Best Beaches in Melbourne: Bayside Gems and Surf Escapes

Melbourne wears many faces. It is coffee-scented laneways, gallery openings, rooftop bars, and, when the sun shines, an irresistible lineup of beaches that sweep around Port Phillip Bay and extend to the powerful surf of the open ocean. If you are dreaming of salt on your skin and golden light over the water, Melbourne is your gateway to calm bayside swims, [snorkel](/articles/best-off-the-beach-snorkel-spo/ "Best Off-the-Beach Snorkel Spots in Queensland")-friendly reefs, photogenic bathing boxes, and world-class waves within easy reach of the city.

This guide reveals the best beaches in Melbourne, from inner-city sands perfect for a quick dip to Mornington Peninsula coves and Surf Coast breaks where the adventure cranks up a notch. Whether you want family-friendly shallows, places to paddleboard at sunrise, rugged rock pools, or day trips to iconic surf towns, you will find a beach that fits your style and your itinerary.

Pack your towel and your sense of discovery. Melbourne’s bayside gems and surf escapes are closer than you think, and each one tells a different story of the coast.

Quick Picks: Find Your Perfect Melbourne Beach

Short on time or know exactly what you want from the water? Start here.

• Best for first-time visitors: St Kilda Beach for the classic Melbourne beach day with skyline views and cafes
• Best sunset photos: Brighton Beach at the Bathing Boxes and St Kilda Pier
• Best calm-water swim: Safety Beach and Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula
• Best family-friendly city beaches: Elwood Beach, Williamstown Beach, Altona Beach
• Best for snorkelling: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary in Beaumaris and Flinders Pier for weedy seadragons
• Best kitesurfing: St Kilda West Beach and Altona Beach
• Best day-trip surf: Bells Beach and Jan Juc near Torquay, Gunnamatta on the Mornington Peninsula, Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island
• Best rock pools: Sorrento Back Beach at low tide and Mushroom Reef at Flinders
• Best dog-friendly options: Altona and selected sections of Sandringham and Brighton outside peak times (check local signs)
• Best for accessibility: St Kilda, Port Melbourne, and Altona, where beach matting and beach wheelchairs are available on patrol days

Melbourne’s City and Inner Bayside Beaches

St Kilda Beach and West Beach

If you picture a Melbourne beach in your mind, chances are you are thinking of St Kilda. This is the city’s poster child for bay life. The wide sweep of sand is backed by palm trees, the iconic St Kilda Pier, the Sea Baths complex, and a social lineup of cafes, bars, and gelaterias along Acland Street and The Esplanade.

Why go:

• Gentle waters for swimming and SUP on calm days
• West Beach is a renowned kitesurfing hub when the seabreeze kicks in
• Close to the CBD and loaded with food and nightlife, perfect for a day that runs into evening

Do not miss:

• A stroll to St Kilda Pier at golden hour to watch the skyline blush
• After dark, keep a respectful distance as tiny penguins return to the breakwater. Use no flash, obey signs, and follow volunteer guidance

Getting there:

• Tram 96 to Acland Street or The Esplanade
• Tram 12 to Fitzroy Street
• Tram 3a on weekends diverts to St Kilda

Local tip:

• For a less crowded swim, wander south to West Beach or north toward St Kilda Marina where the pace is slower and the views still shine

South Melbourne and Port Melbourne

South Melbourne Beach and Port Melbourne’s Sandridge Beach bring a laid-back, local feel just minutes from the CBD. Expect broad sands, clean facilities, fit locals jogging the Bay Trail, and the sight of cruise ships easing into Station Pier.

Why go:

• Easy access from the city for a pre-brunch dip
• Flat water that suits families and casual swimmers
• Excellent for a beach day without leaving the tram grid

Highlights:

• Sandridge Beach has wider sands and fewer crowds
• Cafes cluster along Bay Street, an easy walk from the water

Getting there:

• Tram 1 to South Melbourne Beach
• Tram 109 to Port Melbourne

Elwood Beach

Elwood trades buzz for balance. The beach is sheltered and shallow, ideal for kids and low-stress swims. A foreshore reserve with lawns, picnic tables, and bike paths sets you up for a full afternoon of relaxing.

