Childers Cove

At beach level, pale and rust-colored cliff bands arc around the sand while waves wash across the cove’s opening. For a photo, include the curve of wet sand with the cliff wall; that gives the cove its sense of shape. High tide can reduce the usable beach, so check conditions before going down.

The wooden barque Children was wrecked on reefs at the cove entrance in 1839 while sailing from Launceston. The loss adds a sobering human story to an otherwise quiet beach stop. Accounts disagree on the casualty count, so the ship and year are the details to keep.

Take Childers Cove Road from the Great Ocean Road. When beach access is open, expect steps and a sandy, uneven approach, with a steep climb back up; it is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. High tide can limit access. Check the tide and official access notices before detouring.

This is an unpatrolled coast with deep water, strong currents, rough surf and unstable cliffs. Don’t swim, and keep well back from cliff edges. Dogs, camping, fires and horses are not allowed. There is no confirmed food outlet, and toilet and drinking-water availability could not be verified, so bring what you need.