Victoria Police will patrol Altona and Williamstown beaches this summer under a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe and antisocial behaviour. Operations begin on 1 November, with Water Police, the Public Order Response Team and other units supporting local officers. Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert warned that alcohol, drugs and waterways can be a deadly mix. Jet ski riders will face speed and restricted-area checks, drug and alcohol testing, and possible vessel seizure. Patrols will also cover St Kilda, Half Moon Bay, the Surf Coast, Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula.
Victoria Police will deploy officers across beaches, waterways, shopping centres, nightlife areas and transport hubs this summer. Several operations will run at once, including Operation Summersafe from 1 November, which targets beaches from St Kilda to the Mornington Peninsula. Water Police will check jet skis and may seize vessels. Officers will also patrol Chapel Street on Friday and Saturday nights. Proactive patrols will begin in Mordialloc after recent disorderly behaviour, with acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert saying such conduct will not be tolerated.
Norman Beach at Wilsons Promontory has been rated the best beach in Australia on Google reviews, with an average of 4.87 stars from 157 reviews. Two Bass Coast beaches also made Victoria's top 10. The rankings were compiled by web firm seobacklinks.com, which assessed 366 Australian beaches with at least 100 Google reviews. Ranking was based on exact average ratings, and piers, jetties, lookouts, holiday parks and inland freshwater river beaches were excluded. Victoria's beaches averaged 4.60 stars, the lowest of the six states, while Queensland was highest at 4.70.
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Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have unanimously adopted an Annual Action Plan for 2026-27. The plan sets out road resurfacing and rehabilitation of more than 200,000 square metres, and the cleaning of 500 kilometres of beaches. It also includes completing new social housing for women and children. Councillor Paul Pingiaro said the plan moves the council's strategy into delivery, with quarterly progress reports to follow. Councillor David Gill said the plan can change during the year as priorities shift.
Norman Beach at Wilsons Promontory in Victoria has been named the nation's best-rated beach in an online review analysis. Web experts at SEO Backlinks assessed 366 beaches with at least 100 Google reviews. Norman Beach scored 4.87 stars from 157 reviews, while Queensland recorded the highest statewide average at 4.70. Sandy Bay in Western Australia placed second, with Queensland holding four of the top ten spots. Pandanus Beach at Wynnum ranked lowest in Queensland, at 4.35 stars from 721 reviews.
Popular beaches in the Town of Cambridge reopened on Wednesday after a week-long closure due to a whale carcass. The 31-tonne humpback whale was removed from South City Beach, with clean-up costs estimated between $60,000 and $100,000. The council is seeking state assistance to cover the expenses, while an alert remains for potential shark activity due to leached whale remains. The beaches were closed after high bacteria levels were detected, but recent tests showed acceptable water quality. The state government has allocated $5 million for shark mitigation, including increased patrols and tagging efforts.
Perth beaches have reopened after being closed due to unsafe bacteria levels from a decomposing whale. The 13-metre humpback whale washed up at South City Beach, attracting large crowds and sharks. Recent tests showed E. coli levels were within acceptable limits, allowing the council to reopen City Beach and Floreat Beach. Swanbourne Beach remains closed, and sharks have been spotted along the coastline.
