Things to do at Sandy Point and surrounds
Five minutes walk from the house, Sandy Point Beach is a long, unspoilt stretch of coastline with a wide sandy shore that is rarely crowded. It's a great place to swim and body surf.
While it's generally considered safe in calmer conditions , the beach is patrolled by lifeguards during summer — on weekends and every day during peak periods. As with any ocean beach, caution should always be exercised.
The water is cool for most of the year, so you may want to wear a wetsuit. If you don't have one, the mini golf shop next to the General Store sells reasonably priced wetsuits (around $80 for adults).
If you'd like to have some fun in the waves, use the complimentary boogie boards at the house. It's a 5-minute walk to the surf beach from the house (so you don't have far to carry them!)
The house is a two minute walk from a well equiped children's playground, tennis courts and a small basketball court. This area is very popular during the summer months.
The tennis courts can be booked at the General Store (tennis racquets & ball are available at the house). You'll need to have cash (no ATM in Sandy Point). $10 court and $10 key deposit. We supply tennis racquets and balls. You can get cash out at ATMs in Foster.
Mini golf is good fun and can be found next to General Store. It takes card payment. It also sells reasonable priced wet suits around $80 for adult.
Sandy Point offers accessible surf along its open beach, with enough room to find your own space on most days. It's considered a 'friendly' break that is suitable for surfers of all abilities. The break favours longboards and SUPs, though shorter boards can find plenty to work with.
The stretch off the Manuka Street entrance tends to produce the most consistent waves and is a popular spot with local surfers. All areas along the beach are good though (when the conditions are right - see below).
The area to the right of the Surf Club (and the flags) is suitable for beginners. Consider getting lessons from local legend, Bones (suitable for all ages). Bones' surfing school can be found to the right of the General Store.
Conditions are best at Sandy Point with a light northerly wind. When the wind shifts to the west, it's worth checking the Chicken Rock reef break off the Waratah Bay settlement. For easterly winds, the beaches around Wilsons Promontory come into their own.
Some of the best waves in the area arrive over winter.
There are a range of excellent hiking options for all abilities near Sandy Point. Here are some of our favourites:
Sandy Point
Walkerville
Fish Creek
Wilsons Promotory
The most popular fishing spot near Sandy Point is Shallow Inlet (5 mins drive from the town). Boats can be launched directly from the shoreline, making it easily accessible for those with small vessels.
If you don’t have a boat, fishing from the shore can also be productive and is a great activity for families and children. Turn right when you enter the inlet and park your car near the point (above the high tide line). Walk around the point (past the no driving sign) and cast your line in. It's usually possible to catch something, although it may be too small to keep.
The main target species in the Inlet is whiting, though anglers also regularly catch salmon, flathead, and gummy shark. Bait can be purchased from the Sandy Point General Store. Alternatively, beach worms can be collected locally using a worm pump, and they are considered excellent bait.
The inlet is **highly tidal**, and every year at least one vehicle is lost when the tide comes in while its owner is out fishing. Always ensure your car is parked well above the high tide line.
Launching or navigating a boat near the inlet entrance can be challenging and potentially dangerous. It requires a high level of skill and local knowledge, so it’s important to research conditions thoroughly before attempting it.
Fishing is also possible directly from the surf beach at Sandy Point, where common target species include salmon, flathead, and gummy shark.
Please ensure you hold a current Victorian recreational fishing licence, as compliance checks are carried out periodically.
Sandy Point is a cyclist-friendly town, where it’s common to see both adults and children riding around.
The nearby Great Southern Rail Trail is widely regarded as one of Victoria’s best rail trails. You can access the trail at Fish Creek, and e-bike hire is available in Meeniyan (for those wanting a more relaxed riding experience). For more adventurous cyclists, gravel routes from Sandy Point via Kerrs Road and Buffalo-Waratah Road provide an alternative way to reach the Rail Trail at Buffalo.
Road cycling from Sandy Point to Walkerville (and back) is popular but care is required on the narrow roads.
Sandy Point is a true dog heaven, offering wide open beaches, fresh sea air, and plenty of space to explore. With long stretches of sand perfect for walking and playing, it’s a place your dog can truly relax and enjoy a well deserved break.
As with most Victorian beach areas, there are some important conditions designed to protect wildlife and ensure safety. These include:
The most popular area for dog walking is the beach to the right of Ned Neale’s Lookout, where there are no seasonal restrictions. Closer to the Surf Club, dog access is limited during peak summer periods, with dogs generally permitted on the beach before 9am and after 5pm.
While encounters are infrequent, care must be taken to avoid snakes when walking your dog through the dunes over summer.
Sandy Point, Victoria, is part of a rich coastal ecosystem in South Gippsland that offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching throughout the year. Its beaches, dunes, and nearby estuarine environments form part of the wider Corner Inlet region, a highly significant habitat for both resident and migratory bird species. The area also benefits from its proximity to Wilsons Promontory National Park, further enhancing its biodiversity and birdlife diversity.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded around Shallow Inlet and surrounding coastal landscapes, making it one of Victoria’s most rewarding regions for bird enthusiasts. Depending on the season, visitors may observe a wide variety of shorebirds, seabirds, and bushland species.
Common and notable species you may encounter include:
One of the most significant species found in the Sandy Point area is the Hooded Plover, a small shorebird that is listed as threatened in Victoria. This species nests directly on sandy beaches and is highly sensitive to disturbance, particularly during the breeding season. Sandy Point’s long, open coastline provides important habitat for these birds, and visitors may occasionally spot them foraging near the waterline or nesting in dune areas. When present, nesting sites are usually marked with signage, and visitors are encouraged to keep dogs leashed and avoid disturbing fenced-off areas to help protect this vulnerable species.
This site describes some of the birds that can found at Sandy Point.
Book a round, clubs and golf cart at the scenic Foster Golf Course. You can ring to book.
Sandy Point is widely regarded as one of Australia’s premier windsurfing locations, offering a rare combination of reliable wind, varied sailing conditions, and a relatively safe environment.
The area is particularly valued for its consistent winds, especially during summer easterlies and winter northerlies, which provide excellent planing conditions for most skill levels. Shallow Inlet—just beside the town—delivers glassy flat water, making it ideal for speed sailing, freeride blasting, and skill progression.
On the ocean side, Waratah Bay offers small, forgiving waves that are well-suited to beginners transitioning into wavesailing, while still providing enough variety for more experienced riders depending on swell and wind direction.
Another key attraction is the versatility of conditions: multiple launch spots around Sandy Point work in different wind directions, meaning it’s often sailable when other locations aren’t. The sandy bottom, minimal currents, and lack of reefs or rocks contribute to a generally low-hazard environment, making it especially appealing for intermediate sailors.
Overall, Sandy Point stands out as a well-rounded windsurfing destination—combining flat water, small waves, and dependable wind—making it one of the best spots in Victoria for both progression and relaxed, high-speed sailing.