Beaches

Beaches

Bemm River is unique in its position - the town sits on the edge of Sydenham Inlet, one of Victoria's best bream fishing spots and quickly gaining a reputation as a prime destination for flathead and estuary perch. The river is still classified as being in good condition thus providing clean, fresh water to the estuary and feeding our schools of fish. On the eastern side of the estuary is Croajingalong National Park; to the north is Bemm State Forest and to the west is the Cape Conran Coastal Park. Bemm River also provides access to some of the best beaches you'll visit along the Victorian coastline. Many correspondents state that it is part of the Ninety Mile Beach but it isn't - the Ninety Mile Beach finishes just east of Lakes Entrance, around the mouth of Lake Tyers.

From town head out along the Pearl Pt Rd about 4km and you'll come to the first of the beach access points commonly referred to as "1st beach". It's proper name is Ocean Beach and provides for day visitors only. There is a fairly large car park, with steps and pathway to the beach. The distance from the car park to the beach is about 200m through undulating sand dunes. The track is in good condition and solid underfoot except for the last 35m or so which is sand. Watch out for snakes in summer as the under growth can be quite long. This is a popular beach with anglers as it is the closest to town and no one swims here - it is too dangerous. As the sign says there is no camping and no fires.

A further 1km further on is Binn Beach which does offer camping and camp fires are allowed however you must observe fire restrictions during the summer period. You need to bring your own wood and water and there are no toilets. Please observe common decency and ensure that all human waste is either removed or buried - do not leave rubbish lying around. Rubbish is your responsibility, please take it with you. The distance from the Binn Beach car park to the beach is about 250m on a well defined track.

Another 600m further on you'll find Gunnai Beach which also offers camping and camp fires are allowed. There are no amenities at this beach either so you need to bring everything and take everything with you. The distance from car park to beach is about 130m on a well defined track. None of these beaches are suitable for swimming as there are unpredictable currents and under tows - exercise caution when near the water.

As you leave Gunnai Beach you will drive up and over a large sand dune which includes some tight curves. Be careful as these are 'blind' corners so watch out for oncoming traffic. Py-Yoot Bay is 3.4km on from Gunnai Beach and is for day visitors only - no camping and no fires. It provides the best access to the beach and is only 50m from the car park. As the name suggests this area is a small bay which is bounded on both points by rocky outcrops. Due to the formation of the rocks there are plenty of spots to have a paddle and some big sand dunes to play on. This beach does provide for good fishing if there is a westerly blowing as Pearl Pt gives significant protection.

Below are some photos of the beaches taken on 02 February 2008