Childers Cove: One of the Great Ocean Road's Best Hidden Beaches
We picked the girls up from school one afternoon and, instead of heading straight home, decided to spend a few hours exploring Childers Cove.
It's one of those places that reminds us you don't always need a weekend away to make incredible family memories.
Childers Cove holds a special place in our hearts. It's only a short drive from home, and we've been coming here for years. In fact, I always thought this might be the place where my husband would propose.
There's something about Childers Cove that keeps drawing us back. It's rugged, dramatic and peaceful all at once. Most of the time, we have the beach almost entirely to ourselves, which makes it feel like our own little hidden corner of the Great Ocean Road.
My favourite time to visit is on a warm evening just as a storm is rolling in. The sky turns shades of purple and grey, rain falls on the horizon, and the sun begins to set behind the cliffs. Standing on the beach, watching the waves roll in beneath those incredible cliffs, it feels absolutely magical.
Now, it's become one of our favourite places to bring the girls. Whether we're running on the beach, climbing over the sand-covered rocks or simply watching the waves, it's proof that some of the best family adventures are the ones closest to home.
Quick Facts About Childers Cove
Location: 608 Childers Cove Road, Mepunga, Vic
Distance from Warrnambool: 30 minute drive (28km)
Walk Distance: Walk down the stairs from the carpark
Difficulty: Easy
Pram Friendly: No
Wheelchair Accessible: Not to the beach, however you can enjoy the views from the carparks
Toilets Available: Yes
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise, sunset, stormy days and everything in between
Dogs Permitted: No
Unpatrolled beaches – swim with caution
Water hazards: Rough surf, deep water & strong currents
3 Bays / Beaches: Childers Cove, Murnanes Bay & Sandy Cove
Why You'll Love It
✅ Rugged coastline
✅ Dramatic coastal views
✅ Incredible photo opportunities
Getting There
From Warrnambool: Head East out of Warrnambool along the Princess Highway, Take a right turn onto The Great Ocean Road just past Allansford, travel 14km along the Great Ocean Road and turn right onto Childers Cove Road. Follow the road until the end and you will find Childers Cove. The route is signed,
From Peterborough: Follow The Great Ocean Road signs towards Warrnambool, Take a left turn onto Childers Cove Road and follow until the end.
Is Childers Cove Family Friendly?
👨👩👧👦 Good to Know
Suitable for families of all ages, but be prepared for the stairs.
Easy, short walk with lots of stairs.
Not pram friendly.
Too many stairs for a beach wagon.
🌊 Safety
Keep children close near the water's edge.
Unpatrolled beaches. Swim with caution.
Pay attention to the warning signs—parts of this coastline can be dangerous.
Rough Surf
Strong Currents
Always check conditions
Always read the warning signs
📸 Our Tip
Take your time—there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Visit on a stormy day, the. sky is spectacular.
Best Time to Visit
Childers Cove is beautiful at any time of day, but every visit offers something a little different.
🌅 Sunrise
Usually the quietest time to visit, with soft morning light across the cliffs.
🌊 Low Tide
The best time to explore the beach, photograph the offshore islands and enjoy more sand.
🌤 Golden Hour
Warm afternoon light brings out the colours in the limestone cliffs and creates beautiful family photos.
⛈ Stormy Evenings
Our favourite time. As the weather rolls in, the sky turns incredible shades of purple and grey, creating one of the most dramatic coastal scenes we've ever experienced.
Photography Tips
⚠️ Drones are prohibited in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park
All photos on this blog were taken with my iPhone 14 Pro Max
Best Photo Locations:
Sandy Cove Carpark
Murnane Bay Staircase
Mernane Bay Beach
Childers Cove Beach
Best Time to Photograph:
Golden Hour - Just before sunset for warm light on the limestone cliffs
Low Tide - This allows you to walk out further and capture the islands better
Nearby Attractions
Warrnambool - Download our FREE family guide. The Ultimate Guide to Warrnambool here: https://www.justamum.com.au/free-guide
Bay of Islands Coastal Park
Bay of Martyrs
Bay of Islands
Peterborough
The Grotto
London Bridge
12 Apostle Artisans Trail
Final Thoughts
Childers Cove is proof that you don't always need a holiday to create memories your kids will remember. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones waiting just down the road. If you're exploring the Great Ocean Road, don't drive straight past this hidden gem—you might just discover one of our favourite places too.
