3 family friendly photo spots on the Mornington Peninsula
I am a born and bred Mornington Peninsula gal - my love affair with this area is going on 36 years now. There was a brief period in my late teens where I tried to leave, but the good ol’ Ninch pulled me right back in with all of its epic beachside living, and gorgeous native bushland within arms reach. I’m even more entrenched since my kiddo came along, as I can’t bare to drag her away from all of the nature we live amongst. So naturally, I have made it my mission to incorporate as much of the local vibes in my shoots with clients, and over the years I have built up quite the list of epic locations to visit and take snaps.
Never one to gate keep, I am totes going to share all of these incredible local spots, that are super family friendly, so you can toddle off yourselves and explore them together. Hopefully snap a few amazing photos of the kids, and just generally have a grand old time! We are spoiled for choice down here so my list is ridiculously long - let's split it over a few blogs. We all know we have the collective attention span of a goldfish these days (just me? Cool cool cool). Let’s rock some local beaches first up!
Shoreham Beach and Pine Forest
Starting off strong with a two-for-one location! Bush and beach, this spot is incredible to explore as a family. If you’ve been following any local photographers on socials, you will have seen this spot in all its glory, over all the seasons. She looks amaze every time. You can easily wander amongst the pines, safely let the kids run and explore, play in the creek that leads to the sea - or for the very brave - jump in to swim! This is one of my favorite photography spots, as no matter where the sun is, or what the weather is - you will be able to snap an epic photo.
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Click HERE to find the directions to Shoreham Beach Carpark
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Car Park near beach and Pine Forest is a 20m walk from carpark
Pram and Wheelchair friendly - though it is the bush, so 4WD tyres would be best!
Toilets near beach
Easily found and walked paths, between the two locations
Safe bushland, lots of seaweed and nature to explore.
Quiet location - pretty much all year round
5 mins from Merricks General Wine Store for a sneaky coffee on the way home!
Point Leo Beach
Honestly - this spot is so underrated as a family hang out, and super gorg photography location. The beach will stop you in your tracks, with huge sand areas, rock pools to check out and views that you can stare at for hours. The backdrop for any photos taken here will rocket your family snaps from ‘sitting in your camera roll’ to ‘print and frame for the wall’. If you’re up for a little exploring, you can also find the boardwalk to wander down past the huge trees and river too!
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Click HERE to get directions to the Pt Leo Carpark
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Two car park options - one near the beach, one near the super cute coffee kiosk about 40m from the beach (free). During peak tourist season, the car park near the beach may require a small entrance fee.
Small steps/small sand dune to get to the beach - pram friendly if you don’t mind navigating the small decline
Wheelchair friendly from the boardwalk entrance
Toilets near beach
Safe bushland, and rock pools for kids
Quite busy in summer, quiet in winter/autumn
Super cute old school kiosk to buy coffee, icy poles and beach supplies nearby
Mills Beach, Mornington
One of my most popular beaches that my clients chose for shoots, as it satisfies all of your colourful beach hut dreams, shallow water beachy vibes and super close to Main St, Mornington. If you’re looking for splashes of bright colour in your beach snaps, this is the one for you.
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Click HERE to find directions to Mills Beach Carpark
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Carpark near beach
Toilets near beach
Pram friendly close to beach entrance only
Shallow water, super safe for kids to play in
Very busy, even in winter
Kiosk open in summer, and close to Main Street, Mornington
I know, I know. I’m barely touching the surface of what the Ninch has to offer. I promise I’ll be keeping these guides going, not just for beaches but gardens, bushland and clifftops. All family friendly, all worth a visit, and all a place for you to witness Mother Nature kick butt and do what she does best. I highly recommend trying one of these spots, exploring with your kids, and elevating your family snaps so that your neighbour Glenis asks if you got professional shots taken, but it's literally just your and your phone. Happy snapping friends!