These 15 Stunning Melbourne Beaches Will Make You Want to Pack Your Bags ASAP

Melbourne’s coastline has stunning beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxing.

The best beaches in Melbourne, Australia, offer everything from golden sands and calm waters to rugged surf breaks and scenic coastal trails.

With so many options, it can be hard to know where to go.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, a hidden local gem, or a bustling bay with lively cafes, this guide covers the top beaches worth visiting.

Discover Melbourne’s Best Beaches

1. St Kilda Beach: Melbourne’s Most Famous Shoreline

St Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most iconic sand stretch, just 6 kilometres south of the CBD.

A quick tram ride makes it one of the most accessible beaches in the city, drawing locals and travellers alike.

This 700-metre beach offers more than just a place to swim.

The calm waters make it ideal for a dip, while the steady sea breeze attracts kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Beach volleyball courts line the shore, creating a lively atmosphere.

For a more relaxed experience, stroll along St Kilda Pier, where the breakwater is home to a colony of fairy penguins—a rare sight close to a major city.

Beyond the sand, St Kilda’s vibrant foreshore has cafes, restaurants, and historic landmarks.

Grab fish and chips, explore the heritage-listed St Kilda Pavilion, or visit nearby Luna Park and the Palais Theatre.

Whether looking for an active afternoon by the water or a sunset dinner by the beach, St Kilda offers a classic Melbourne experience.

2. Brighton Beach: Home of the Iconic Bathing Boxes

Brighton Beach is one of Melbourne’s most recognisable coastal spots, thanks to its 96 colourful bathing boxes lining the shore.

These vibrant wooden structures date back to the 1860s and remain a top photography spot, drawing visitors from all over.

Brighton Beach is 13 kilometres from the CBD and offers more than a pretty backdrop.

The calm waters are great for a refreshing swim, and the bay’s breezy conditions attract windsurfers, yacht enthusiasts, and boaters.

The beach also boasts stunning views of the Melbourne skyline, especially at sunset.

Although the bathing boxes are privately owned, anyone can admire and photograph their bold designs along Dendy Street Beach.

Despite facing coastal erosion and preservation challenges, these heritage-listed structures continue symbolising Melbourne’s beach culture, with the Brighton Historical Society working to maintain their legacy.

3. Williamstown Beach: A Historical Maritime Haven

Williamstown Beach offers a quieter, family-friendly escape just a short trip from Melbourne’s CBD.

With soft sand and calm waters, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful swim or a laid-back afternoon by the bay.

Unlike Melbourne’s busier beaches, Williamstown carries a strong maritime history.

Once the city’s first seaport, the area still showcases its nautical past with sites like the Seaworks Museum and the former Naval Dock Yards.

The beach is well-equipped with accessible amenities, including beach wheelchairs in summer, making it a welcoming spot for all visitors.

A short stroll leads to historic Williamstown village, where charming cafes, boutique shops, and the 1860s Botanic Gardens add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Whether fishing from the piers, visiting the monthly farmer’s market or simply enjoying the view of Hobsons Bay, Williamstown Beach blends history with a classic seaside experience.

4. Elwood Beach: Perfect for Water Sports Enthusiasts

Elwood Beach is a favourite spot for water sports lovers, offering calm waters and plenty of space for outdoor activities.

Located 9.8 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, this 1.3-kilometre stretch of golden sand is perfect for swimming, sailing, and beginner-friendly water sports.

The gentle waves make it a great place to learn how to swim, while westerly winds create ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing.

Designated zones keep the beach organised—swimming areas near the Life Saving Club, while boating and sailing take place further offshore.

Beyond the water, Elwood Beach is a hub for walkers, cyclists, and joggers.

A scenic coastal footpath offers stunning bay views.

Picnic areas and BBQ spots make enjoying a relaxing meal by the shore easy.

With showers, changing rooms, and plenty of space to unwind, Elwood Beach is a fantastic choice for an active or laid-back beach day.

5. Half Moon Bay: Melbourne’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Half Moon Bay is a picturesque escape 19 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD in Black Rock.

This crescent-shaped beach stretches 350 metres and offers scenic cliffs, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The calm southern waters make it great for swimming, while the deeper northern section attracts confident swimmers and snorkellers eager to explore the rich marine life.

The beach is also home to the historic HMVS Cerberus shipwreck, which now serves as a breakwater and an artificial reef.

Facilities include a 100-metre jetty, boat ramp, and the popular Cerberus Beach House café, where you can enjoy a meal with stunning coastal views.

With beach matting and wheelchair access, Half Moon Bay is one of Melbourne’s most inclusive beaches.

Its low hazard rating and year-round lifesaving patrols make it a safe and welcoming spot for all beachgoers.

6. Middle Park Beach: Paradise for Kitesurfers

Middle Park Beach is a quieter alternative to St Kilda and Port Melbourne, yet it remains a top spot for kitesurfing and beach volleyball.

Just 4 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, this one-kilometre stretch is known for its steady southwest winds, making it one of Australia’s best kitesurfing destinations.

The beach offers plenty of space with its 50-metre-wide sandy expanse, showers, toilets, and a beachfront café, making it convenient for a day out.

Lifeguards patrol the area during peak holiday periods, ensuring a safe swimming environment.

The SLSA Beachsafe app is valuable for visitors who want real-time safety updates.

Easily accessible via Tram 12, Middle Park Beach also has ample foreshore parking.

The historic Middle Park Life Saving Club, founded in 1913, adds to the area’s charm and is a hub for local beachgoers.

Middle Park Beach offers the perfect blend of activity and relaxation, whether you’re kitesurfing, playing beach volleyball, or taking a peaceful coastal stroll.

7. Port Melbourne Beach: Urban Beach With City Views

Port Melbourne Beach is Melbourne’s most accessible urban beach, offering city convenience and coastal relaxation.

With golden sands and calm waters, it’s an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline.

Watching cargo ships and luxury cruise liners glide past Station Pier adds to the unique charm.

The beach is designed for all visitors and features Mobi-Mats for wheelchair access, wide footpaths, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds.

Lifeguards patrol in summer, ensuring a safe swimming environment.

When hunger strikes, the beachside cafes near the lifesaving club serve fresh food and great coffee.

For those wanting to explore, a stroll to the historic Princes Pier or along Bay Street’s lively shopping strip completes the experience.

With its easy access and scenic views, Port Melbourne Beach is a top choice for a relaxing yet vibrant day by the water.

8. Sandringham Beach: A Family-Friendly Destination

Sandringham Beach is a quiet, clean escape along Melbourne’s coastline.

It stretches 2.5 kilometres and has golden sand and safe swimming areas.

Families will love the gentle waves in the northern section, where the expansive shoreline creates a perfect spot for children to splash in the shallows.

The beach has showers, toilets, and picnic areas, so spending the whole day by the water is easy.

For those looking for adventure, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for hire nearby.

Lifesavers have patrolled this beach since 1922, offering extra safety for swimmers.

A short walk leads to local cafes and restaurants, while the coastal walking path offers stunning views for an evening stroll.

Dog restrictions apply from 10 am to 7:30 pm during peak season, but outside these hours, it’s an excellent spot for a seaside walk with a furry friend.

Plenty of free parking along Beach Road makes getting here simple.

9. Hampton Beach: Quiet Waters and Coastal Walks

Just half an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, Hampton Beach is a peaceful retreat with a 900-metre stretch of soft sand and calm waters.

Families can enjoy safe swimming areas, while those looking for adventure can try kitesurfing or windsurfing in the gentle bay breeze.

A scenic 1.5-mile coastal path winds along the shoreline, offering a self-guided walk with stunning ocean views.

At the northern end, Hampton Pier and the yacht club provide a perfect spot to watch boats drift in and out of Sandringham Boat Harbour.

