One of the Peninsula’s best-kept secrets. Number 16 is a wild, unspoilt ocean beach — dramatic rock formations, the famous Dragon Head Rock, coastal walks through national park and almost no one else around. Grab a coffee and something local from the organic General Store opposite before heading down the dunes. Possibly the best coffee in Rye, in the best possible setting.

While the front beach in Rye—right across the road from Aquabelle—is famous for its calm, sparkling turquoise waters and gentle holiday hum, the back beach holds a completely different kind of magic.

Considered one of the Mornington Peninsula’s best-kept secrets, Number 16 Beach is a wild, rugged, and unspoilt stretch of ocean coastline. It is a place where nature dials up the drama, trading the peaceful bay for crashing swells, towering cliffs, and ancient rock formations.

If you want to experience the raw, untouched beauty of the coast with almost no one else around, this is your ultimate winter escape.

The Pre-Walk Ritual: Number 16 General Store

Before you even step onto the sand, your journey begins right across the road from the beach tracks at the Number 16 General Store.

This charming, organic neighborhood hub is beloved by locals for a reason. It serves up what many consider to be the best coffee in Rye, alongside a curated selection of wholesome local treats, artisan pastries, and organic pantry staples.

The Perfect Routine: Order a flat white to go, pick up a freshly baked pastry or a locally made snack, and wrap your hands around the warm cup as you make the short walk across the road and down through the wind-swept sand dunes.

What to Explore at Number 16

Once you cross the dunes and emerge onto the wide expanse of the beach, the sheer scale of the landscape takes over. Here is what you cannot miss:

• Dragon’s Head Rock: This iconic rock formation is a photographer’s dream. Sculpted by centuries of wild waves, the rock looks exactly like a dragon submerged in the surf, sipping from the ocean. It’s particularly spectacular at low tide when the surrounding rock pools are exposed.
• Dramatic Rock Formations: The beach is dotted with unique calcified rock pools and jagged shelves. In winter, the misty sea spray and moody skies give the whole area an otherworldly, cinematic feel.
• National Park Trails: Number 16 sits along the Mornington Peninsula National Park. If you want to stretch your legs further, you can jump onto the coastal walking tracks that wind along the clifftops, offering panoramic views of the roaring Southern Ocean.

Back to the Sanctuary

The beauty of a winter walk at Number 16 is the sensory contrast. After an hour or two of inhaling the salty, invigorating ocean air and feeling the untamed power of the back beach, returning to civilization feels sweet.

Drive just a few minutes back to the front beach and step into the climate-controlled luxury of your Aquabelle apartment. Put the kettle on, kick off your boots, and watch the peaceful, calm bay waters from your window—the perfect antidote to a wild ocean adventure.

Ready to explore the hidden side of Rye? Book your winter getaway at Aquabelle and start exploring our coastal backyard.