10 Top Beaches – Cape Otway
Cape Otway, is a dream destination for beach lovers. With its untouched sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and captivating coastal scenery, this region is home to some of Australia’s most stunning beaches. Whether you’re keen on relaxing by the sea, catching waves, fishing, snorkeling, or exploring the diverse marine life in the rock pools, Cape Otway’s beaches offer something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top 10 beaches in and around Bimbi Park in Cape Otway, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
1. Crayfish Bay – The Fotinas Family Favourite
Description: Crayfish Bay has crystal-clear waters, making it one our and Bimbi Park guest’s favourite spots for swimming, snorkelling and diving. There are lots of crayfish to see but most are undersized. The rocky reefs protect the bay, there is a gut way to the left and right of the bay that goes out into the ocean, so keep away from those. It is rich with marine life, creating an underwater paradise for explorers. Even if you’re not snorkelling, the bay’s serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it a must-visit.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: The main bay beach is moderately safe close inshore at low tide. There are, however, reefs and currents further offshore.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Swimming, Snorkelling, Diving, Relaxing.
- Facilities: None, so bring your own equipment.
- Shade: Very little
- Accessibility: Requires a short walk to reach the beach. Park at the Point Franklin car park, walk towards the sea and you’ll see a track to the right that has signage to crayfish bay, follow the signs in. I like the cliff-top walk, but the beach walk on low tide is fine too.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, for the clearest waters – Low tide is better. Winter swimming for the insane.
Google Maps link to Bimbi Park to Point Franklin the car park
Crayfish Bay from above – It’s amazing
Dimitri and Emmanuele climbing the rock formations on the edge of the bay.
2. Blanket Bay – What a beauty (a local favourite so don’t tell them I told you)
Description: Blanket Bay is sheltered by an intertidal reef, making it ideal for swimming a few hours on either side of high tide, and when the swell is low. This small beach, facing east of Cape Otway, has forested slopes to the west bordered by rocks and reefs to the east. Discover the unique marine life within these intertidal rock pools. Bring a snorkel for a closer look—crayfish and abalone can be found here, but please follow the regulations. [LINK TO FISHERIES]. Blanket Bay is a great destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: The main bay beach is moderately safe close inshore at low tide. There are, however, reefs and currents further offshore.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Swimming, Snorkelling, Diving, Relaxing.
- Facilities: Picnic areas, toilets.
- Shade: Very little.
- Accessibility: Easy access by car, park in the day park and walk down the short path to the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Great for sunrise. Summer and early autumn a few hours either way of low tide for swimming. Great to visit in winter and spring but not for swimming just sight-seeing. Winter swimming for the truly fearless.
The steps walking down to the beach
Rockpools on the edges
3. Parker Inlet – Nature at its Best
Description: Yes there are 300 steps and 90 meters down (what goes down has to come up) and you’ll come to a secluded beach at the Parker River mouth. Look around you’ll be gobsmacked at how natural and beautiful it is. Explore the sheltered cove and fossick in the rockpools. Swimming at this beach can be risky due to strong currents, but splashing around in the shallows and at the river mouth is a lot of fun and much safer.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: Swimming is NOT VERY SAFE as this beach, there are strong currents but splashing in the shallow and in the river mouth is great.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Sightseeing, splashing in the river mouth and the shallows.
- Facilities: None, so bring your own equipment.
- Shade: Very little.
- Accessibility: You need to drive to Parker Hill, Follow the track towards the sea, and turn left down to the stairs. Yes, there are 300 steps and 90 meters down (what goes down has to come up). Take water and do it slowly.
- Best Time to Visit: All year round, a favorite for the local fishermen but beware of the large waves that can crash on the rocks. Winter swimming for the daring souls.
4. Aire River – Hidden Gem
Description: Swimming at Aire River is one of the hidden gems near Bimbi Park, offering swimming and great fishing. Park at the bridge and walk about 100m towards the ocean and there is a little sandy bay, great for swimming or fishing, there is a current sometimes so keep the children close until you work it out. If you keep going on that track (with a 4wd it’s ok most of the time) there is another sandy beach, it’s awesome, you think you’re in a Sir David Attenborough film. Past the mouth of the river is not safe for swimming but a good surfing spot if you a seasoned surfer. The river’s calm, it’s a peaceful spot where you can truly unwind. Whether you’re going for a dip, splashing around with the kids or fishing for bream, Aire River provides a perfect break from the coastal surf.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: There is some times current and there are some snags, but a great place to swim.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Swimming, Fishing and Relaxing.
- Facilities: A drop loo on either side of the river, bring everything else.
- Shade: Some.
- Accessibility: Requires a short walk to reach the 1st swimming area or 4wd and park next to swimming spots.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming, all year round for fishing. Winter swimming for the brave-hearted.
The Parker River mouth
Worth the 300 steps down
The Aire River bridge
Fishing with my mate Nathan at the second sandy spot.
5. Station Beach – Where the Rugged West Coast Begins
Description: Station Beach marks the beginning of the wild west coast, known for its powerful winds and waves. This 2.8-kilometer stretch of beach faces southwest, directly into the elements.
Waves at Station Beach often exceed 1.5 meters, and during the huge winter tides, they can reach up to 10 meters—a spectacular sight. The beach features a wide surf zone with a detached sandbar and strong rip currents every 350 meters, especially near Point Flinders and the rocky sections. Due to its strong undercurrents, underwater reefs, and formidable waves, swimming at Station Beach is highly dangerous and not recommended.
Please help keep this magnificent place pristine by picking up any rubbish you may find and bringing it back to Bimbi Park.
Getting There: Reaching it requires a bit of a hike—the nearest access point is a 2.5-kilometer walk from Bimbi Park. Start your walk between Cabins 4 and 5, located behind the Bimbi Park camp kitchen. The hike to Station Beach takes about 45 minutes one way, mostly downhill, so expect a tougher return trip up the sand dunes. Make sure to take water, wear hats, and cover-up, as it can get hot in the dunes.
Follow the track to our cyclone fence spring, staying on the path until you reach a timber walkway. Continue over a sand dune, and as you crest the dune, Station Beach will reveal itself, a place where you’ll feel both the power of nature and your own insignificance.
If the swell is small, you can turn left and walk approximately 1 kilometer to Rainbow Falls. This waterfall, fed by an underground spring, has been flowing for thousands of years. The active part of the waterfall is covered in moss, while the inactive part appears grey. It is one of the few places where fresh water meets the sea and holds deep indigenous significance, having been a source of water and seafood for thousands of years.
Rainbow Falls is home to Crayfish, Abalone and lots of fish, but these can only be safely dived for during a strong northerly wind when the ocean is calm; at other times, it is too dangerous. The area around the waterfall is also slippery, so take care. Though the hike is challenging, it is truly worth the effort and one of the Fotinas’ favourites.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: Do Not Swim.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Sightseeing, Surf Fishing, Surfing for very competent surfers. Do not surf here unless you have years of experience.
- Facilities: None, so bring your own equipment.
- Shade: Very little on the beach but some during your walk.
- Accessibility: 2.5km walk from Bimbi Park plus 1km to Rainbow falls one way. As described above.
- Best Time to Visit: Great sunset. All year round, different weather makes this place transform. Winter swimming for the bold and bold only.
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Rainbow Falls – A must See
World class swell on a Good Day
Photos By: Walk 91 – Local GOW tour company and a Bimbi Park Partner and friend since 2010
6. Point Franklin – Rock Pools Galore
Description: Point Franklin is a rugged and exciting coastal spot, its fascinating rock pools make it a great place to explore marine life up close, from colorful sea creatures to unique formations carved by the ocean. Point Franklin has crayfish and abalone, only on low tide and low swell, it is dangerous spot for the unexperienced diver as the weather and swell can change quickly. The surf here is also good but not many surfers use it.
While it’s an ideal spot for diving and surfing, swimming in the open water can be dangerous due to strong currents and unpredictable conditions. It’s best to swim at Cray Fish Bay. Always take care and be mindful of changing tides if you plan to visit this stunning coastal area.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: Swimming is not recommended, strong currents, reefs and unpredictable swell.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Rock Pool exploring, snorkeling for the experienced diver and surfing for the seasoned surfer.
- Facilities: None, so bring your own equipment.
- Shade: Very little
- Accessibility: Requires a short walk to reach the beach. Park at the Point Franklin car park, walk towards the sea and and go straight, when you get to the water explore the whole area, Point Franklin is to the left, Crayfish bay to the right around the far tip you can see. Low tide is best.
- Best Time to Visit: All year round – Low tide is better. Winter swimming for the bold and crazy.
Dimitri doing the Zorba avoiding the waves
My boys on the rocks
7. Johanna Beach – A Surfing Hotspot
Description: No good for swimming but the swell for surfing is second none. Johanna Beach, is breathtaking, known for its dramatic landscapes and world-class surf breaks. When there is no swell at the Rip Curl Bells Surf Comp they come here. Swimming here is unsafe due to strong rips and unpredictable surf conditions. However, for those wanting to enjoy the water, dipping your feet in at the river mouth crossing is a refreshing experience.
The beach is also a fantastic spot for sightseeing. Whether you’re watching surfers tackle the waves or exploring the nearby walking trails, this beach delivers an unforgettable experience.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: No swimming and surfing only for seasoned surfers.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Sightseeing, Surf Fishing and surfing for the seasoned surfer.
- Facilities: Toilet at the first carpark.
- Shade: Very little.
- Accessibility: Park in the car park and walk down a short track to the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: All year round, it changes with the seasons but watch the swell at high tide. Winter swimming for the cold-defying crowd.
8. Castle Cove – A Surfers Dream
Description: Castle Cove is the first beach you come to from Marengo. For 30km it is all native bush. No good for swimming but the swell for surfing is great. When the swell is pumping here there is no work done in the area, the car park is full of tradies vans.