Why go:

• Family-friendly shallows with summer lifeguards
• Good picnic and barbecue spaces with shade
• Easy hop from St Kilda by foot or bike

Brighton Beach and the Bathing Boxes

Brighton Beach is one of Australia’s most photographed coastal locations, thanks to its row of brightly painted bathing boxes that line the sand near Dendy Street. On a clear day, you get the trifecta: vibrant huts, silver-blue bay, and city skyline.

Why go:

• A must for photos and classic bayside swimming
• Calm water on most summer days
• Nearby Middle Brighton Baths offers a historic sea bath and dining

Tips:

• Sunrise is serene, sunset is showtime. Arrive early in peak season to find a good spot
• Paid parking is enforced. Trains on the Sandringham line reach Brighton Beach, Middle Brighton, and North Brighton

Hampton, Sandringham, and Half Moon Bay

Continue south and the coastline grows more dramatic. Sandy coves bite into ochre cliffs, the water shifts to a bright turquoise on calm days, and the vibe feels more local.

• Hampton Beach: A compact, sandy cove that suits families, with cafes a short stroll away
• Sandringham Beach: A long crescent with walking trails and excellent picnic spots atop the bluffs
• Half Moon Bay at Black Rock: The star of this stretch, a sheltered arc beneath red cliffs with clear water, a pier, and views of the HMVS Cerberus shipwreck offshore

Why go:

• Clean water and striking scenery
• Snorkelling on calm days around the rocky ends of coves
• Cerberus Beach House and local kiosks for lunch with a view

Getting there:

• Sandringham line trains reach Hampton and Sandringham stations. Half Moon Bay requires a short bus or rideshare from Sandringham

Beaumaris and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary

Ricketts Point is a marine sanctuary and one of the best snorkel spots close to Melbourne. Shallow reefs support an array of fish, rays, and seagrass meadows. On a clear, still day the visibility can be surprisingly good.

Why go:

• Gentle entry points and reef life that suits beginners and families
• At low tide, rock platforms become natural discovery zones for kids
• Scenic coastal walking with interpretive signs

Good to know:

• Take only photographs. Marine life and shells are protected
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for rock platforms

Mentone to Mordialloc Foreshore

South of Beaumaris the cliffs ease back and wide sandy beaches return. Mentone, Parkdale, and Mordialloc offer classic family-friendly bayside days with life saving clubs, jetties, and plenty of space.

• Mentone Beach: Broad sands and summer patrols in front of the life saving club
• Parkdale and Mordialloc: Calm water, Mordialloc Pier for fishing and photos, and a strip of cafes close to the sand

Getting there:

• Frankston line trains stop at Mentone, Parkdale, and Mordialloc stations. It is a short walk to the beach

Western Bayside: Williamstown and Altona

On the bay’s western arc, Williamstown brings maritime heritage and village charm, while Altona delivers long, shallow sands that are brilliant for families and watersports.

• Williamstown Beach: Classic family beach day with gentle waves, backed by Nelson Place eateries. The nearby Gem Pier and Hobsons Bay Maritime Museum add character
• Altona Beach: A sweeping shoreline that remains shallow far out, with a long pier, excellent picnic lawns, and prime kitesurfing conditions on breezy afternoons

Why go:

• Less crowded than inner south bayside on peak weekends
• Fantastic for kids, with playgrounds and shady spaces
• Regular beach matting and accessible programs at Altona in summer

Getting there:

• Williamstown line to Williamstown Beach station
• Werribee line to Altona station, then a short walk

Mornington Peninsula Front Beaches: Calm Bayside Escapes

When locals plan a full beach day, the Mornington Peninsula often wins. The eastern side faces Port Phillip Bay, which means smooth water, sandy bottoms, and a string of villages where the holiday vibe kicks in hard.