Look for The Swimmer, a bronze statue by Jeffery Wilkinson, marking the start of the Bayside Coastal Art Trail.

For more water fun, paddleboards and sailboards are available to hire from Sandy Beach Kiosk.

Whether enjoying an active day on the water or relaxing between Picnic Point and Brighton Beach, Hampton Beach delivers the perfect blend of tranquillity and coastal charm.

10. Mentone Beach: Clear Waters and Pristine Sand

Mentone Beach is a stunning coastal gem, stretching 1.6 kilometres along Melbourne’s shoreline.

Its crystal-clear waters and soft sand make it a favourite for swimmers, while the 20-metre bluffs behind the beach create a dramatic setting once captured by artists like Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton.

Colourful beach huts, similar to Brighton Beach’s famous bathing boxes, add charm to the landscape.

The beach is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and picnic areas, making it a convenient spot for a day out.

Dog owners love open spaces where pets can roam freely in designated areas.

With a low hazard rating of 3/10 and regular patrols from the Mentone Life Saving Club, it’s a safe and welcoming beach for all.

For a scenic stroll, the Bay Trail runs along the foreshore.

It features intricate mosaics that add a touch of artistry to the walk.

The concrete seats atop the lifesaving club provide the perfect vantage point for sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay.

11. Altona Beach: Shallow Waters and Scenic Parks

Altona Beach is a hidden gem on Melbourne’s western coastline.

Its shallow, gentle waters and expansive sandy shoreline offer a peaceful retreat.

Less crowded than other city beaches, it’s an excellent spot for families, paddleboarders, and dog owners looking for relaxing space.

Stretching 1,640 feet into the bay, the historic pier is prime for fishing or enjoying the sunset.

The beach is well-equipped with barbecue areas, accessible changing facilities, and beach wheelchairs available on summer weekends, making it one of Melbourne’s most inclusive seaside destinations.

Beyond the sand, Altona Beach connects to the 23km Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, perfect for cycling or walking through scenic coastal landscapes.

Nearby, the Truganina Coastal Parklands offer even more outdoor space to explore.

With cafés, shops, and Altona Station just 500 metres away, everything needed for a relaxing beach day is within easy reach.

12. Mordialloc Beach: Fishing and Boating Paradise

Just 25 minutes south of Melbourne, Mordialloc Beach is a haven for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

Its 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand and clear waters make it a favourite for families, dog owners, and anyone looking to enjoy a classic day by the bay.

The iconic Mordialloc Pier is a hotspot for anglers, and bream, mullet, and pinky snapper often bite.

Boaters will appreciate the double-width concrete ramp and the Mordialloc Sailing Club’s top-notch facilities, including a crane for launching yachts.

There are also designated dog-friendly areas, perfect for a stroll along the shoreline.

Accessibility is a priority at this coastal gem, and beach matting and Hippocampe wheelchairs are available for hire.

Lifeguards patrol the swimming areas during peak seasons, keeping conditions safe for all.

After a swim, grab some fish and chips and enjoy the laid-back charm of this coastal gem.

13. Black Rock Beach: Rocky Cliffs and Calm Waters

Black Rock Beach stands out with its towering sandstone cliffs, rising 20 metres above Port Phillip Bay.

This 750-metre stretch of golden sand offers scenic beauty and inviting waters, making it a favourite for beachgoers and nature lovers.

The beach’s steep face means deep water is close to shore—ideal for confident swimmers but something to be mindful of with children.

Lifeguards patrol during peak seasons, and it’s always best to check conditions on the SLSA Beachsafe app before swimming.

Snorkelling is a must here, with rocky formations creating a fascinating underwater world to explore.

A stroll along the coastal path reveals breathtaking views from the bluffs, where the bay stretches endlessly to the horizon.

The historic 1930s seawall adds character to the landscape while protecting the cliffs from erosion.

