Point Lonsdale is home to some of the most picturesque and unique beaches in Australia. Overlooking the treacherous Rip separating Port Philip Bay with the usually rough and rugged Bass Straight the township has two distinct types of beaches. To the north of the light house stretching to to Queenscliff is a small open bay called Victory Bright. This beachfront offers with spectacular views back to Queenscliff and across the water to Point Nepean and the Mornington Peninsula. The foreshore offers beautiful sandy beaches with some limestone outcrops and good shade. This stretch of beach is very popular with families as the the waters are relatively calm and ideal for children.
To the South West of the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse stretching south west to Barwon Heads is a long sandy stretch of beach with towering cliffs and a magnificent surf beach. Fronting Bass Straight this stretch offers some of the Bellarine’s best surf beaches
Point Lonsdale’s long jetty offers spectacular views back to Point Lonsdale and is a must for any visitor. Even on a cold wintery day the refreshing sea breeze and the abundant bird life make the pier a exhilarating experience. Once a popular fishing location before the entire area became a marine park the pier stretches out around 200 metres from the shore. It has become a popular photography location and many wedding photos are taken on the pier.
The entire point around the Lighthouse is part of several natural reserves that hug the coastline where you will find carparks and plenty of bush walking tracks through the tea trees and sand dunes. The reserves offer many places where you can relax and take in the stunning views and watch ships enter and leave the heads.
The waters off Point Lonsdale are are very popular for diving. There are several ship wrecks in the area and some spectacular sponge gardens, giant kelp beds and amazing sights and a diversity of plant life and creatures that rival that of the tropical waters to the north of our country.
Another natural highlight in Port Lonsdale is the giant Norfolk Pine that stands on the corner of Grimes and Point Lonsdale Roads. This tree is over 100 years old and forms the centerpiece of the townships Christmas celebrations. Over the festive season the tree is lit up with hundreds of festoon lights and can be seen from many locations over the northern end of the Bellarine and even as far as Point Nepean.
Lake Victoria to the west of the township is another of the area’s interesting natural wonders. This large wetland is a shallow sub coastal lagoon and is home to waterbirds including pelicans, egrets, ibis and spoon bills just to name a few of the species found there not to mention the endangered orange bellied parrot. The hardy salt marsh makes up most of the vegetation along with the melaleuca tea tree and the lake receives water from man made drainage from the old shell grit mine and urban run off from the new housing development being built in the area.