The coolest seaside towns in Victoria

If you’re looking for pristine shores a stone’s throw from the CBD, Aireys Inlet has the goods. You might be familiar with this spot thanks to the iconic and often photographed Split Point Lighthouse which sits above the seaside haven, inspiring local folklore and whispered maritime legends. Aireys Inlet is off the beaten track, unpretentious and serene, with clifftop lookouts, rock pools and whale watching to keep you occupied. Head to the Lighthouse Tea Rooms in the afternoon for some homemade refreshments.

Distance from Melbourne CBD: One hour and 30 minutes.

Time Out tip: Don’t skip a visit to Aireys Pub for a pint of one of its own Salt Brewing Co. beers.

You’ll find Sorrento nestled towards the pointy end of Mornington Peninsula, between Port Phillip Bay to the north and the Bass Strait to the south. On the bay side, the charming, sheltered shores of Sorrento Front Beach are ideal for a relaxed swimming sesh or sea kayaking. Meanwhile, the choppier ocean side offers lively surf, dolphin swims and cruises. Stroll the town’s limestone streets to explore an array of galleries, antiques and boutiques. When you're famished after all this activity, the recently refurbished Continental Hotel is a classic, can’t-go-wrong choice for lunch or dinner.

Distance from Melbourne CBD: One hour and 30 minutes.

Time Out tip: Treat yo' self to a cheeky pamper sesh at Aurora Spa and Bathhouse – home to one of the largest saunas in the Southern Hemisphere.

This Bass Coast surf town is a happy medium for those looking for a real excursion without a tiring road trip. Situated just two hours from the CBD, Inverloch is a buzzy, scenic spot in its own right while offering easy access to nearby natural landmarks. The town itself promises all the trappings of a top-notch beach getaway – think immaculate surf beaches, a nostalgic jetty, art studios and galleries, and eateries like Vaughan’s Café Deli boasting fresh local produce.

Distance from Melbourne CBD: Two hours.

Time Out tip: Leave plenty of time for the Bunurong Coastal Drive which weaves past sights like Eagles Nest, Twin Reefs, Shack Bay, the Caves and Flat Rocks. Photo ops abound! 

Lorne draws a crowd come summertime for a reason. Located at an accessible point of the Great Ocean Road, the town is firmly established as an iconic Victorian coastal community. It’s home to archetypal Australian surf beaches alongside a varied range of eating, drinking, accommodation and activity options that make it an easy win when tossing up where to spend your beachside escape. With its lively arts scene and blossoming foodie culture (Totti’s first Victorian outpost is based here!), Lorne is a singular gem on the coast that's well worth a visit.

Distance from Melbourne CBD: Two hours.

Time Out tip: Feeling adventurous? Head inland from Lorne to check out Live Wire Park – where you can go zip lining or tackle a high ropes course.

For a stunning vantage point to enjoy the Great Ocean Road from, make Wye River the ultimate destination of your coastal road trip. Catch some bliss at Lorne’s quieter, more laid-back neighbour while still taking in the rugged beauty of the Otway Coast and even catching a glimpse of a koala or two. The main beaches – Wye River and Separation Creek – offer consistent surf and a border of rock pools waiting to be paddled in and explored. 

Distance from Melbourne CBD: Two hours and 20 minutes.

Time Out tip: Perched above the waves, Wye Beach Hotel provides a fabulous view of the beach below and a tasty selection of pub nibbles.

Historic Port Fairy sits pretty in Victoria’s west, cocooned on the Shipwreck Coast. The home of the beloved Port Fairy Folk Festival, you can roam down any of the town’s main thoroughfares to find yourself in the midst of whimsical 19th-century cottages, stone churches and towering, heritage-listed Norfolk pines. Take yourself to the hustle and bustle of the wharf for a guided cruise or fishing trip, and hit the beach for surfing, stand-up paddle boarding or a good old-fashioned swim. When you get peckish, head to popular pub the Stump for a parma and pint.

Distance from Melbourne CBD: Three hours and 30 minutes.

Time Out tip: It's well worth the half-hour drive to Budj Bim Cultural Landscape – a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can learn about more than 30,000 years of Gunditjmara history.

Located just on the periphery of Lakes Entrance, Metung is a bit of a hike from Melbourne but well worth it on account of the unbeatable 360-degree ocean vistas and picture-book ambience. The town is set on a narrow peninsula, fringed by sandy shores and jetties on three sides which lends the feeling you’ve arrived on a remote island – it’s an ideal destination to really unwind and disconnect from the pace of everyday life. You can enjoy sailing and other maritime activities, then grab a table oceanside to drink in the view from Metung Hotel.

Distance from Melbourne CBD: Three hours and 45 minutes.

Time Out tip: Find your zen at Metung Hot Springs, a geothermal hot springs site where you can soak up (literally!) the serenity.