Western Port Bay...a great way to make your day

The Western Port Bay area consists of rocky platforms, sandy beaches and unique marine habitats.

From mudflats, mangrove swamps, tidal channels and saltmarshes to huge sand dunes and dune scrub areas, the 680 sq km region is well worth the visit.

All offer the public great opportunities to learn about the unique fauna and flora that are specific to this area of the world, Western Port Bay

At the eastern entrance to the bay on the mainland, lies the pretty little seaside town of San Remo.Safe swimming waters with generous stretches of soft sandy beaches line the coast.

From here you travel over the bridge to the most amazing Island known as Phillip Island.

Phillip Island is a popular destination for day trips, holiday makers and tourists

On this wonderful Western Port Bay Island you will find sheltered swimming coves, clear waters to explore the shallow rock pools that surround the island and an amazing marine underwater wonderland.

The north, east and western shores of the island are great for a relaxing time with the family.

The southern shores of the island are great for Ocean fishing, Surfing the wild waves and long beachcoming walks. Climb the huge sand dunes and take in the breathtaking beauty of Bass Straight.

There are unique animal sanctuaries in, on and around the island. Fairy Penguins, Fur Seal colonies, Mutton bird roosts, A Koala Sanctuary and unique migratory bird colonies provide a great up close and personal experience for all the family

Approximately 120 kms from Melbourne off the Bass Highway you can access the Island from the mainland at San Remo and by ferry from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsular.

Churchill Island is connected by bridge to Phillip Island and is the site for the 1st European Settlement in Victoria

This shoreline is an interesting place to visit as the Churchill Island Marine National Park surrounds the island.

Interesting migratory birdlife can be found here, so many species roost, breed and feed in this very specific habitat.

The Farm on the island is open to the public where you are able to interact with the animals and learn all about the area. A great place for a picnic, a family excursion or just a simple relaxing experience.

The island only has a few inhabitants who live on it. They maintain the island's flora and fauna, species that are found in no other part of the world.

You are able to access the island by barge from Stoney Point and Cowes.

Fishing in these waters is restricted and for more accurate information as to where, when and why visit this website

Close to 22,000ha and surrounded by the diverse and unique French Island National Marine Park, the island is home to some amazing wildlife not to mention very unique flora and fauna both in and out of the water.

A raw experience if you enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

From the shores of the western side of Western Port Bay you can see French Island and Phillip Island.

The beaches along here are a delight to swim at as the waters are clear and clean.

The sands are soft and you can walk the long stretches of coastline for miles. Gentle high rolling hills, tall Norfolk Pines, high cliff faces and that unique Aussie Bushland makes this side of the Bay a joy to explore.

The Township of Hastings makes for an interesting diversion for a perfect picnic.

With large open parkland areas, great kids playgrounds, an indoor Aquatic Center and the unique experience of feeding the Pelicans, what a great way to enjoy the day.

Connect with the Western Port Bay Trail which follows the coastline from Somerville all the way to Balnarring

Cycle or walk this trail and enjoy all that the Western Port Bay area has to offer. Now that is a very different family getaway activity.

I grew up as a teenager holidaying in the tidal inlet of Warneet.

From here we would take off in the boats to Cowes on Phillip Island.

We would pass by the huge Oil Refinery and Port at Hastings, past the Cerebus Naval Depot around French Island and all the time dodging the huge tankers and shallow mudflats. We needed to be conscious of the tides as the only way to get back home was on the incoming tide.

Now that was fun and still is to this day. Catch up with the fishing tours at Tooradin and Warneet for a great day out

What was obvious to me was that when you were out on the Western Port Bay waters you do get a true indication of how vast this area really is...and how beautiful

To some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets that nature can provide...

I invite you to experience the Western Port Bay and its Beaches. You will never be disappointed

Occasionally one of these incredible eating machines finds its way into the bay. When I was a tennie bopper I personally watched my Mum pull a 4 foot shark into our fishing boat on one of our holiday trips. Don't know what type it was but I do remember scrambling up the other end of the boat as it thrashed about on the deck.

One of my Tips on Beach Safety is to remain alert when swimming, always a good thing as there are lots of different and sometimes dangerous marine creatures that you will find in this region.

If you would like to investigate in more detail what the Western Port Bay has to offer please visit my # Westernport Bay Page (Coming Soon). There is so much more that I would love to share with you about this amazing area

I love to explore the dramatic beaches of a rugged coastline, this is where I find lots of interesting things to add to my beach collections.

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