This small coastal township’s good surf breaks, beachfront camping and rocky headlands make it a hit with surfers, fishers, campers and families.
Fronting the clean waves of a popular surf beach, Skenes Creek is a quiet township just east of Apollo Bay. The wide main beach at Skenes Creek is ideal for children to swim, play and explore. Relax on the soft sands or check out the famous surf breaks. Join the laid-back community residing on the banks of the creek or pitch a tent right on the foreshore at Skenes Creek’s excellent camping grounds.
Spend a day at Skenes Creek’s main beach. Pack sun protection, some snacks and a good book and stake out a spot on the wide expanse of sand, bisected by the lagoon mouth of the creek. Rocky outcrops frame the beach to the east and west. Join the kids as they explore the fascinating rock pools. Check out the seaweeds, anemones and crustaceans that make their homes among the rock formations.
Take a dip in the clear ocean waters. As there are no lifeguards on patrol here, take care to swim inshore and avoid the waters near the rocks and headlands, as there are rips in these areas. Surfers might want to take on the beach breaks. You can hire surfboards and bodyboards from the campground offices.
Wander east along the beach, past the rocky headland, to find another secluded bay. Look for shells and other beach treasures, but remember to leave them at the beach at the end of the day. A longer walk departing from the beach is Wild Dog Road, a four-wheel drive track that ends with stunning ocean views at Mariner’s Lookout.
Try fishing off the beach’s rocks or in the creek that splits the township. Cook a meal on the barbecue facilities located at the campgrounds or on the other side of the creek and enjoy a beach picnic as the sun sets.
Skenes Creek is a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne and 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the bigger town of Apollo Bay. The Great Ocean Road meets the coast at Skenes Creek, and there is parking available on the foreshore. Have the beach as your backyard at the beachfront camping grounds or enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the township’s lodges.
