By Amanda Connell
Embrace the winter chill on the Mornington Peninsula by swapping hibernation for adventure. A walk along the wild, dramatic shores of Sorrento Ocean Beach offers the perfect natural escape, complete with the roar of crashing waves and the rare chance to spot migrating whales.
Walking on uneven, soft sand requires more effort than hard surfaces and can burn up to 30 per cent more calories because our muscles work harder to stabilise our body. Additionally, exercising in colder conditions increases our metabolic rate, as the body works harder to maintain core temperature. Consequently, a 45-minute walk along the back beach feels like an hour-long gym session, strengthening calves, quadriceps and glutes without the high impact on joints.
Beyond the physical stride, winter walks offer the opportunity to be awed by nature. From June to August, the southern Peninsula coastline becomes a sanctuary for migrating humpbacks. Pause along the windswept path and you might catch the breathtaking arc of a whale breaking or the tell-tale blow, bringing the mysteries of the deep within sight of the shore – a natural anchor that stills anxiety and invites pure, mindful presence.
The 11.5km return hike from the back beach to London Bridge in Portsea can be accessed via the carpark at the end of Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento. The beach sections must only to be done at low tide, so check tide times before heading out. Follow the signs up to Coppins lookout and along the coastal trail for breathtaking views across the ocean, and bring your binoculars for whale sightings. Continue through to the eastern end of Portsea surf beach, walking the length of the beach to rockpools at London Bridge. Return along the same path. Enjoy the sensory experience of embracing the cool air on your cheeks, inhale the ocean’s briny breath, and let the roar of breaking waves dissolve daily stress – these ‘blue spaces’ offer immediate, free therapy and keep the winter blues at bay.
Grab a friend, layer up, and share the crisp coastal air. There is no better way to experience the wild beauty of Sorrento than discovering its winter magic together.
