Man drowns while attempting to rescue his two children off Great Ocean Road

A man has drowned at a Great Ocean Road beach while trying to rescue his two children.

An emergency department sign Source: AAP

The 41-year-old man from Sydenham in Melbourne's north west died about 1.20pm on Thursday at Skenes Creek.

A family member tried to help the man, but was unsuccessful, while the boys aged eight and 12 were rescued safely.

The two boys were taken to Geelong University Hospital in a stable condition.

Skenes Creek is a 200km long beach south west of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road. 

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

-With AAP