Collendina Beach - Image 1
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Collendina Beach

4.4
·65 reviews·Ocean Grove, Australia

A coastal gem on the Bellarine Peninsula, offering both serene beach access and a large holiday park with diverse amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Collendina Beach - Image 1

Collendina Beach

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A coastal gem on the Bellarine Peninsula, offering both serene beach access and a large holiday park with diverse amenities.

4.4
(65 reviews)

"A vast holiday park with clean facilities and friendly staff, offering a great family experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Swim Smart

Be mindful of rock shelves when swimming; check conditions before venturing out for longer swims.

🚗 Gate Access Issues

The license plate recognition system can be finicky. Be prepared for potential delays or contact park management if issues arise.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coastal Adventure Swim

Coastal Adventure Swim

Collendina to Point Lonsdale

Embark on a 5.5km swim along the coast, navigating rock shelves and enjoying the ocean's embrace.

Scenic Coastal Views

Scenic Coastal Views

Collendina Beach

Witness breathtaking views, sometimes enhanced by smoke haze from nearby bushfires, creating a unique atmosphere.

Family-Friendly Holiday Park

Family-Friendly Holiday Park

Collendina Holiday Park

Enjoy a vast holiday park with pools, sports facilities, and ample space for family fun and relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Collendina Beach is part of a larger holiday park. While the beach itself is accessible, the park's amenities can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak times for a more relaxed experience.

Park Access & Amenities

If you're staying at the holiday park, be aware of their license plate recognition system for entry and exit, which can sometimes malfunction. For beach access, check local conditions as some areas can be inaccessible due to rock shelves.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Off-peak seasons
Why
Enjoy amenities without the rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Collendina to Point Lonsdale… . 5.5km adventure swim - our first time swimming along this quite inaccessible part of the coast. Had to wait for the right conditions as a rock shelf a lot of the way, and don’t want to get smashed on rocks. . Got in at dog beach and swam towards the lighthouse. Smooth silky conditions except for the odd big wave which we had to duck under. Waves break a long way ou...
kirstytswims
57 likes • 411 views

🌊 Swim Smart

Be mindful of rock shelves when swimming; check conditions before venturing out for longer swims. TikTok

🚗 Gate Access Issues

The license plate recognition system can be finicky. Be prepared for potential delays or contact park management if issues arise. Reddit

Smoke haze from Otways bushfires (Lavers Hill, Yuulong, Johanna, Gellibrand Lower, …) over Barwon Bluff this morning, from Collendina Beach 20241117 . . . . . . . . . . . #smokehaze #collendina #bellarine #collendinabeach #oceangrove #bellarine #bellarinepeninsula #bassstrait #victoriaaustralia #victoriaaustralia🇦🇺
xjcooney
45 likes • 280 views
reddit.com

Ocean Grove activities

🍽️ Nearby Eats

There's a KFC in Collendina, a convenient option for a quick bite. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Safe Environment

The holiday park is considered safe for young children, offering a relaxing atmosphere for families. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Swim Smart

Be mindful of rock shelves when swimming; check conditions before venturing out for longer swims. TikTok

🚗 Gate Access Issues

The license plate recognition system can be finicky. Be prepared for potential delays or contact park management if issues arise. Reddit

🍽️ Nearby Eats

There's a KFC in Collendina, a convenient option for a quick bite. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Safe Environment

The holiday park is considered safe for young children, offering a relaxing atmosphere for families. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Collendina Beach and its holiday park receive mixed reviews. While many praise the park's extensive facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, and good location, significant concerns are raised about the maintenance of amenities, particularly for unpowered campsites, and the problematic license plate recognition gate system. Some guests have experienced excellent service, while others have encountered rudeness from management.

"Very well maintained and presented holiday park with over 300 annual sites as well as powered and unpowered sites located on 30 hectares, including basketball court, footy oval, golf course, rec centre, pools and plenty of space."

Graeme Spurr

"Easter 2025 - Filthy amenities block. Unpowered camp sites lacked access to basics i.e. water or grey water disposal. Long walk to toilets/showers which were unmaintained regardless of time of day. No camp kitchen offering shelter or communal sink for washing dishes in the powered/unpowered camp sites. BBQ’s and one kitchen sink located a long distance from campsites.. One sink for 100’s of sites! No toilet paper early morning. One shower, no faucet. Late 11pm curfew may not suit families. More thoughtful layout, better amenities, access to facilities and improved maintenance would make this a lovely campground as location is good. We’ll think twice about re-booking this campground."

Susan Martin

"What a little gem! Huge holiday park, clean facilities and friendly staff. Powered sites are a generous size, access is great. Can’t wait to stay again. ."

Jen Colombo

What People Like

Family-friendly atmosphere
Extensive park facilities
Good location

What People Dislike

Poor amenity maintenance
Faulty gate system
Inconsistent staff attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Collendina Beach is located on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. It's accessible by car, and is part of the larger Collendina Holiday Park. If you're driving, follow signs for Ocean Grove and then Collendina. TikTok

Yes, Collendina Beach is generally easy to find, especially if you are heading to the Collendina Holiday Park. The beach is adjacent to the park. TikTok

Parking is available at the Collendina Holiday Park, which offers access to the beach. Be aware of their license plate recognition system for entry and exit. Reddit

While the holiday park offers direct access, public access points to the beach are also available. However, amenities might be more readily accessible if you are a guest of the park. Reddit

Public transport options to Collendina Beach might be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Collendina Beach itself is a public beach and does not require an entry ticket. However, if you plan to use the facilities at the Collendina Holiday Park, you may need to pay for accommodation or day passes. Reddit

Collendina Beach is open to the public 24/7, as it is a natural beach. The holiday park has specific operating hours for its facilities and reception. Reddit

There are no direct fees for accessing Collendina Beach. Parking fees may apply if you are not a guest of the holiday park, and park facilities will have their own charges. Reddit

The Collendina Holiday Park uses a license plate recognition system for entry and exit. This system can sometimes malfunction, so be prepared for potential issues. Reddit

If you encounter issues with the license plate recognition system, contact the holiday park's office during operating hours or their emergency contact if outside of hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Collendina Beach is great for swimming, walking, and enjoying the coastal scenery. For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities for longer coastal swims. TikTok

Direct beach facilities might be limited. However, the adjacent Collendina Holiday Park offers amenities like pools, sports courts, and recreational areas. Reddit

Swimming safety depends on conditions. Be aware of rock shelves and wave action, especially during longer swims. TikTok

Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, while peak seasons and weekends can see more visitors, especially around the holiday park. Reddit

Information on dog restrictions at Collendina Beach can vary. It's best to check local council regulations or the holiday park's pet policy if applicable. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Collendina Beach itself doesn't have dedicated dining facilities. However, the Collendina Holiday Park may offer some food services, and there are dining options in nearby Ocean Grove. Reddit

You can find dining options in the nearby town of Ocean Grove. For a quick bite, there's a KFC located in Collendina. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the beach or at designated picnic areas within the holiday park. Reddit

BBQ facilities are available within the Collendina Holiday Park, though they might be located a distance from some campsites. Reddit

The holiday park's offerings can vary, but typically include basic food services. For more diverse options, exploring Ocean Grove is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Collendina Beach offers beautiful coastal landscapes. Look for dramatic wave action, the rock shelf, and potentially unique atmospheric conditions like smoke haze. TikTok

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, often provides the most dramatic lighting for coastal photography. The unique haze conditions can also create striking visual effects at various times. TikTok

The rock shelf along the coastline and the general expanse of the beach are key photographic subjects. Views towards Point Lonsdale lighthouse can also be captured. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet rocks and enhance sky colors. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check CASA guidelines and any local restrictions before flying a drone near the beach or holiday park. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Collendina Beach and its adjacent holiday park are often highlighted as being very family-friendly and safe for young children. The holiday park boasts numerous facilities, including pools and sports areas, providing ample entertainment. Reddit

