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Beaches with Shells in Victoria

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by Dayna Chu (subscribe)
I'm a teacher, lecturer and freelance writer living in SE Melbourne. I love finding adventures for myself, my husband and our four kids to enjoy. Come along! Heart my articles and subscribe to the fun
Published March 16th 2023
Exploring Victoria's beaches for beautiful shells
The Port Phillip Bay beaches are glorious sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming and sandcastle building. There are also many beaches in Victoria where you can find a variety of shells; though a bit of effort is required to find these treasures in comparison to the easy access of the Port beaches. Here are some of the beaches that are known for having a lot of shells and a tip for where to find lunch if you don't pack your own picnic:
finding shells in victoria
photo by author: Flinders Pier Beach

Inverloch Beach: This beach is located in the Gippsland region of Victoria and is known for having a large variety of shells. To access the beach, take the A440 road to Inverloch and park at the beach car park on The Esplanade. For lunch near Inverloch Beach, you can try the Inlet Hotel (1 A'Beckett Street) which offers pub-style food and a great view of the inlet. Another option is The Bayside Lady (1 The Esplanade), which is a cafe and fish and chips shop located right by the beach.
finding shells
photo by author: Flinders Pier Beach


Portsea Back Beach: Located in Portsea, this beach is known for its large and diverse range of shells. To access the beach, take the Nepean Highway to Portsea and follow the signs to the back beach car park. For lunch near Portsea Back Beach, you can try The Portsea Hotel (3746 Point Nepean Road) which offers a range of seafood, pub-style meals and a great view of the water. Another option is The Pig & Whistle Tavern (365 Purves Road) which is a country-style pub located in the nearby town of Main Ridge.
finding shells in victoria
photo by author: Flinders Pier Beach

Flinders Beach: This beach is located on the Mornington Peninsula and is known for its abundance of shells. To access the beach, take the M3/EastLink to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and follow the signs to Flinders. For lunch near Flinders Beach, you can try The Flinders Hotel (Corner Cook & Wood Streets), which offers a bistro-style menu with seasonal and local produce. Another option is The Pantry (33 Cook Street), which is a cafe and restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine. If you have a good fish and chips option to recommend in the area, I'd love to hear about it in the comments! The last couple of times we have gone out (summer), they have had a food truck selling mussels in the carpark near the pier as well.
finding shells in victoria
photo by author: Flinders Pier Beach

Point Lonsdale Beach: This beach is located on the Bellarine Peninsula and is known for its variety of shells. To access the beach, take the M1 to Geelong and follow the signs to Point Lonsdale. For lunch near Point Lonsdale Beach, you can try The Beach House (2b Point Lonsdale Road), which is a beachside cafe serving breakfast and lunch with a great view of the water. Another option is The Point Lonsdale General Store (31-33 Point Lonsdale Road), which offers sandwiches, salads and snacks.
finding shells in victoria
photo by author: Flinders Pier Beach

Lakes Entrance Beach: Located in the East Gippsland region, this beach is known for its variety of shells. To access the beach, take the Princes Highway to Lakes Entrance and follow the signs to the beach car park. For lunch near Lakes Entrance Beach, you can try the Lakes Entrance Bowls Club (5 Rowe Street), which offers a range of pub-style meals with views of the lake. Another option is Waterwheel Beach Tavern (577 Esplanade), which offers seafood and pub-style meals with a view of the beach.

It's important to note that while collecting shells is allowed on most beaches in Victoria, there may be restrictions in place in some areas to protect the environment. Please be respectful and mindful of the environment while collecting shells, and leave shells that are still alive in their natural habitat.

Please also note that some of the lunch venues suggested may have different opening hours or may be closed on certain days, so it's best to check ahead before visiting.

Victoria has some of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Shell collecting is a great way to explore this natural beauty up close and personal.
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Your Comment
You should NOT be encouraging people to take shells from beaches or nice pieces of wood from parks. Enjoy and LEAVE!
by louba (score: 1|11) 37 days ago
Many of the beaches I visit no longer seem to have shells. It's so nice to see such a bit natural collection on your find.
by Gillian Ching (score: 3|6710) 80 days ago
Many of the beaches I visit no longer seem to have shells. It's so nice to see such a bit natural collection on your find.
by Gillian Ching (score: 3|6710) 80 days ago
It is illegal to remove shells frm Victorian beaches to on-sell as part of jewellery, framing for mirrors, decorating boxes or any other form of saleable items.
Shells form part of the ecological system, providing ‘housing’ for numerous small sea creatures, and protection from other creatures and waves.
“ In a study more than 30 years in the making, researchers have found that the removal of shells from beaches could damage ecosystems and endanger organisms that rely on shells for their survival.12 May 2014”;
Just try to be careful and considerate.
If in a National Park, ask the Rangers first.
Fines can be quite heavy for seashell removal in some areas.
by fluffynut (score: 3|1028) 80 days ago
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