Rye is a seaside resort town, approximately 83 km south of Melbourne, on the Mornington Peninsula. Its bay beach is popular with swimmers, fishermen, yachtsmen and kite surfers. Rye has an area of 14.7 km².
Rye median house price is $920,000. Rental median price is $590pw.
The coastal town of Rye is situated on the popular holiday destination of the Mornington Peninsula, nestled between Rosebud and Blairgowrie.
Point Nepean Road is Rye’s main thoroughfare, running parallel to the town’s bay beach. The main concentration of shops is located east of Dundas Street and includes a hotel, eateries, a major supermarket and other retailers.
Rye’s main beach, fronting Port Phillip, offers safe sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and boating. There is a jetty, several boat ramps, and attractive foreshore facilities with picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds and walking tracks.
Around a kilometre west of the Rye Jetty is an outcrop of land called White Cliffs. At the base of the cliffs is a reconstructed old Lime Burners Kiln – a reminder of the mid-1800s when the extraction of lime was the area’s primary industry. Scenic views along the coast can be enjoyed from a lookout above the kiln.
Rye extends southwards across the narrow width of the Mornington Peninsula in this area, right down to the coastline fronting the open waters of Bass Strait. The Mornington Peninsula National Park spans the foreshore here, consisting of scenic walking tracks, rocky coastal features, dunes and pockets of sandy beach. A pathway and steps extend from Tasman Drive down to the sandy bay at Number 16 Beach
Population of Rye is 9,438 (2021 Census).
If you enjoy snorkelling, you can hire gear locally and then head for the Octopus’s Garden at Rye Pier. This is a 200 metre underwater trail with signage introducing you to the underwater wildlife.
Rye also has an impressive ocean beach, where you can experience an exhilarating horse ride. There are magnificent walks along the clifftops that form part of the 25 kilometre Coastal Walk.
Rye was proclaimed a town on February 26, 1861 and is partly in the parish of Wannaeue but mainly in the parish of Nepean, which is west of Government Road and Weeroona Street. The township extends south to the southern boundary of the cemetery, with its east and west boundaries being Weir Street and Dundas Street.
In the early years of settlement, Rye was known for lime burning, wood cutting and fishing industries. The building of Melbourne was under way, and the lime burnt from stone kilns at Rye was transported by dray, then barge, onto small sailing vessels.
The lime industry gave employment to wood cutters, quarry men and lime burners and a settlement soon developed.
Rye had the natural bounty provided by the bay and ocean beaches. Fish were in great abundance and provided a living for some families. As well as putting food on the table for many others, the rocky edges at the ocean beaches were a rich source of crayfish, and the bay held a multitude of species.
Coffee Safari
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends. Here are a few places to check out when you’re in this beautiful part of the world.
Freaky Tiki, Rye
Shop 14/2185 Point Nepean Road
Tucked away in a side street with a very unassuming shop front, you’ll think you’ve travelled back to the 60’s! Outstanding breakfast menu and great coffee. Gluten free options.
Sea Store Café & Bar
43a Wondaree St, Rye
Quickly becoming the go-to place for locals with a focus on specialty coffee and beautiful brunch made with fresh quality ingredients. Added perks are great service and an on-site general store.
Aqua Blu Café
2115 Point Nepean Road
Contemporary and stylish family owned and operated, serving Little Rebel coffee. Children and fur baby friendly. Delicious fresh food made daily. Indoor and outdoor dining.
Cafe El Capitan
2285 Point Nepean Road
A wide selection of culinary delights, to meet all manner of dietary needs and desires. The perfect location for all day breakfast, wifi and CommonFolk coffee.
*Check with each business for individual trading information.
What to do
The coastal town of Rye is a popular holiday destination offering convenient access to a range of amenities on the main strip along Point Nepean Road. The area features numerous cafes specialising in breakfast and lunch, as well as exceptional restaurants for every appetite. Its foreshore boasts sandy beaches suitable for swimming, boating, and fishing. During the summer months, the Rye Carnival provides entertainment for visitors of all ages. In addition, world-class golf courses are located just a few minutes’ drive from the main township, and two renowned hot spring venues are also situated nearby.
Photos Yanni
