Bridgewater Bay is the site of the Portland Surf Life Saving Club, which is located on this western, 2.8 km long section of beach. This beach also has the best public access of the eight Bridgewater Bay beaches. The eastern half of the beach is backed by 20 to 30 m high, dune-capped calcarenite bluffs that extend east to the calcarenite bluff that separates it from the previous beach. The surf lifesaving club is located toward the western end, where the beach faces south-east and is partially sheltered by Cape Bridgewater. The area around the surf club has a car park, toilets, showers and a kiosk. Apart from a few houses, tea rooms etc. on the other side of the road, these buildings comprise the only development along this large bay. The original Portland Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1947, with the current club at Bridgewater Bay established in 1971. It averages 3 rescues annually. The beach at the surf club consists of fine sand, with waves averaging 1.4 m. These produce a wide, flat beach and surf zone. West of the surf club, the waves and surf decrease, however to the east, the waves and surf rapidly build and widen. There are usually widely spaced rips located along the inner bar, with even more widely spaced rips on the outer bar. In addition, rocks and reefs outcrop along the beach, inducing strong, permanent rips. read more

Beach Length: 2.8km