Merricks Beach

Merricks Beach is a fairly narrow, steep strip of clean white sand over a more rocky tidal bay area. It lies on Western Port Bay and overlooks Phillip Island. From Palmers Bluff in the north east (accessed via a small path from near #15 Cliff Rd) the beach meanders for over two kilometres towards the south-west, eventually ending up at East Creek, Pt Leo. The beach is buffered by a long area of bushland known as the Merricks Beach Bushland Reserve. A low dune backs the northern section of Merricks Beach, giving way to 10 to 20 metre high vegetated bluffs in the southern section. This area is home to the endangered Red-Capped Plover. The Merricks Yacht Club is about halfway along the beach and can be accessed from the end of Merricks Beach Road. There are picnic facilities and a toilet block here. There is also access via a small walking track opposite #7 Bluff Road. The beach is fairly protected and receives low wind waves and very rare ocean swell. There is deep water at high tide and exposed sand and reef flats at low tide. You can walk along the beach at low tide to Balnarring Beach in the north-west. There is no access to Point Leo Beach as the beach is divided by East Creek which can flow quite deeply.