Childers Cove, Victoria

Near Warrnambool at the end of the Great Ocean Road, Childers Cove manages to be quiet, photogenic and relatively good for swimming.

Childers Cove near Warrnambool, Victoria, is one of the best beaches along the Great Ocean Road. It comes right at the end of Australia’s most famous drive, and is overlooked by most visitors as they rush inland to Warrnambool.

Childers Cove is technically in the settlement of Mepung, although this is effectively a suburb of Warrnambool.

How to get to Childers Cove, Victoria

What makes Childers Cove so photogenic is that it is surrounded on three sides by enormous limestone cliffs. This Great Ocean Road beach is only 100 metres long, which makes it look very dainty set against the towering backdrop. Access is via a walking trail off the Childers Cove Road.

Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.

If coming from the east, branch off the Great Ocean Road at Nirranda. The main parking area with public toilets actually takes you to Murnanes Bay. If you want Childers Cove, go a little further along.

Childers Cove beach is relatively flat, with the headlands protecting it from the mighty swell of the Southern Ocean.

Childers Cove near Warrnambool, Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Is it safe to swim at Childers Cove, Victoria?

These conditions mean Childers Cove is no great surf beach like Johanna Beach, but it’s a pleasant spot for a splash around.

It is relatively safe to swim at Childers Cove.

You’ve got a fair chance of having the beach to yourself, too. Most tourists are down the road at Port Campbell, seeing the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge or taking on the Gibson Steps.

This Great Ocean Road beach, on the Apollo Bay to Warrnambool drive, is also a great place to go fishing. There are several gutters near the shallows, with Australian salmon, snapper and gummy shark often caught here. Fishing conditions tend to be at their best in the winter months.

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