With a nearby car park, picnic areas, and modern facilities, Black Rock Beach offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

14. Seaford Beach: Tranquil Swimming Spot

Seaford Beach offers a peaceful escape along Port Phillip Bay, with pristine waters and a deep connection to the land of the Bunurong People.

The surrounding coastal bushland is home to over 100 bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers.

The steeply shelving shoreline leads to deep waters, perfect for swimming within the marked 200-metre safe zone.

Easy-access ramps, BBQ areas, and car parks at the pier and Keast Park make the beach convenient for all visitors.

A 5-kilometre walking trail winds through Indigenous coastal bushland, where the unique Coast Banksia Woodland adds to the area’s natural charm.

For the best experience, stay until sunset, when the sky glows over the bay, creating breathtaking views.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim, a quiet nature walk, or simply unwinding by the shore, Seaford Beach is an ideal spot to soak up the beauty of Melbourne’s coastline.

15. Beaumaris Beach: Snorkeling and Marine Life

Tucked between Black Rock and Beaumaris, this marine sanctuary is one of Melbourne’s best snorkelling spots.

Crystal-clear waters and marked snorkelling trails near the Beaumaris Yacht Club, Life Saving Club, and Table Rock make exploring the vibrant underwater world easy.

The sanctuary is home to over 50 fish species, including zebrafish, Port Jackson sharks, and even the occasional Australian fur seal.

Intertidal rock platforms reveal crabs and sea snails, while seagrass meadows provide essential nursery habitats for marine life.

Early mornings offer the best visibility, with offshore winds keeping conditions calm.

Before heading out, check the live feed at the Yacht Club for real-time conditions.

Observing its marine life without disturbing its delicate ecosystem is essential as a protected area.

Whether snorkelling or simply taking in the coastal scenery, Beaumaris Beach offers an unforgettable glimpse into Melbourne’s underwater world.

Why Is Melbourne Beaches Special?

Melbourne’s beaches are unique because they offer a diverse coastal experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.

While the city isn’t known for tropical beaches like Queensland, its bayside and oceanfront spots have unique charm.

• Calm bay waters – Port Phillip Bay creates sheltered beaches with gentle waves, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
• Diverse landscapes – From golden sandy stretches like St Kilda to rugged ocean beaches along the Mornington Peninsula, there’s something for everyone.
• Vibrant beach culture – Many beaches have lively cafes, coastal walks, and colourful beach boxes, making them a hub for relaxation and socialising.
• Sunsets over the water – Unlike many east-coast cities, Melbourne’s west-facing beaches offer breathtaking sunset views.
• Accessible from the city – Some of the best beaches are just a short tram or train ride from the CBD, making them easy to visit without a car.

What To Bring On Your Beach Day In Melbourne

A beach day in Melbourne is always a good idea, but the city’s unpredictable weather means it’s best to come prepared.

Whether heading to St Kilda, Brighton, or the hidden gems along the Mornington Peninsula, packing the right essentials will make all the difference.

Start with sun protection—sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a rashie if you plan to swim.

A beach towel is a must; if you’re staying for a while, a beach chair or picnic rug will keep you comfortable.

Melbourne’s sun can be intense, so a beach umbrella or sunshade is a brilliant addition, especially if natural shade is limited.

Thongs or sandals are best for footwear, as the sand can get scorching hot.

If the weather changes, pack a change of clothes and bring a windbreaker or light jacket. Melbourne is famous for its sudden temperature drops.

Wet wipes and hand sanitiser come in handy for easy clean-ups.

Bring snorkelling gear, a boogie board, or a cricket set to keep the fun going.

A Bluetooth speaker can set the mood, but be mindful of noise levels.

If you plan a picnic, a cooler bag or esky will keep snacks fresh—fresh fruit, sandwiches, and nuts make great beach-friendly options.

A few extras can make your day even smoother: insect repellent for mozzies, a small first aid kit, and cash or a card for parking or grabbing an ice cream.

Before heading out, always check the forecast—if strong winds are expected, a hoodie or extra layer might be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions