Balnarring Beach
Balnarring Beach
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
19 reviews
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Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,793 contributions
Apr 2022
Balnarring Beach was voted Australia's Cleanest Beach by the Keep Australia Beautiful Council. It has been a popular camping and picnicing area since the turn of the 20th century. Today, it hosts several caravan parks and a general store. It's colloquially known as 'the Naz Beach.' The beach is used to exercise horses six days a week. Balanarring Beach is 2 km (1 mile) south of Balanarring. Balnarring Beach has most things you need, otherwise you can go to Balnarring township
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke K
2 contributions
Feb 2022
Hand down worst beach in Australia.This beach is not suitable for swimming and host of other activities.This beach will fail to meet every safety standards and with higher than acceptable bacteria levels.If you are willing to get antibiotic resistant infections then you should not worry.Seriously guys worst beach in Australia with horse sh*t every where.Stay away for your health and well being.
Written 3 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
Rome, Italy3,942 contributions
Feb 2021
Review covers Balnarring Beach
The Balnarring Beach community is 2 km from the main township and located next to the beach - one of the adjoining beaches making up the Western Port Bay that envelopes French Island to the east. French Island is hidden around the headland, but immediately opposite – say 10 km away - is Phillip Island. The beach provides a ringside seat to the maritime beauty of the surrounding sea- and landscape,
You take the turning off Library Road at the corner close to the Tulum Café/Store, pass the concrete shelter on your left and, further round, the public toilets and park around the back. Be aware, parking places are strictly limited. You’ll see the short pathway that heads towards the beach. The sign at the point where the sand starts says ‘Balnarring Beach’.
Of a clear night the lights of Cowes beckon. But … look upwards and outwards – it’s the night sky that dominates with the sweep of the galaxy(ies) out there – those thousands of white pinpoints that help relate you to your place within that great equation … well, providing some kind of perspective. Take some deep breaths and appreciate the pristine nature of the oxygenated sea air – all those millions of tiny sea plants out there keeping you (and me) alive.
Sure, you can walk along the sea-shore at night particularly if the tide is out and you’ve access to the flat sands next to the water – it’s easier walking - but the views are all around you. They are best shared standing and looking with just your imagination for company and/or with your family – that you can relate those stories of space fiction, of the recent history of space exploration and/or simply tease the imagination of those five, six or seven year old kids that accompany you. Some of them (or their descendants) may actually end up going there.
During the day if the weather is on your side, the beach beckons for the pleasure of sand, surf and/or more appreciation of the geography of the lay of the coast, the hinterland of Merricks Creek and associated wetlands and, next to Balnarring Beach, the 70 ha forest reserve. You’ll need some kind of sunshade for protection, and you’ll need to keep your eyes on those little kids … the nearest life-guard facility, according to the sign board, is at Point Leo a further 5 km westwards around the coast … so too far to walk those kids.
During our w/e camping the sea was … well … COLD (note the capitals) and definitely wetsuit country - a place to swim/play/exercise on the surface; there was nothing to see below.
The shallow sweep of the bay shows the beach at its best and, the best way to appreciate the elegant beauty of the place, is to walk the beach – slowly. Of an early morning this is the domain of those exercising horses – you’ll probably miss them, but you’ll continue to fall into their hoof prints and or stumble over the rough surface they’ve left behind. Again, if the tide is on the way out catch that flat hard-packed sand next to the water’s edge. If you’re walking east along the 4 km of beach from Balnarrring to Somers – you’ll follow the hoof prints 60% of the way to the sign that says: ‘No horses passed this point’. Fortunately, the horses can read and the hoof prints stop there.
The beach is shallow and wide and, rises on the landward side through low dunes that have been replanted to stabilize and to provide protection for nesting sea birds. Signs warn and inform you, and request that you and your dog do not venture on to these dune lands.
What we did not see from the beach this camping w/e was the resident pod of dolphins that are sometimes seen along this stretch of shoreline. We’ve seen them before and watched their interaction with people who wade or float out on boards. There are pictures/rules/words on signs that tell you ‘This is what you do when the dolphins are there’, but the boards are all on shore and you can’t be certain of what the dolphins may know about these things.
Closer to Somers there’s the point where Merricks Creek crosses the beach (or doesn’t). Presumably, most of the water is discharged – when in surplus - beneath the surface, and you can comfortably continue across the sand without removing your street shoes. You’ll meet the point where stone dykes, walls, barriers, wire and similar have been constructed in an effort to minimize the erosion of the headland; here’s where you climb those convenient wooden stairs and track inland for 100 m behind the handful of vulnerable houses/buildings overlooking the sea walls; and then return to the foreshore – covered in seaweed - beneath the steep slopes of the Somers Foreshore Reserve. There were a dozen small sail boats out at this point during our walk. Then there is the climb up more steps before exiting the car park and heading into Somers General Store/Cafe for coffee and/or lunch - it’s right opposite the beach access stairs.
Peter Steele
04 March 2021
The Balnarring Beach community is 2 km from the main township and located next to the beach - one of the adjoining beaches making up the Western Port Bay that envelopes French Island to the east. French Island is hidden around the headland, but immediately opposite – say 10 km away - is Phillip Island. The beach provides a ringside seat to the maritime beauty of the surrounding sea- and landscape,
You take the turning off Library Road at the corner close to the Tulum Café/Store, pass the concrete shelter on your left and, further round, the public toilets and park around the back. Be aware, parking places are strictly limited. You’ll see the short pathway that heads towards the beach. The sign at the point where the sand starts says ‘Balnarring Beach’.
Of a clear night the lights of Cowes beckon. But … look upwards and outwards – it’s the night sky that dominates with the sweep of the galaxy(ies) out there – those thousands of white pinpoints that help relate you to your place within that great equation … well, providing some kind of perspective. Take some deep breaths and appreciate the pristine nature of the oxygenated sea air – all those millions of tiny sea plants out there keeping you (and me) alive.
Sure, you can walk along the sea-shore at night particularly if the tide is out and you’ve access to the flat sands next to the water – it’s easier walking - but the views are all around you. They are best shared standing and looking with just your imagination for company and/or with your family – that you can relate those stories of space fiction, of the recent history of space exploration and/or simply tease the imagination of those five, six or seven year old kids that accompany you. Some of them (or their descendants) may actually end up going there.
During the day if the weather is on your side, the beach beckons for the pleasure of sand, surf and/or more appreciation of the geography of the lay of the coast, the hinterland of Merricks Creek and associated wetlands and, next to Balnarring Beach, the 70 ha forest reserve. You’ll need some kind of sunshade for protection, and you’ll need to keep your eyes on those little kids … the nearest life-guard facility, according to the sign board, is at Point Leo a further 5 km westwards around the coast … so too far to walk those kids.
During our w/e camping the sea was … well … COLD (note the capitals) and definitely wetsuit country - a place to swim/play/exercise on the surface; there was nothing to see below.
The shallow sweep of the bay shows the beach at its best and, the best way to appreciate the elegant beauty of the place, is to walk the beach – slowly. Of an early morning this is the domain of those exercising horses – you’ll probably miss them, but you’ll continue to fall into their hoof prints and or stumble over the rough surface they’ve left behind. Again, if the tide is on the way out catch that flat hard-packed sand next to the water’s edge. If you’re walking east along the 4 km of beach from Balnarrring to Somers – you’ll follow the hoof prints 60% of the way to the sign that says: ‘No horses passed this point’. Fortunately, the horses can read and the hoof prints stop there.
The beach is shallow and wide and, rises on the landward side through low dunes that have been replanted to stabilize and to provide protection for nesting sea birds. Signs warn and inform you, and request that you and your dog do not venture on to these dune lands.
What we did not see from the beach this camping w/e was the resident pod of dolphins that are sometimes seen along this stretch of shoreline. We’ve seen them before and watched their interaction with people who wade or float out on boards. There are pictures/rules/words on signs that tell you ‘This is what you do when the dolphins are there’, but the boards are all on shore and you can’t be certain of what the dolphins may know about these things.
Closer to Somers there’s the point where Merricks Creek crosses the beach (or doesn’t). Presumably, most of the water is discharged – when in surplus - beneath the surface, and you can comfortably continue across the sand without removing your street shoes. You’ll meet the point where stone dykes, walls, barriers, wire and similar have been constructed in an effort to minimize the erosion of the headland; here’s where you climb those convenient wooden stairs and track inland for 100 m behind the handful of vulnerable houses/buildings overlooking the sea walls; and then return to the foreshore – covered in seaweed - beneath the steep slopes of the Somers Foreshore Reserve. There were a dozen small sail boats out at this point during our walk. Then there is the climb up more steps before exiting the car park and heading into Somers General Store/Cafe for coffee and/or lunch - it’s right opposite the beach access stairs.
Peter Steele
04 March 2021
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky K
Melbourne, Australia23 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Victoria's best kept secret. Westernport bay is an ecological wonder, a Ramsar listed wetland, attracting migratory birds from as far away as the Arctic. Abundant birdlife, beautiful walks through coastal woodland, watch the pod of resident dolphins play. The perfect place for tranquility and a weekend with family and friends.
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael-4551
Caloundra, Australia5,458 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited on Thursday 13th February, this is just one of many beautiful beaches on Mornington Peninsular we visted, well worth stopping there to enjoy it like we did.
Written 16 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla D
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions
Jan 2020
Our son rented a beach cottage for us at Balnarring Beach for NYE.
The surrounds are peaceful, with beautiful country drives, lots of wineries and restaurants and there is a small shopping centre with an IGA grocery store for all your needs. The beach itself is lovely for a walk, and there were plenty of people swimming. The sand is quite full of seaweed, but it didn't stop people from having a wonderful time. There is also a section with lots of rock pools - perfect for the kids to go exploring.
On New Year's Eve locals let off some fireworks - but the most impressive thing was the stunning night sky. A velvet black darkness strewn with thousands of sparkling stars forming a starry, twinkling cloud that I am assuming was the milky way. It was the perfect night for star gazing and the absence of light pollution made this a view to remember.
The surrounds are peaceful, with beautiful country drives, lots of wineries and restaurants and there is a small shopping centre with an IGA grocery store for all your needs. The beach itself is lovely for a walk, and there were plenty of people swimming. The sand is quite full of seaweed, but it didn't stop people from having a wonderful time. There is also a section with lots of rock pools - perfect for the kids to go exploring.
On New Year's Eve locals let off some fireworks - but the most impressive thing was the stunning night sky. A velvet black darkness strewn with thousands of sparkling stars forming a starry, twinkling cloud that I am assuming was the milky way. It was the perfect night for star gazing and the absence of light pollution made this a view to remember.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny H
Melbourne, Australia69 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Take your paddle board out before breakfast early at approximately 6.30am when it's nice and calm high tide, paddle towards Summers you will have a chance to see a pod of dolphins who will swim very close under your board. An amazing experience 🏄
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgia.M
2 contributions
Dec 2018
Balnarring Beach is a beautiful and sunny place to be. Itis clean and free of litter, and being so close to the village and a fish and chip shop it is heaven. Every time I go there I go with my family and make beautiful memories like swimming with my brother, chatting with my mum, looking at the rock pools and having lots of fun! The dolphins come up to the shore some times and make such a cute show, but when mum pulls the phone out they go hide. I go there so much in the summer my messages are always carved in the sand. I love Balnarring Beach!
Written 7 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret F
Abbots Langley, UK30 contributions
Oct 2019
Coming from the U.K. it is lovely to be able to walk a long almost empty sandy beach. Back home it would be full of people. We enjoyed watching the plovers.
There is a free car park, toilets and a shop/cafe all just off the beach
There is a free car park, toilets and a shop/cafe all just off the beach
Written 6 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nilintentum_reliquit
Melbourne, Australia2,599 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Pleasant clean beach to stroll. The seaweed deposits stops it from being photogenic. Parking and toilets close by and Tulum cafe.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
Written 13 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Balnarring Beach
- Hotels near Balnarring Beach:
- (0.00 km) Balnarring Foreshore Parks and Reserve
- (0.33 km) Eucalypt Retreat
- (0.10 km) COASTAL BREEZE- BALNARRING
- (0.84 km) Balnarring Village Motor Inn
- (10.67 km) Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate
- Restaurants near Balnarring Beach:
- (1.00 km) Le Bouchon French Cuisine
- (0.94 km) Orita's 2
- (0.51 km) Tulum Store
- (0.99 km) Fontalina
- (0.82 km) The Heritage, Balnarring, Victoria
- Attractions near Balnarring Beach:
- (0.08 km) Balnarring Foreshore Reserve
- (0.91 km) Balnarring Village Reserve
- (8.23 km) Salty Surf School
- (10.17 km) The Funky Farm
- (12.23 km) KK Melbourne Tours