Koonya Beach

Wild, raw, untamed. Koonya Beach is unlike Mornington Peninsula’s calmer bay beaches. It’s a rugged stretch of coastline where nature shows its power and beauty in full force. With its roaring waves and tide-carved rock pools, this beach invites surfers, swimmers, and curious explorers to experience the wild side of the Peninsula’s Bass Strait section.

What Makes Koonya Beach Special

Located just a 6-minute drive from Searoad Ferries Sorrento terminal, Koonya Beach feels like a world away, despite being one of the more open, sandy beaches in this section of Mornington Peninsula National Park. This 750-metre-long Blairgowrie beach has rocky reefs teeming with marine life and rip currents that create constantly shifting patterns along the shoreline.


The challenging breaks and unpredictable rips and tides of Koonya Beach make it one of the top beach destinations among surfing enthusiasts. But these are also what make the beach a spot to approach with caution, especially for the little ones and inexperienced swimmers. 


What truly sets Koonya Beach apart is its raw, immersive coastal experience. From the breathtaking cliffside views to the rock pools revealed at low tide, every visit offers something new. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity, inspires adventure, and reminds you just how powerful and beautiful the ocean can be.

Opening Hours:

Open 24 hours every day

Facilities

  • Carpar
  • Lookouts
  • Public toilets and showers

Things to Do

  • Surfing
  • Fishing

 

Safety Information

  • Koonya Beach is unpatrolled with limited access for emergency services.
  • The beach has a general hazard rating of 6 out of 10 (Moderately Hazardous) according to Beachsafe.

 

How to Get to Koonya Beach

Nearby Attractions

Koonya Beach is surrounded by a variety of attractions that cater to all interests. If you’re in the mood for a detour or an extended stay, these nearby spots offer plenty of things to do.


5-minute drive from Koonya Beach

13-minute drive from Koonya Beach

26-minute drive from Koonya Beach

6-minute drive from Koonya Beach


Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Koonya Beach?

Swimming at Koonya Beach is not recommended due to its rip currents, unpredictable waves, and submerged rocky reefs.

Is Koonya Beach dog-friendly?

No, dogs are not permitted at Koonya Beach or on any formed walking tracks or carparks within Mornington Peninsula National Park. There are other beaches on the Mornington Peninsula where you can take your furry friend, such as Rye Front Beach, Safety Beach, and Fossil Beach.

Where is Koonya Beach?

Koonya Beach is located on the Bass Strait coast of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, specifically at 93 Hughes Road, Blairgowrie, Victoria, Australia, 3942. The beach is accessible via two car parks at the end of Hughes Road.

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.