Walk up the Great Ocean Walk track to explore the coastal rock formations, watch the surfers, and enjoy watching the power of the swell. Pacck a picnic and have it on the sand.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: No swimming and surfing only for seasoned surfers.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Sightseeing and surfing for the seasoned surfer.
- Facilities: None
- Shade: Very little
- Accessibility: Park in the car park and walk down a short track to the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: All year round, it changes with the seasons but watch the swell at high tide.
9. Marengo – Australian Fur Seal paradise
Description: Marengo Beach is one of my go-to spots. The stretch of sand is gorgeous, and the rocky outcrops add a rugged charm. Offshore, you’ve got the Marengo Reefs a Marine Sanctuary, where you can spot a colony of Australian fur seals lounging around and playing in the water. It’s such a cool experience when you see them—always makes my day. There are guided kayak tours by Apollo Bay Surf and Kayak to the colony, I’ve done the tour, it’s fantastic.
Surf fishing good here too. On the right day, you stand a decent chance of catching something good. Surfers also love it when the conditions are right, and while it’s not as intense as some nearby breaks, it’s still fun to paddle out and catch a few waves.
Swimming is nice, but you’ve got to be careful. There can be some strong rips and a few hidden rocks, so it’s best to stick closer to shore where it’s safer. Always check the conditions before heading in, especially if the water looks rough. Overall, Marengo Beach is a great spot whether you’re into fishing, surfing, or just relaxing by the sea.
Quick Facts:
- Quick Facts:
- Safety: Swimming here can be safe, but it’s essential to be cautious as there are rips and reefs.
- Patrolled: No, the closest patrolled beach is Apollo Bay.
- Best For: Swimming, Surfing, Surf Fishing and Seal watching.
- Facilities: None.
- Shade: Very little.
- Accessibility: Park in the car park and the end of the beach the opposite side of Apollo Bay and walk onto the beach.
- Best Time to Visit: All year round, it changes with the seasons. Winter swimming for the wild at heart.
The Fellas Catchin A Wave
The Kids Being Cheeky
10. Apollo Bay
Description: Apollo Bay Beach is one of those places I keep coming back to. The long, curved stretch of sand is perfect for just about everything—whether I’m in the mood for a swim, a walk, or just kicking back and enjoying the view. The water is usually pretty calm, which makes it great for families, and it’s easily one of the safest beaches around for a swim.
It’s a great spot for paddleboarding or kayaking, and if you’re new to surfing, the waves here are mellow enough to give it a go without too much drama. What I love most is how close the beach is to the town. You can grab a coffee, fish and chips or a pie and head straight back to the sand—it’s super convenient.
The view here is amazing too. With the Otway Ranges as a backdrop, you get that perfect mix of ocean and mountains. Apollo Bay Beach just has this laid-back vibe that makes it easy to spend the whole day here, whether you’re looking to relax or get out on the water.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: Safe but if the conditions are wild it’s not.
- Patrolled: Yes, between the flags in front of the life saving club.
- Best For: Swimming, Snorkelling, Boogie Boarding, Relaxing.
- Facilities: Fully serviced, toilets in a few spots and showers.
- Shade: Very little.
- Accessibility: Eas, from the town just across the road.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming but all year round for sightseeing. Winter swimming for the mad.
11. Apollo Bay Habour – I know it’s top 10 beaches but I couldn’t leave this one out.
Description: The beach at Apollo Bay Harbour has this really chilled-out vibe, especially compared to the main beach. It’s tucked in the habour, so the water is super calm—perfect if you just want a quiet swim or have kids with you. It’s also a great spot for paddleboarding or just floating around without getting knocked about by surf.
What I love most is how peaceful it feels, even though you’re right near the town and marina. You can watch the fishing boats come and go, which adds to that classic coastal atmosphere. If you’re into fishing, the jetty nearby is a good spot to cast a line.
Even if you’re not swimming, it’s a nice place to hang out, watch the boats bob in the harbour, and take in the view of the hills surrounding Apollo Bay. It’s like this little pocket of calm that’s just steps away from everything.
Quick Facts:
- Safety: Safe.
- Patrolled: No Apollo Bay Main Beach is.
- Best For: Swimming, Pabble Boarding, Relaxing.
- Facilities: Toilets
- Shade: Very little
- Accessibility: From Apollo Bay drive past the golf course (Nelson St) , then at the T intersection turn left and quick right onto Breakwater Road past the fish co- op and just past the boat ramp you’ll see it on the right. Park and enjoy.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming but all year round for sightseeing. Winter swimming for the brave.
Bimbi Park is a great starting point for beach walks
Bimbi Park, nestled in Cape Otway at the heart of the Great Ocean Road and Great Ocean Walk, boasts stunning forests, beaches, secluded bays, and coastline. Tucked away amidst towering manna gums, it offers a tranquil escape from urban noise and traffic.
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