Blacknose Point is a secluded basalt headland beach roughly 5 km south of Portland, Victoria, named after the 1889 shipwreck of the Blacknose — the wreck remains visible at low tide. The shoreline mixes basalt cobbles, boulders, and a wide shallow sandbar that appears at low water, with a rocky reef at each end that supports kelp forests and marine life. Consistent surf makes this a popular winter wave break, while the clear, sheltered pockets near the reef offer decent snorkeling conditions during calmer summer swells. The 20-metre-high headland frames dramatic coastal views and the area holds historical significance from its shipping past.
Blacknose Point
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.2 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 12 knPrecipitation 17 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Blacknose Point has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- No lifeguards danger
No lifeguard patrols or safety services are provided at this beach. Visitors swim entirely at their own risk.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: No lifeguards
No lifeguard patrols or safety services are provided at this beach. Visitors swim entirely at their own risk.
Moderate risk: Rip currents
Strong rips form around the point, particularly during winter swells. Surf forecast reports identify rips as a common hazard.
Low risk: Kelp entanglement
Dense kelp beds in the shallows near the reef can entangle inexperienced snorkelers, especially after rough weather.
Low risk: Shipwreck debris
The wreck of the Blacknose (1889) is still visible on the beach and in shallow water — sharp metal and timber debris may be present.
Low risk: Rocks and boulders
Basalt cobbles and boulders line the beach and subtidal zone, posing a slip/trip hazard when entering or exiting the water.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Drive approximately 5 km south of Portland on the Madeira Packet Road. The beach is located behind the old smelter site. A vehicle track leads from the bluffs down to the beach, ending at a small parking area at the southern end of the sand.
Parking & facilities
Free informal parking area at the southern end of the beach via the vehicle track from the bluffs. RV parking is reportedly possible.
parking
Free
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports