For my first Australian Christmas Day, my family took me to Mount Martha in Victoria. Going to a beach is a typical Aussie way of celebrating Christmas. I didn’t complain as I’ve always been an island girl and would choose sand over snow in between my toes.
It was about 1.5-hour drive from Briar Hill where my aunt, uncle, and cousin live.
Mount Martha is located 60 kilometres southeast of Melbourne’s CBD. This seaside town is part of Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
The two-kilometre long Mount Martha beach is divided into two (north and south) by Balcombe Creek. What I love most about this beach is that it has clear blue waters and long and wide stretches of white sand with shallow waters. It also has colourful bathing boxes all lined up just like in Brighton Beach. The best part is that this beach is less commercialized and so there are less tourists and more locals.
You will also find the Mount Martha Pillars at the Esplanade if you drive up the coastal road up the hill. Watch out for narrow footpaths on the side of the road and find yourself on the edge of a cliff where you can jump into the clear, blue waters. If you are a scaredy cat like me, you may opt to just get a beach towel, lay on the sandstone rocks, and soak up the sun.
Australia’s beaches is one of the many reasons why I love this country and want to call it home someday. If you do come here, please make sure to take your rubbish with you and help preserve its beauty. When we were there, we saw someone throw a plastic bag into the ocean. It wasn’t cool.
What jerk would throw a plastic bag into the ocean? D: I agree… this beach is beautiful, and let’s keep it that way! Thanks for sharing pictures of this beautiful place and making me envious of your travels <3
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Ah, Christmas in Australia, on its beautiful beaches. Sounds so idyllic 🙂 The brilliant blue of the waters here look so inviting…shame someone took it as an invite to dump garbage. Still, a fabulous looking destination, and one worth seeking out!
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What a great way to celebrate Christmas! I love it. Just like you I would rather celebrate with my toes in the sand instead of the snow. We also enjoy going to the local beaches instead of the touristy ones.
Ohh I hadnt heard of this place when I was in Melbourne but I know a few people out there and might pass it on to them to go and visit 😀 – Looks like you’re having a great time in Aus Justine 😀 BUt how much fun is spending Xmas day on the beach? I miss it haha
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Justine this is such a contrast for you from your last home in Canada, isn’t it? But what a lovely way to spend Christmas – on the beach! I love those views, to relax and sunbathe with such gorgeous views is a dream! I’m an island/beach person myself and Mount Martha Beach in Victoria looks amazing.
Even though I’m from Boston, I “would choose sand over snow in between my toes” any day! Your post shares the beauty of Mount Martha Beach, a far away place I’ve never been. (And what a fabulous way to celebrate Christmas, no less.) I look forward to crossing the equator to enjoy those beautiful Australian beaches some day!