Yet Another 3 Family-Friendly Photo Spots on the Mornington Peninsula
Coming at you with yet another 3 family-friendly photo spots on the Mornington Peninsula… except this time we’re levelling up a little. These aren’t your easy bay-beach-with-a-pram-and-a-coffee situations. There are a few here that are the big, windswept, ocean-crashing, cliff-top kind of spots. The ones with the EPIC views. The ones that make you feel tiny in the best way.
Full disclosure: a couple of these require actual legs. Maybe a carrier. Maybe snacks. Possibly a “why did we choose this” mutter halfway up the path. But what you get in return? Dramatic coastline, wild sky, proper ocean energy and photos that feel a little more adventurous than your standard toes-in-the-bay situation.
As always, I’ll give you the practical details too - because while I love a cinematic cliff moment, I also know most of us are planning around naps, weather, and whether the toddler will agree to shoes. Let’s get into it.
Bridgewater Bay, Blairgowrie
This is one of those magical spots that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret amphitheatre hand carved into the coastline. Tucked between two sandstone cliffs, this natural back beach delivers proper ocean energy, dramatic rock formations and those big, sweeping views that make photos feel instantly epic. It’s not pram-friendly and you’ll need to tackle a short bush walk and staircase to reach the sand - but if you’re up for the mini adventure, you’re rewarded with rock pools to explore, magical little hidey spots in the cliff face and a stretch of beach that feels wild and cinematic in the best way. It can get busy in peak summer, but autumn and winter? Absolute gold.
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Click HERE to find directions to the Bridgewater Bay carpark.
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A short 150m bush walk from the carpark, to a steep staircase onto the beach.
Will need to navigate rocks at the bottom of the staircase before reaching
the sand.
Not pram or wheelchair accessible.
No toilets or facilities available at the beach or carpark.
Closest cafe is about 1km away in Blairgowrie.
A tourist attraction, so can be busy in Summer - though usually quiet in autumn
and winter.
Lots of rocks and tidepools on the beach to explore, as well as magical hidey
spots in the sandstone cliff face.
Cairns Beach & Cliffs, Flinders
Cairns Beach & Cliffs is one of those locations that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a travel magazine - wild coastline, rolling cliffs and proper ocean drama in every direction. It’s absolutely stunning any time of year and genuinely works at almost any time of day thanks to how open and expansive it is. That said, you’ll earn it. There’s a gentle 600m walk in via Tea Tree Creek track, a few stairs down to the sand, and the cliff tops aren’t fenced - so it’s best suited to confident walkers and parents who are happy to keep a close eye on little adventurers. The beach itself is usually quiet, with plenty of rocks to explore and space to roam, and the cliff-top views? Completely epic. If you’re up for a bit of effort in exchange for serious wow-factor, this one delivers every time.
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Click HERE to find directions to the carpark and walking track for Cairn Beach and Cliffs
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Note: the carpark is quite small on the shoulder of the road.
Entry to the beach via Tea Tree Creek Walking Track.
Approx 600m gentle walk to the location that will take between 10-15 mins.
Some stairs to access the sand at Cairn’s Beach.
The clifftops don’t have fencing if you are bringing kiddos or doggos!
Lot’s of rocks to explore on the beach.
Generally a very quiet beach location, but the cliffs are a fav photo spot. At sunset there may be a family shoot, wedding or commercial drone joining you!
South Beach, Mt Martha
South Beach is your classic Mornington Peninsula crowd-pleaser - wide sandy stretches, iconic beach boxes, gentle bay water and those soft cliff views that glow at sunset. It’s incredibly easy to access (carpark basically on the sand, toilets and picnic areas nearby), which makes it a dream for families with little ones, prams or grandparents in tow. It’s safe, spacious and versatile - you can lean into beachy candids, colourful box backdrops or golden-hour magic along the shoreline. It does get busy in warmer months (because everyone knows it’s good), but there’s plenty of room to spread out and breathe. For documentary-style sessions especially, it’s perfect - kids can run, dig, snack, paddle and just be themselves while I quietly capture the in-between moments. If you want something beautiful without the hike, this one delivers every time.
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Click HERE to find directions to South Beach Mt Martha.
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Carpark located on the beach, 2m walk to sand.
Toilets located in the carpark, as well as picnic areas.
Areas of the beach are wheelchair accessible and pram friendly.
Large sandy beach, located at the far end of Mt Martha Beach.
Lots of Beach boxes, cliff views and great for sunsets.
Very safe for children and families.
Lifesaving club nearby that has a kiosk with drinks and snacks, as well as a short walk to the Mt Martha shops.
Very busy in all warmer months, and relatively busy during winter months.
Chuck the kids in the car, promise them a post-walk snack, and get amongst it. These locations deliver big views, big sky and photos that feel a little bit epic. If you’re wondering when they shine best or how to time it so no one melts down halfway up the path, I’m your girl. Happy exploring!