Rye Front Beach

Just a 10-minute drive from the Searoad Ferries Sorrento terminal, Rye Beach is a slice of paradise that welcomes day-trippers from Melbourne and the Bellarine Peninsula. With a shoreline that stretches along the Port Phillip Bay coastline of Rye, Victoria, the beach offers an expansive space for recreational activities, all set against the backdrop of calm, clear waters.

What Makes Rye Front Beach Special

Known as one of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula, Rye Beach offers everything you could want from a seaside escape. Its fine white sand and clear blue waters create a stunning setting for water activities and leisurely strolls. Its calm waves and shallow shoreline make it especially popular among families looking for a peaceful alternative to the region’s surf beaches.

Rye Front Beach’s close proximity to restaurants and cafés means you’re never far from your next quick bite or hearty meal. From barista-made coffee and gourmet ice cream to the freshest seafood and classic Australian cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every craving just steps from the beach.

If you just want to lie down on your picnic mat or stretch out under the shade of a tree, Rye Front Beach has camping grounds at the nearby Rye Foreshore Reserve. Here, campers and families can soak up the seaside atmosphere across the spacious lawns, making it an ideal spot for slow and relaxing beach days.

For those who want to bring their furry friends along, Rye Beach has a dog off-leash area between Daly Avenue and Shirlow Avenue.

Opening Hours:

Open 24 hours every day

Facilities

  • Parking space
  • BBQ facilities
  • Boating facilities
  • Caravan, camper trailer, campervan sites, and camping grounds
  • Family friendly
  • Lawn and gardens
  • Picnic area
  • Bathroom and shower facilities
  • Accessibility amenities (beach matting, lead-up pathways, accessible bathroom and shower facilities)

Things to Do

  • Snorkelling
  • Scuba diving
  • Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)
  • Jet skiing
  • Picnicking
  • Fishing
  • Strolls at the pier
  • Kite surfing

 

Safety Information

  • Rye Beach is not patrolled, so visitors should exercise caution when swimming or engaging in water activities.
  • The beach has a general hazard rating of 1 of 10 (Least Hazardous) according to Beach Safe.
  • Jumping or diving off Rye Pier is strictly prohibited due to shallow waters.
  • Always check the tides at Rye Front Beach before visiting, especially if you’re planning water activities like swimming or snorkelling.

 

How to Get to Rye Front Beach

Nearby Attractions

Rye Front Beach is surrounded by a variety of attractions that cater to all interests, from family-friendly parks to unique markets. If you’re in the mood for a detour or an extended stay, these nearby spots offer plenty of things to do in Rye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rye Beach open to the public?

Yes, Rye Beach is open to the public year-round.

Can you swim at Rye Ocean Beach?

Rye Ocean Beach, located on the back beach side of the Mornington Peninsula, has stronger surf waves and is better suited for experienced swimmers or surfers. For beginners, families, and those looking for a relaxing swim, Rye Front Beach is a safer and more suitable destination.

How much does it cost to get into Rye Beach?

There is no entry fee to Rye Beach. Parking is free in many areas, though it may be limited during peak times.

When is the best time to visit Rye Beach?

The beach is beautiful year-round, but the warmer months (November to March) offer ideal conditions for swimming, water sports, and beachside relaxation.

Is Rye Front Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, but with restrictions. Dogs are only allowed on leash between 7 PM and 9 AM, except during daylight savings (typically early October to late April). There’s also an off-leash area between Daly Avenue and Shirlow Avenue where your furry friend can freely run along the sandy shores.

How much does it cost to get into the beach?

There’s no entry fee to Rye Front Beach, so everyone is free to enjoy its golden sands and blue waters. However, parking is not always free. While some street parking may be free for short periods, most main access areas offer paid parking through on-site machines. Fees vary by location and season, so be sure to check local signage before you park.

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.