St Andrews Beach

Gazing out at the wild beauty of St Andrews Beach, can you hear the echoes of its past? St Andrews Beach isn’t just sand and surf. It’s a place where time seems to dance between the crashing waves and the shifting sands. Located on the Bass Strait side of the Mornington Peninsula, St Andrews Beach is about 68 km south of Melbourne’s bustling center. This isn’t just a beach; it’s part of a 35-kilometer stretch of uninterrupted coastline, running from Cape Schank to Portsea. Imagine, back in the 1960s, this very stretch of beach was known as “Capri Beach.” Developers envisioned a seaside paradise, even building a golf course in 1962. They rebranded the area as “St. Andrews by the Sea,” a nod to the famous Scottish golfing destination. The original homes built here were modest holiday getaways. As the 20th century progressed, larger, more luxurious homes began to appear, mirroring the growing appreciation for this unique coastal gem. Somewhere along the way, “St Andrews Beach” became the official name. The population grew, rising and falling with the tides of economic change. From 664 residents in 2001, it swelled to 1,138 in 2011, then settled to 889 in 2016. The latest census in 2021 recorded 974 residents. This constant ebb and flow adds another layer to the story of St Andrews Beach. While St Andrews Beach is a haven for experienced surfers, the powerful rips and quickly changing conditions can be treacherous. Swimmers are encouraged to enjoy the calmer waters of the peninsula’s “front beaches.” This raw, untamed beauty is part of St Andrews Beach’s allure. It whispers tales of adventure and respect for the power of nature. St Andrews Beach. A place where history washes ashore with every wave. A place where the past and present meet on the shifting sands of time.