Top picks:

• Safety Beach and Dromana: Possibly the peninsula’s most user-friendly bayside waters. Think gentle gradients, SUP-perfect mornings, and pastel sunsets above the hills
• Mount Martha: A striking two-part beach with cliffs at the south end and rainbow beach boxes. Clear, shallow water makes it heavenly on a still day
• Rosebud and Rye: Long arcs of sand with shallow entry, ideal for young families and paddlers. Foreshore reserves and campsites make weekends easy
• Sorrento Front Beach: Calm water, stone jetties, and a hint of old-world glamour. Perfect for a swim followed by gelato on Ocean Beach Road

Why go:

• Warmest water of the season in late summer and early autumn
• Easy car access and lots of parking, though arrive early on hot days
• Coastal towns with bakeries, fish and chips, wine bars, and boutique shopping

Water toys welcome:

• Hire a SUP or kayak in Dromana, Safety Beach, or Sorrento during peak season
• Calm mornings are best. Afternoon sea breezes can ripple the bay

Mornington Peninsula Surf Beaches: Where the Ocean Roars

On the peninsula’s ocean side, the mood changes. Endless beach breaks, rolling dunes, and the soundtrack of Atlantic-blue waves meeting Bass Strait. These beaches are spectacular and powerful. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when patrols are in place, and if in doubt, do not go out.

Standout surf escapes:

• Gunnamatta: A long, wild beach known for consistent surf and rips. Surfers love it. Swimmers should stick tightly to flagged areas when patrols are active
• Portsea Back Beach: Rugged dunes, spectacular views, and strong currents. A stunning place for a coastal walk and a photo stop
• Sorrento Back Beach: A locals’ favorite with rock pools that come alive at low tide. Family-friendly on the rock platforms, serious water beyond the break
• Point Leo and Shoreham: More sheltered than open beaches, with gentler waves that attract longboarders and beginners on small days
• Flinders and Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary: Not a classic swim spot, but extraordinary intertidal rock pools at low tide. Flinders Pier is a bucket-list snorkel and dive site for weedy seadragon encounters

Why go:

• Untamed coastal beauty within two hours of the CBD
• Surf schools operate at selected locations in summer
• Coastal walks and lookouts that deliver big scenery even if you do not swim

Safety first:

• Ocean rips are real. Stay within flagged zones and ask lifeguards for advice
• Check tide times for rock pool exploring. Low tide is best

Phillip Island: Surf and Sand Day Trip

Phillip Island brings wildlife, beaches, and a holiday island vibe about two hours from Melbourne. It is famous for the nightly Penguin Parade, but the beaches are a reason to visit all on their own.

Where to swim and surf:

• Cowes Main Beach: North-facing and sheltered, with shallow water and jetties. Ideal for families, SUPs, and warm summer afternoons
• Smiths Beach: A learner-friendly surf beach with a gentle gradient and surf schools in season
• Cape Woolamai: A powerhouse of a surf beach with long walks, sand dunes, and consistent swell. Surfers thrive here. Swimmers should be highly experienced and stay between flags when patrols are on

Why go:

• Combine a beach day with wildlife and coastal walks
• Wide range of holiday rentals and seaside dining
• Island sunsets that linger with color

Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road: Bells, Jan Juc, and Beyond

If the words Rip Curl Pro make your heart beat faster, set your sights on Torquay and the Surf Coast. About 90 minutes to two hours from Melbourne, this is the birthplace of Australia’s surf industry and home to beaches that define the sport.

Legendary stops:

• Torquay Front Beach: Protected and family-friendly, perfect for a relaxed swim
• Jan Juc: A beautiful surf beach with punchy waves and a laid-back vibe
• Bells Beach: Australia’s most iconic break. Best for viewing and experienced surfers. The clifftop lookouts are unforgettable
• Point Addis and Anglesea: Gorgeous coastal scenery with spots for both swimmers and surfers depending on the day

Why go:

• World-class surf culture within a day-trip radius
• Coastal national parks and walking tracks
• Craft breweries, surf outlets, and cafes to refuel between sessions

Local knowledge:

• Ocean beaches work best with light offshore winds. Northerlies can groom the waves. Summer sea breezes freshen up in the afternoon
• Always check conditions and talk to lifesavers before swimming at open ocean beaches

When to Go: Weather, Water, and Seasons

Melbourne’s beach season runs spring to autumn, with the most reliable warmth from December to March. The city is known for changeable weather, so pack layers and treat forecasts as a guide rather than a guarantee.

