10 Best Beaches in Melbourne

The best beaches in Melbourne offer plenty of opportunities for soaking up the sun on golden sands or diving into high-octane adventures on the waves. Beach lovers will be spoiled for choice in this laid-back city with its coastal trails, beach-side gyms, warm tranquil waters, and superb natural beauty.

Join the locals splashing out on stand-up paddleboards or give kite surfing a whirl. Perfect your sandcastle-building skills on silky, white-sand beaches with the kids or let the rhythmic crash of waves soothe your soul over a good book. Whatever your preference, this guide to the best beaches in Melbourne has the perfect spot for you.

1. St Kilda Beach

Playing by the palm trees

Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure

St Kilda Beach is the most popular beach in Melbourne, just 6.5 km from the city’s central business district (CBD) and home to some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Safe and pleasantly warm, the water is ideal for swimming and is patrolled by lifeguards during the busy summer months. If you don’t feel like swimming, the palm tree-lined promenade is a popular spot for jogging, rollerblading, cycling, or just a stroll.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops lining the beachfront, and you can make a day of it, visiting the pier and enjoying the rides and arcades at nearby Luna Park, or catching a show at the historic Palais Theatre in the evening.

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2. Brighton Beach

Paddling your way to good times

Good for: Adventure, History, Families

Brighton Beach is a 20-minute train ride away from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne’s CBD and home to the famous colorful bathing boxes from the early 1900s. Don’t forget to take a camera to capture the beauty of these colorful icons, each decorated in its own style and often passed down from generation to generation.

Brighton Beach has a long sandy bay and calm waters, which make it a popular destination for paddle boarding, kite surfing, and kayaking. Like most Australian beaches, it’s well-equipped with showers, picnic areas, and washrooms.

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3. Williamstown Beach

Home of the historic Timeball Tower

Good for: Families, History, Budget

Williamstown Beach is a golden-sand bay beach in the charming coastal suburb of Williamstown, an easy 30-minute direct train ride from Melbourne’s Flinders Street station. This is a popular family-friendly beach thanks to its calm waters, patrolled by lifeguards, and long stretch of golden sand.

Take a stroll along the esplanade to see the historic Timeball Tower, a distinctive landmark that served as a navigation aid for ships in the 1800s. Don’t miss the gelato shop at the beach, which has been delighting generations of locals and visitors for years with its creamy treats.

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4. Half Moon Bay Beach

Resting place of a historic wreck

Good for: Budget, Adventure, Unusual

Half Moon Bay Beach is a picturesque beach in the suburb of Black Rock, about 19 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD, easily accessible by car and train. It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving thanks to its clear waters and variety of marine life.

One of the beach’s main attractions is the historic wreck of HMVS Cerberus, a warship which sunk there in the 1920s. Although now surrounded by an exclusion zone, its turrets can still often be seen from the shoreline. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of walking trails along the beach and the picturesque red bluff cliffs, which featured in the movie Mad Max.

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5. Elwood Beach

A popular family beach with amazing sunset views

Good for: Families, Food, Photo

Elwood Beach is sandwiched between St Kilda and Brighton Beaches just 8 km south of Melbourne’s CBD. Popular with families, Elwood can get busy during the peak season and savvy visitors will arrive early to secure their spot on the sand.

Time your visit so you don’t miss the golden hour, just after sunrise or sunset, to snap amazing photos of the Melbourne cityscape on the horizon bathed in crimson, yellow, and orange hues. If you’re feeling energetic, explore the well-equipped outdoor gym on the promenade. Alternatively, relax on the sand and indulge in treats from the beachside cafes and restaurants.

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6. Mothers Beach

Best for families with small children

Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure

Mothers Beach, in the suburb of Mornington, is about an hour away from Melbourne’s CBD, but worth the trip for families with young children. The calm waters of this sheltered beach are perfect for swimming and paddling, and there’s a large expanse of soft white sand for kids to build sandcastles. The beach is also equipped with picnic tables and a playground, making it an ideal location for a family day out.

Older children might enjoy heading out on a paddleboard or kayak, both of which can be rented at one of the beach-side concession stands.

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7. Mordialloc Beach

Walking the iconic pier

Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure

Mordialloc Beach is 24 km southeast of Melbourne, with a long stretch of golden sand beach furnished with showers, washrooms, picnic tables, and a famous pier. The 305-meter long Mordialloc Pier stretches out into the bay and is a popular fishing spot for bream and mullet year-round. Beyond the beach, there are walking trails and nearby Mordialloc Creek offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Mordialloc is also home to the Peter Scullin Reserve, which hosts the annual Mordi Festival and has playgrounds and public BBQ facilities.

Location: 195 Beach Rd, Mordialloc, VIC 3195, Australia

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8. Chelsea Beach

Romantic sunsets await

Good for: Couples, Photo, Adventure

Chelsea Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden-sand beach with colorful beach boxes around 40 minutes’ drive southeast of Melbourne. The crystal-clear waters of Port Phillip offer up a refreshing swimming spot, and thanks to the calm bay, it’s also popular for stand-up paddle boarders and kayakers.

Home to the Chelsea Yacht Club and Chelsea Longbeach Surf Club, fishing is also a popular pastime, and the beach has several spots where you can cast your lines and try your luck. The beach is also known for its spectacular sunsets, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening.

Location: The Strand, Chelsea, VIC 3196, Australia

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9. Middle Park Beach

Watching windsurfers ride the waves

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget

Middle Park Beach is on the South Melbourne foreshore, between St Kilda and Port Melbourne beach, and offers a somewhat quieter beach-day experience than its popular neighbors. Watch the windsurfers and kite surfers zipping past and riding the waves, or take a lesson and get out there to learn how to do it yourself.

Children may enjoy the beach-side playground, and there is a well-equipped free beach gym if you want a workout with an ocean view. After your beach day, take a stroll inland to Albert Park where you can enjoy its serene boating lake and treat yourself to a seafood feast at one of its many cafes or restaurants.

Location: Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park, VIC 3206, Australia

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10. Sorrento Beach

The locals’ favorite beach

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Sorrento Beach is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems, located at the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from the city. Well worth the drive, this gorgeous local spot is popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and golden sand.

Take a walk along the Sorrento Pier, which offers up panoramic views of the coastline, or explore the nearby rock pools and search for marine life. The beach is surrounded by local cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink.

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