Holiday houses in Safety Beach

Known for its calm, shallow surf, the coastal town of Safety Beach is a haven for family-friendly waterside fun about an hour from the action in central Melbourne. Tucked along the picturesque Mornington Coast with rolling hills marking the horizon, the water here is clear, with little to no rocks or algae to get in your way as you glide through the gentle turquoise waves. Beyond that, the sand is soft and the weather is almost always fit for swimming.

You can snap a few photos of the candy-coloured bathing boxes that line the shore, charter a sailboat and bob along the surf, and spend days building sandcastles, collecting conch shells, and watching fiery-hued sunsets from the jetty. Away from the sea and sand, there’s a local golf club, or you can play a few rounds of tennis with the backdrop of swaying palm trees.

The weather in Safety Beach and the rest of the Mornington Peninsula is fairly warm all year round. The hottest and most popular months to visit are December, January, and February, and school holidays are also a big draw. March break is a popular time to visit, when families tend to make their way down for the week. For great weather and to have more of the town to yourself, aim to come in February or April. Note also that many restaurants around the peninsula are only open on Friday and Saturday nights and for lunch from Wednesday through Sunday. Come in November for the VineHop Festival, which sees towns all around the peninsula showing off their local wines, beers, and ciders. Or come in June for the lively Mornington Winter Music Festival.

Sailing

The calm waters of Safety Beach make for perfect easy-going sailing conditions. Rent a boat in town and spend the day on the water letting the gentle breeze glide you along the bay. If you prefer a different kind of boating experience, you can also rent kayaks, canoes, speedboats, jet skis, and yachts here too.

Arthurs Seat

Ascend the 304 metres up Arthurs Seat and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the glittering water and golden beaches of the Mornington Peninsula, with Melbourne’s skyline in the distance. At the top, Arthurs Seat State Park offers forested walking trails, ornamental gardens, a sculpture park, an enchanting maze, and activities like zip-lining, tree surfing, and rock climbing. You can make the scenic journey to the top on foot, by mountain bike, or via gondola.

The drive-In

For a dose of retro, kitschy fun, head down to the popular drive-in in nearby Dromana, where you can watch new releases on the big screen from the comfort of your car. Set the scene with burgers and shakes from the ’50s-style American diner on the premises, with wait staff that will bring your order right to your car.