• Air temperatures: Summer days often sit between 24 and 32 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves can push higher. Evenings cool quickly
• Water temperatures: Port Phillip Bay warms through summer, typically around 18 to 21 degrees by late January and February. Spring and early summer are cooler, around 14 to 17 degrees. Ocean beaches run slightly colder
• Best beach days: Calm mornings with light winds, especially for SUP and snorkelling. Sea breezes typically arrive mid to late afternoon on hot days
• UV index: Very high in summer. Use SPF 50+, reapply often, wear a broad-brimmed hat, and seek shade during the middle of the day

Safety Essentials: Swim Smart, Relax More

Melbourne’s bays are generally gentle, but common-sense coastal safety still applies. On the ocean beaches, rips and powerful surf demand respect.

• Swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty
• On open ocean beaches, ask a lifesaver for advice if you are unsure
• Avoid jumping from piers and breakwaters where signs prohibit it
• Bluebottles and other stingers can appear occasionally, especially after winds from the north or east. If stung, leave the water and seek first aid
• Stay hydrated and take plenty of shade. Beach tents and umbrellas are useful on long days
• Know your limits. If you are new to surf, book a lesson with a local surf school rather than paddling out alone

For snorkellers and divers:

• Check conditions and visibility. Calm, clear mornings are best
• Do not touch marine life. Take only photos, leave only bubbles
• Popular snorkel sites include Ricketts Point, Half Moon Bay shallows, and Flinders Pier for weedy seadragons

Getting Around: Public Transport, Parking, and the Bay Trail

You can beach-hop around Melbourne without a car, especially along the inner bayside. For the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and the Surf Coast, a car makes life easier.

Public transport:

• Trams: 96 to St Kilda, 12 to St Kilda via Clarendon Street, 1 to South Melbourne Beach, 109 to Port Melbourne
• Trains: Sandringham line for Brighton, Hampton, and Sandringham. Frankston line for Mentone, Mordialloc, and further south. Williamstown line for Williamstown Beach. Werribee line for Altona
• Use a Myki card for travel and check the PTV app for live updates

Driving and parking:

• On hot weekends, car parks fill fast from late morning. Arrive early or go late for sunset
• Paid parking is common at Brighton, St Kilda, and popular peninsula beaches
• Allow extra time for traffic on hot afternoons as day-trippers head home

Cycling the coast:

• The Bay Trail runs from Port Melbourne through St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton, and beyond. It is mostly flat, scenic, and perfect for two-wheeled beach-hopping
• E-bikes and scooters are available in parts of the inner south. Observe local rules and ride thoughtfully

Where to Eat and Drink by the Beach

Melbourne’s coastal food scene is part of the experience. Think beachside fish and chips, gelato walks, and sunset dinners with sea views.

• St Kilda: Acland Street bakeries, cafes along The Esplanade, and restaurants at the Sea Baths. Enjoy sunset drinks then wander to the pier
• Port Melbourne: Bay Street is packed with brunch spots and bistros. Grab takeaway and picnic on the sand
• Brighton: Middle Brighton Baths for a classic seaside meal and views across the bay
• Half Moon Bay: Cerberus Beach House sits above the sand with plate-glass windows framing the water
• Mordialloc: A lively strip near the pier for burgers, pasta, and ice cream
• Williamstown: Nelson Place for historic pubs, gelato, and seafood
• Altona: Pier Street offers multicultural eats a short stroll from the water
• Mornington Peninsula: Mount Martha village for coffee, Dromana for casual eats, Sorrento for fine dining and gelato, Flinders for a slow lunch after rock pool exploring
• Surf Coast: Torquay breweries and surf-town cafes that refuel hungry wave chasers

Itineraries: Make the Most of Your Beach Time

Whether you have one day or a long weekend, here are simple, satisfying ways to curate your own beach story.

