Sorrento Back Beach (Cheviot Beach)

High risk: Rip Currents

Powerful and unpredictable rip currents are common along this open ocean beach, especially during summer. Swim only between the flags when lifeguards are present.

High risk: Unpredictable Rips

Strong, unpredictable rip currents are common. Swim only between the flags when lifeguards are present.

High risk: Unpredictable rip currents

Strong, unpredictable rips are common along this exposed ocean beach and can quickly pull swimmers and snorkellers offshore.

Moderate risk: Large Waves

Southerly swells from Bass Strait produce strong surf and large waves that can knock snorkelers into rocks.

Moderate risk: Changing Tide Conditions

Rock pools and ledges change rapidly with the tide. Snorkelers can become trapped or disoriented as incoming tide covers exit points.

Moderate risk: Ocean swell and waves

Waves average 1.6 m over the outer reefs and can surge suddenly. Conditions change rapidly with wind shifts.

Moderate risk: Strong winds

South-westerly winds can pick up quickly. Only safe with light northerly to north-easterly winds. Northerly winds for 3-4 days prior are ideal.

Moderate risk: Large Waves & Dumping Surf

Powerful Southern Ocean swell with large, dumping waves that can disorient snorkellers and push swimmers into rocks.

Moderate risk: Rocky Reef & Caves

Submerged rocky reef platforms and sea caves, especially off St Pauls Road, pose collision and entrapment hazards.

Moderate risk: Rapidly changing conditions

Weather and sea conditions at this exposed back beach can change suddenly, especially with southerly or south-westerly winds.

Moderate risk: Large Waves & Surf

Back Beach receives powerful Bass Strait swells, creating large breaking waves that can knock swimmers over and create turbulent conditions.

Moderate risk: Changing Tides

Tidal movements can rapidly cut off access to rock pools and ledges, stranding unwary explorers as the tide rises.

Low risk: Rocky Entry

Access to water is over uneven, slippery rock platforms and boulders. Sharp edges and barnacles present a cutting hazard.

Low risk: Rock ledges and uneven terrain

Sharp rock platforms and uneven surfaces below the waterline require careful footing, especially at low tide when exploring rock pools.

Low risk: Slippery Rock Ledges

The rock platforms and ledges explored at low tide become extremely slippery when wet, posing a slip-and-fall hazard.