Best Beaches In and Around Melbourne
[addtoany]
Melbourne has a population of over four and a half million people, and on a hot day in summer, most of them would like to be at the beach. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful city beaches to choose from.
It’s difficult to name any single one as the best beach, because it really depends on what you’re looking for. To make it easier, we’ve included the features of each beach beneath the title. Whether you’re after for some serious swimming, fishing, sailing or diving, there’s something here for everyone.
Oh, and all come highly recommended if you’re into doing nothing much of anything at all.
Let’s go through our list of the 10 top Melbourne beaches.
Brighton Beach
Type of beach: Swimming/ Surfing
This is the beach where you’ll find the little coloured bathing huts that seem to appear on every tourist brochure of Melbourne sights. These 82 sheds were originally built as changing rooms, beginning in 1881, and are now worth a small fortune.
The beach itself offers six kilometres of white sand, only 15km from the centre of the city. It’s popular with both bathers and surfers, and is close to the restaurants, galleries and coffee shops of the upscale Brighton neighbourhood. A visit to Brighton Beach will also give you a terrific view of the Melbourne skyline across the water.
Williamstown Beach
Type of beach: Family Swimming/ Sailing
On the West side of the West Gate Bridge, 20 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, you’ll find the very popular “Willy Beach”. It is a particularly good choice for families because it offers safe shallow swimming and is patrolled by lifeguards. Surrounded by water on three sides, there is also plenty of deeper water available for serious swimmers.
There are lots of barbecue facilities available, and other food onsite as well. Due to its proximity, Williamstown Beach can get very busy at times so you need to set out early if the temperature’s climbing.
Altona Beach
Type of beach: Sunbathing/ Kite surfing
Altona Beach used to be known for the magnitude of seaweed in the water, making it a less than desirable place to head for a swim. These days, the water is cleaned daily and the beach is regaining its popularity. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something close, but a bit quieter than Williamstown or St Kilda.
Part of the beachfront is reserved for kite surfing, so if you always wanted to give it a try, now’s your chance.
Mordialloc Beach
Type of beach: Families/ Sailing/ Horses
This is a very popular beach for families as it has a huge playground, promenade, 300- meter pier, barbecue area, and food on site. It is also patrolled by the local life saving club.
What makes Mordialloc really special is the section reserved for horses. They’re allowed to go in for a swim in the mornings, in front of the Horse Paddock Car Park. The Mordialloc Sailing Club is also close by, so you’ll likely see plenty of boats on the water.
St Kilda Beach
Type of beach: Strolling/ Sunbathing
Melbourne’s most famous beach is only 6km from the Central Business District and is usually teeming with activity. Luna Park, with its roller coasters and fairground attractions, has been operating in St. Kilda since 1912. The pier is also historic, built in 1904 and a favourite place for an evening stroll.
The calm water is often covered with paddle-boarders and kite surfers, so not the most peaceful place to have a swim. When you’re done taking in the sights (and being seen), be sure to pop down to Acland Street for world-class pastries and coffee.
Bushranger’s Bay Beach
Type of beach: Diving/ Snorkeling
“Where the Wild Things Are” was filmed here, and it is well worth the hour and a half drive from Melbourne to go and see why. The white sand beach lies at the foot of tall basalt cliffs, and the setting is truly beautiful.
Swimming isn’t recommended unless you are an experienced diver or snorkeler, but you can get a good look at the sea life in an abundance of rock pools along the shore. There are also walking paths up top, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the pounding waves and roaring surf.
Sorrento Beach
Type of beach: Sea Kayaking/ Fishing
At the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, where the ferry crosses the bay between Sorrento and Queenscliff, you’ll find this terrific clear water beach.
Sorrento beach actually two beaches in one. The front beach, on the foreshore, is great for swimming and sunbathing. The two piers are also nicely situated for anyone who’d prefer a day of fishing. The back beach is a place to fossick around in the rock pools and look for creatures the tide left behind.
If you’ve come this far (90 minutes from Melbourne), take the time to look at the town of Sorrento. Many of the structures were built of local limestone in the 1860s, and over 30 are listed as heritage buildings.
Mother’s Beach
Type of beach: Family/ Swimming
As you have probably noticed by now, there are a ton of wonderful beaches along the Mornington Peninsula. Mother’s Beach rates a mention because it is so beloved by families and can be a little less busy than those closer to the city.
Mother’s Beach has shallow water and clean sand, making it ideal for families with small children. It also offers something that many other beaches don’t – natural shade. The beach is lined with Cyprus trees, beneath which you’ll find picnic tables and barbecues. A good choice if you don’t mind driving for an hour or so, and the little ones won’t be disappointed when you get there.
Elwood Beach
Type of beach: Swimming
This inner-city beach has a large no-boating zone, making it particularly attractive for swimmers who don’t want to be dodging water craft while trying to do their laps. It is close to St. Kilda Beach, and on the walking/cycling path that lines the shore.
Elwood Beach also has a playground with various activities for the children. The only down-side to this pretty beach is the lack of shelter – from either the hot sun or an unexpected shower. Come prepared for both!
Half Moon Bay
Type of beach: For pretty much everything
To reward those of you who read all the way to the end, we’ve saved the best until last. Half-Moon Bay is truly the gem in Melbourne’s rich crown of beaches. Located in the suburb of Black Rock, 40 minutes from the centre of Melbourne, this crescent-shaped beach has it all.
The HMVS Cerberus was a navy ship that was purposely sunk in the bay in 1924 to create a breakwater. It subsequently became a popular attraction for divers. The Pier promises good fishing, and there are boating options galore. The sand is clean, patrolled, and fronted by calm, shallow waters.
Really, what more could you want?
Best beaches in Melbourne. So, whether you’re looking for a lazy day of sunbathing, or something a little more vigorous, you’re sure to find it within a 90 minute drive of Melbourne’s CBD – and often, within 30. You won’t be alone unless you’re willing to take a longer run up the Great Ocean Road, but you will get a patch of sand, a cold drink, and a view of the water. Perfect.
