Family Friendly Beaches in Victoria to Drive To

There’s no better way to spend a day with the family than at the beach. You can relax, run wild, and spend time together without spending money. And when you’re in Victoria, you’ve got more options than almost anywhere else in the country. The waters are much calmer, and almost entirely free from dangerous marine life, making them an easy choice for any family. And with a Dollar rental car, it’s easy to reach them all! Let’s find out how.  

St Kilda Beach 

If you want a beach close to the city with everything within walking distance, St Kilda is hard to beat. The water is calm enough for young swimmers, and the long pier makes for a perfect afternoon stroll. The heritage amusement park ‘Luna Park’ is right next door, and there are playgrounds, ice-cream shops and cafes lining the foreshore. Parking can get busy on hot days, so it’s best to head there early. 

Altona Beach 

A short drive west of Melbourne, Altona offers all the perks of a bayside beach without the crowds. The wide, shallow water makes it great for kids, and there’s plenty of open sand for cricket, kites, or just stretching out. The nearby playground and barbecue areas make it easy to settle in for the day, and there are casual cafés a short walk from the shore. The long pier is a favourite for fishing or a sunset walk. 

Sorrento Back Beach and Portsea 

Head down the Mornington Peninsula and you can choose between two completely different beach experiences. Sorrento’s front beach, inside Port Phillip Bay, is ideal for little ones who want to splash and paddle in wave-less waters. Over the hill, the back beach faces Bass Strait and offers rock pools and small surf breaks that older kids will love exploring. A little further along, Portsea Beach combines soft sand, scenic cliffs, and nearby cafés, making it a reliable family favourite. 

Lorne  

Lorne is one of Victoria’s most popular coastal towns for good reason. The main beach is patrolled during summer and has gentle waves, making it safe for swimmers of all ages. The foreshore is lined with cafés, picnic spots, and playgrounds, and the nearby Erskine Falls walk offers a nice change of scenery if you want a short break from the sand. The drive along the Great Ocean Road to get there is an experience in itself, with ocean views and scenic lookouts at every bend. 

Apollo Bay 

Continue along the Great Ocean Road and you’ll reach Apollo Bay, another beach that’s ideal for families. The bay is protected from big surf, so the waves are small and consistent, and there’s plenty of space to spread out even on busy weekends. The town has a relaxed feel, with small shops, bakeries, and fresh seafood restaurants within walking distance of the beach. For something different, drive up to nearby Marriners Lookout for panoramic views of the coast. 

Inverloch  

Inverloch sits where Anderson Inlet meets the ocean, creating shallow, protected waters that are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. You can spend the day alternating between beach time and short walks along the coast, with plenty of shaded picnic areas to refuel. The surf beach just beyond the inlet has gentle waves for beginner surfers. Inverloch is also a great base for exploring nearby Venus Bay or the Bunurong Coastal Drive, one of the most scenic routes in Gippsland. 

Lakes Entrance  

If you’re up for a longer trip, head east to Lakes Entrance, where Ninety Mile Beach stretches endlessly and the Gippsland Lakes sit just behind the dunes. It’s a great destination for a full family getaway: safe swimming in the lakes, surf beaches nearby, and endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, or fishing. The town itself is easygoing and full of family-friendly eateries, making it just as good for a long weekend as a full summer holiday. 

Beach Days, the Dollar Way 

And there you have it. Victoria’s beaches, from the calm to choppy, from the inner-city to the way beyond. With a Dollar rental car, you can find the beach that suits your style and track it down with ease. Pack your swimming gear, and some beach-friendly snacks, and start planning your Victoria beach escape.