Waves crash against the shore as we stand here at Fingal Beach. Fingal Beach is a hidden gem on the Mornington Peninsula. It offers stunning beaches and fabulous spots for relaxation. Fingal is a rural locality tucked away behind the back beaches. Many often miss this place. It is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Fingal Beach lies on the western side of Cape Schanck. Walking tracks from Cape Schanck and Fingal Picnic Area car parks lead here. The two beaches are remnants of a once large beach. This beach supplied sand to the backing cliff-top dunes. Today, they have been eroded down to a narrow strip of sand. Rock platforms and reefs front this strip. The 40-meter-high calcarenite cliffs back the beach. Active dunes sit on top. Both beaches face south-west. They face the full force of the westerly winds and waves. The waves break on the offshore reefs and rocks. The narrow beaches are only active at high tide.
The nearby Fingal picnic area is perfect for lunch. Enjoy a BBQ before exploring this coastline. Walking tracks lead to lookouts. These lookouts offer spectacular views of basalt cliffs. You can walk to Fingal Beach which is exposed at low tide.
The return walk to Fingal Beach is 3 kilometers. Access to the beach is via a steep staircase. A longer 5-kilometer walk to Gunnamatta Beach is also available from the Fingal Picnic Area.
Gunnamatta Beach presents a 3km stretch of rugged coastline magnificence. Strong winds and waves create the best surf breaks. They say it is on the Mornington Peninsula. But be warned. Gunnamatta Beach in Fingal is an exposed high-energy beach. It has a wide rip-dominated surf zone.
Fingal is close to world-class golf courses. St Andrews Beach Golf Course leads the way. It is ranked Australia’s fifth-best Public Access Course. The golf course has superb playing grounds and panoramic vistas.
Moonah Links Golf Resort is the largest golf tourism development here. It has two world-class courses. These are the Open Course and the Legends Course. The Open Course challenged champions when it hosted the 2003 Australian Open. The Legends Course offers a more friendly golfing experience. It suits players of all ages and abilities.
Fingal also offers wellness destinations. Peninsula Hot Springs has become a celebrated destination. Here, you can find rejuvenation and renewal. Natural thermal mineral waters flow into the pools and private baths. This coastal oasis provides an idyllic setting. In 2022, Fingal will see the opening of Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. It is a new relaxation sanctuary set amongst the thriving bushland.
St Andrews Beach Brewery calls a 92-acre property home. Once, the property was a racehorse training facility. It housed up to 80 thoroughbred horses. It featured its own 1,200-metre grassed training track. The stables have been converted into sitting areas. Visitors can relax in a past Melbourne Cup winners box. They can enjoy freshly brewed characterful beers. They can also enjoy something to eat and have better conversations.
Remember, Fingal Beach is unpatrolled. Be aware of slippery surfaces and steep descents. Watch out for unstable cliffs and uneven ground. Rough surf and strong currents can be hazardous. Submerged obstacles and deep water are also present. Trees and limbs may fall. Snakes and sharks may also be present.
So, take in the views, breathe in the fresh air and respect the power of nature here at Fingal Beach.