As a very young child I was introduced to the amazing, wild and thrilling aspects of Melbourne's Back Beaches

Many a happy hour was spent sifting through the sands and fossicking for bits and pieces

Early years were spent collecting pretty shells and as I grew older I realized that there was so much more to collect that the sea threw up onto the shoreline.

Beachcombing became my favorite past time

I have collected...

Some of these beach finds I have used to make interesting # Beach Crafts, some I have hoarded and display around my home and others I have given away.

There is something about the ocean that draws me to it.

The fresh ozone air, the sharp and stinging breezes in the middle of winter (my favorite time to stroll a back beach), the smells, the sounds and the solitude of a deserted beach.

A place to recharge, restore my souls energy and to return home from feeling thoroughly exhausted but alive.

My very first memories of days spent at the ocean back beach, were of warm sunny times exploring the rock pools at Sorrento.

An amazing stretch of ocean beach where just a short stroll down from the carpark, leads you to soft, sandy stretches, tantalizing rock pools to explore and expanses of seaweed hugging rock ledges.

When the tide is out these rock pools and ledges are a swimmer's and beachcomber's delight

There are deep blue pools brimming with incredible marine life. Some of these pools are large enough to snorkel in...what a great way to learn about some of the ocean's treasures, a real up close and personal experience.

Sorrento's swimming hole just to the right of the carpark, has a rock platform where you are able to dive from into the clean, crystal clear waters of Bass Strait. This is refreshed daily with the new tide arrival.

A safe family beach that can be enjoyed by all age groups.

There are BBQ and Picnic facilities available and a kiosk for that hot cuppa and bucket of piping hot, salty chips on a cold and blustery winter's day.

This is a popular beach for excellent swimmers and surfers, however the waters are very dangerous so please, if you do want to swim here take notice of the flags when the beach is being patrolled and never swim alone.

The rock arch London Bridge has been formed by the erosion of wind and waves

It can be found by walking along the Farnsworth Track which hugs the cliff line to the west of the beach or you can reach it by car on the Back Beach road...just watch for the sign on your right.

The walk offers you an amazing view eastwards to Cape Shanck, Arthurs Seat and westward towards Barwon heads and the Otway Ranges.

Located on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Cape Shanck faces the open ocean of Bass Strait.

More coastal park than beach I still include it as one of my favorite back beaches

Walks either side of the historic Lighthouse take you to areas of almost untouched coastline.

Here you are able to fossick for artifacts, shells, driftwood, fossils and sometimes semi precious gemstone chips.

If this activity is one of your family's favorite pastimes, then the back beach at Cape Shanck is one of the best.

These open stretches of sandy beaches, an occasional rocky outcrop and saltbrush wind-swept dunes are perfect for long and delightfully soul mending walks...with or without the kids.

Here you can sing to your hearts content, or shout your cares away, or with head down and absorbed in the art of the beachcomber wile away many an hour or two or more.

The beaches are vacuumed daily by nature and sometimes she offers up a few of her well chosen treasures to share.

The beaches are patrolled weekends and public holidays, swimming and surfing here is really for the very experienced as the waters are very dangerous.

Rugged, rocky and raw, there are high cliffs to climb and sheltered coves with rocky platforms to explore...my favourite type of back beach. Now what will I find today?

I found this beach quite by accident. On my way to The Nobbies on Phillip Island I noticed the sign.

Parking the car at the top of the cliff edge, I made my way down to the rugged and rocky Shelly Beach.

Positioned on the eastern coastline of Phillip Island I classify it as an open Ocean Back beach.

Western Port Bay waters mingle with those from the Bass Strait bringing with them some fascinating sea treasures.

# Huge forests of thick rubbery Kelp

# Empty shark egg cocoons

# An amazing variety of sea sponges

# Interesting fossil finds

# Huge Cuttlefish

# Shipwreck artifacts

# Sea Glass

# Sea Shells, different seasons bring different types

This is a great beach to explore with the family. Do be aware though of the regulations regarding the collecting of your beach finds.

Over on the western side of Port Phillip Bay is the beautiful ocean township of Point Lonsdale.

To the right of the historic lighthouse you will find clean, soft stretches of sandy coastline. These turn into dramatic rocky outcrops and pools to explore.

Snorkeling around these rocky areas can bring a very pleasant surprise...huge crayfish, yummy!

Swimming at this beach is quite dangerous so only swim in areas that are patrolled, usually on a weekend and public holidays.

For some amazing photography you can't go past this beach, nature at its best, Point Lonsdale is a great family getaway diversion.

Don't forget the Aerogard

The March Fly

These nasty little creatures just love to hug the shoreline and they bite like a lion

Their bite can leave a nasty red and swollen mark and the itch, oh dear...

Try to swat them, good luck. They are so fast and cunning. I have found that the best way to beat them is to spray up. If you don't like to spray then use the gel or roll on, just as effective.

So there you have it, my favorite beaches, back beaches that is. Take your pick, you won't be disappointed

Check out My map here and plan your route. It is easy, just follow directions and enjoy your next great family getaway