Best Rockpools For Kids in Melbourne

by Claire Halliday, ellaslist

What always puts a smile on kids’ faces? Finding hidden treasures must definitely be close to the top of the list.

And when you add water and rocks, the wonder of this cool outdoors fun is hard to beat – especially on long, hot days.
Rockpools tick an exciting range of boxes – with squishy sand for inquisitive fingers, rocks to climb on and the possibility of uncovering real-life sea creatures in their natural habitat.

Once you’ve slipped, slopped and slapped that all-important sun protection, rockpools can provide hours of fun – and it’s free (well, if you’re driving your car, make sure you check the parking meters at your local beach and have some coins or a handy credit card on stand-by to avoid parking fines).

In summer, it can’t get much more perfect than splashing around at favourite sea-side location. And the good news about rockpools is that they can be just as much fun when the sun is behind a cloud.

Crabs, jellyfish, starfish, shells, seaweed, small fish, sea sponges – and more. For a fun beach out with the family, work your way around these favourite Melbourne rockpools that are perfect for kids to explore. Don’t forget to check low tide times online to make the most of your rockpool expedition.

1.Point Gellibrand, Williamstown

Water lovers in the West head to Williamstown’s Pt Gellibrand at low tide to look for underwater inhabitants in the clear rockpools at this lovely spot. If you’re the parent of a budding marine biologist, there is a lot they can learn. To keep your little rock-hoppers safe, good grip is great, so try Dunlop Volleys, Crocs or old sneakers for their feet.

 

2.Rickett’s Point, Beaumaris

Being handy to a car park on Beach Road in Beaumaris helps – and the popular Rickett’s Point Teahouse is a great spot to start (coffee, anyone?) and end (icy-poles, anyone?) your journey.
It’s a shallow and safe bay beach and when the tide is low, there is an extensive network of rockpools to discover.
The fact that the area is a protected Marine Park means it’s rich with interesting sea-life – but it’s also a reminder to leave it looking just as wonderful. A great day out here with kids should always include a handy rubbish bag tucked into your pocket to make sure that any food wrappers or discarded drink bottles don’t end up polluting the very thing you love – a positive way to remind your children to protect the planet they’re growing up on.

 

 

3.Red Bluff

The lovely-to-look-at Red Bluff offers impressive view of red sea cliffs – with a treasure trove of intriguing nooks and crannies your kids will love to investigate. With one of Melbourne’s favourite fish and chip spots at Half Moon Bay just a short stroll away, this is fun for all the family.

 

Want to make it a day trip?

For rockpooling adventures further afield, try St Paul’s Beach at Sorrento, Smith’s Beach at Phillip Island, Picnic Bay Beach at Wilson’s Promontory, Airey’s Inlet on the Great Ocean Road and the surprises of the shallows at Walkerville in Gippsland. Or, rain or shine, visit the indoor rockpool at Queenscliff’s Marine Discovery Centre.
One thing you should never forget is that some Victorian beaches are home to the potentially deadly blue-ringed octopus – a reminder that supervision is always a must whenever children and water mix.