilsons Promontory, this coastline is best explored along the Penguins to Prom Drive.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Wilsons Promontory is renowned for its stunning turquoise coastline and spectacular beaches.
- South Gippsland’s beaches, including Cape Paterson, Inverloch Foreshore, Waratah Bay, Anderson Inlet, and Port Welshpool, offer excellent family-friendly swimming opportunities.
- Explore the marine and coastal parks of the Bunurong Coast, with its dramatic seascapes, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves, best discovered by driving the Bunurong Coastal Drive, which follows the coastline for 14 km to Inverloch.
- The 23 km Bass Coast Rail Trail, Victoria’s only coastal rail trail, provides panoramic views of Bass Strait as it meanders through rugged coastline, bushland, and farmland.
- Experience the thrill of kite-surfing with the wind at your back at popular spots like Venus Bay and Inverloch.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/do-and-see/nature-and-wildlife/beaches/south-gippsland-beaches
Fish Creek
Set in the midst of idyllic, lush countryside, this charming township radiates a quaint village atmosphere.
A delight for explorers, it features boutique shops, galleries, and cafes with picturesque rural views. Known as a cultural and artistic hub in South Gippsland, Fish Creek is home to a vibrant community of artists who have made the town their own.
For more information click on the link provided https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/destinations/south-gippsland/fish-creek
Essential Packing List
Click here to view my packing list
Places To Get Food
- Wilsons Prom Licensed Pizza restaurant
- Walkerville Kiosk
- Foster Take Away
- Braidoss Takeaway
- FoodWorks
- Promontory Restaurant and Winery
- Latte Dah Cafe
- Tarwin Fuel Supplies
- Gibsons
- The Kitchen Table
- Toora Woodfired Pizza
- Little Oberon
- CoCo De Mer Cafe
- The Bird & The Wolf Cafe
- Foster Exchange Hotel
- Ando’s Bakery
Accommodation
This is the accommodation I selected for my stay, The hosts were very welcoming and shared valuable insights about local attractions and activities.
Prom Coast Apartments 73 The Blvd, Sandy Point VIC 3959,
- Prom Coast Holiday Lodge
- Wilsons Prom Holiday Park
- Sandy Point Beach Escape
- Tidal River Units
- Olivi
- Black Cockatoo Cottages
- Sandy point hideaway
- Limosa Rise
- Promhills Cabins
- Boutique Room – Wamoon Retreat
- The Vibe – Sandy Point
- Driftwood Villas
- Wamoon Retreat
- Prom Coast – Seabreeze
- Buln Buln Cabins
- Long Jetty Caravan Park
- Tindoona Cottages
- Fish Creek Hotel
- Black Taigh
- Prom Gate Getaway
- Tidal Dreaming Seaview Cottages
- 43 Oceanview Parade
- Sandy Star
- Prom Country Lodge
- Fish Creek Adrift Accommodation
- The Church House Gourmet Retreat
- Prom Central Caravan Park
- Bear Gully Coastal Cottages
- Aashay Country Stay
- Surfside 2, Sandy Point
- The Vibe Sandy Point
- Walkerville Foreshore Camping Reserve
- Toora Tourist Park
- The White House Sandy Point
- Anderson Ave, Sandy Point – 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, sleeps 8
- Sandy Point Log Cabin
- Benwerrin House
- The Sands – Fifth Avenue, Sandy Point
- 28 Ennisvale Avenue
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are at Sandy Point?
Sandy Point is nestled among tall bloodwood and angophora trees, making it an ideal spot for family or group picnics and barbecues. The open spaces and sandy beach are perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors will find picnic tables, barbecues, and toilet facilities available for their convenience.
What is Sandy Point known for?
Facing the breathtaking coastline of Waratah Bay, Sandy Point is a charming coastal village. The population increases significantly during the summer months due to its fame as a windsurfing haven. The town is situated behind rolling sand dunes, with coastal trails leading down to the beach.
Can you drive on Sandy Point, Victoria?
On the other side of town, Sandy Point Road leads to Shallow Inlet. Here, the compacted sand at the end of the road allows visitors to drive their vehicles right onto the beach, providing easy access to the water’s edge.
What is the population of Sandy Point?
Sandy Point has a population of 270.
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Discover Port Welshpool, Victoria, Australia
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