While the beach offers space for play, parents should be mindful of the rock shelves and wave conditions for younger swimmers. The holiday park's amenities, though sometimes spread out, offer a good base for family activities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Collendina Beach itself is free to access, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. The main costs would be associated with travel and any food purchases. Reddit

If considering accommodation at the holiday park, unpowered campsites are typically the most budget-friendly option. However, be sure to factor in potential inconveniences regarding access to basic facilities like water and waste disposal, as noted in reviews. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For those looking for a more active beach experience, the 5.5km swim from Collendina to Point Lonsdale is a standout adventure. This requires careful planning due to the rocky coastline and variable ocean conditions. TikTok

Beyond swimming, the natural coastal environment offers opportunities for long walks and exploration. The rugged terrain and less-developed sections of the coastline can appeal to those seeking a less manicured outdoor experience. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Coastal Swimming Adventures

Collendina Beach offers a unique opportunity for adventurous swimmers, with a notable 5.5km swim route from Collendina to Point Lonsdale. This stretch of coast is characterized by a significant rock shelf, making it crucial to choose the right conditions. Swimmers are advised to wait for smooth, silky conditions and be prepared for the occasional large wave, while carefully navigating the rocky terrain to avoid injury. TikTok

This type of swim is not for the faint of heart and requires good swimming ability and an understanding of ocean conditions. The reward is a truly immersive experience of the coastline, often with fewer crowds than more accessible beaches. Always prioritize safety and consider swimming with a buddy or informing someone of your plans. TikTok

While the beach itself is the main draw for swimmers, the surrounding area offers a rugged beauty that appeals to those seeking a more wild coastal encounter. The accessibility of this particular swim route is limited, adding to its adventurous appeal. TikTok

Navigating the Collendina Holiday Park

The Collendina Holiday Park, adjacent to the beach, is a large establishment offering numerous annual and powered/unpowered sites, along with extensive facilities like a basketball court, footy oval, golf course, and rec centre. However, recent reviews highlight some significant drawbacks, particularly concerning the maintenance and layout of amenities for unpowered campers. Issues include a lack of basic access to water or grey water disposal, long walks to unmaintained toilets and showers, and insufficient camp kitchen facilities with limited sinks for a large number of sites. Reddit

A major point of contention for long-term residents and visitors alike is the implementation of a license plate recognition system for gate access. This system has been reported to malfunction frequently, causing considerable inconvenience and frustration for guests trying to enter and exit the park. The park management's response to these issues has also drawn criticism, with some staff members described as rude and unhelpful, exacerbating the problem for paying tenants. Reddit

Despite these operational challenges, the park's location is considered good, and many guests have had positive experiences over the years, praising the clean facilities and friendly staff. The park is also noted as being safe for young children, contributing to its appeal for families. However, the recurring issues with gate access and amenity maintenance suggest areas for improvement to ensure a consistently positive guest experience. Reddit

Atmospheric Coastal Photography

Collendina Beach can offer unique photographic opportunities, particularly when atmospheric conditions are at play. One notable instance captured was the striking smoke haze from distant bushfires, creating a dramatic, almost ethereal, backdrop over Barwon Bluff. This phenomenon transforms the typical coastal scene into something more evocative and memorable. TikTok

When planning a photography trip, consider the time of day for optimal lighting. Sunrise and sunset, the 'golden hours,' will naturally enhance the colors and textures of the beach and ocean. The rock shelf also provides interesting foreground elements for landscape shots. TikTok+1

Beyond the visual spectacle, the beach's rugged nature, with its rock shelves and potential for dynamic wave action, offers plenty of subjects for photographers. Whether you're capturing sweeping seascapes or the intricate details of the shoreline, Collendina Beach provides a diverse canvas. TikTok

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