1. Classic inner-bayside day without a car

   • Morning: Tram 96 to St Kilda, swim and coffee on The Esplanade
   • Midday: Stroll or cycle the Bay Trail to Elwood for a picnic on the foreshore
   • Afternoon: Continue to Brighton. Photograph the bathing boxes, swim, and laze
   • Sunset: Head back to St Kilda Pier for skyline views as lights flicker on

2. Bayside road trip with viewpoint stops

   • Start: St Kilda swim and snack
   • Drive: South to Half Moon Bay for lunch and a snorkel
   • Next: Beaumaris at Ricketts Point to explore the marine sanctuary
   • Finish: Mordialloc for a late afternoon swim and pier walk, then dinner nearby

3. Mornington Peninsula two-day escape

   • Day 1: Swim at Safety Beach, lunch in Dromana, afternoon rock pools at Sorrento Back Beach at low tide, dinner in Sorrento
   • Day 2: Gentle surf lesson at Point Leo if conditions suit, lunch at a winery or seaside cafe, sunset at Mount Martha South Beach

4. Surf Coast day trip for surfers and spectators

   • Morning: Drive to Torquay Front Beach for a swim and coffee
   • Midday: Check waves at Jan Juc or Bells Beach. Watch from the clifftops if you do not surf
   • Afternoon: Swim at Anglesea or walk the Point Addis boardwalks
   • Evening: Early dinner in Torquay, then cruise back to Melbourne

Family-Friendly Melbourne Beaches

If you are planning with kids, you want shallow shores, toilets close by, and shade for snack breaks.

Top choices:

• Elwood Beach: Calm water, lawns, playgrounds, and patrolled zones in summer
• Williamstown Beach: Family vibe, gentle waves, and plenty of cafes
• Altona Beach: Very shallow entry, wide foreshore, and a long pier for safe exploring
• Safety Beach and Dromana: Warm, shallow bay waters with minimal swell and SUP hire in season
• Mount Martha: Clear, calm water on still days, with patrolled areas in summer

Family tips:

• Bring hats, long-sleeve rash tops, and a beach tent for shade
• Book a spot early on hot weekend mornings, especially on the peninsula
• Pack a simple beach kit: water shoes for rock platforms, refillable bottles, snacks, and a small first-aid kit

Active Days: SUP, Kayak, Kitesurf, and Snorkel

Melbourne’s beaches are not only for sunbathing. Add a little movement to your day.

• Stand-up paddleboarding: Best on glassy mornings at St Kilda, Elwood, Safety Beach, Dromana, and Mount Martha
• Kayaking: Explore the coastline around Mornington Peninsula villages or paddle quietly along the shallows at Williamstown and Altona
• Kitesurfing: St Kilda West Beach and Altona are the headline spots when the seabreeze pipes in. Take a lesson if you are new
• Snorkelling: Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary for reef life, Half Moon Bay for sheltered swims, and Flinders Pier for weedy seadragons on calm days

Dog-Friendly Beaches and Rules

Melbourne is dog-loving, but rules vary by council and season. Many beaches allow off-leash access during winter or outside certain hours.

• Generally, summer daytimes have restrictions on busy beaches, with early morning and evening windows for off-leash play
• Altona has generous dog-friendly zones. Sections around Sandringham and Brighton also allow off-leash access at set times
• Always check local signs at beach entrances and carry a leash. Pick up after your pet and keep them out of signed conservation areas

Accessibility on the Sand

Beach access has improved across Melbourne thanks to partnerships with councils and Life Saving Victoria.

• Beach matting is laid at popular beaches such as St Kilda, Port Melbourne, and Altona on patrol days during summer
• Many life saving clubs offer free use of beach wheelchairs. Pre-book when possible
• Accessible parking bays and sealed paths are common at larger foreshore reserves
• For up-to-date details, check the relevant council or Life Saving Victoria websites before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

How warm is the water in summer?

• Port Phillip Bay typically reaches 18 to 21 degrees Celsius in late summer. It feels refreshingly cool on hot days. Ocean beaches run a degree or two colder

Can I see penguins in Melbourne without going to Phillip Island?

• Yes. A small colony lives at St Kilda breakwater. Visit after sunset, be quiet, do not use flash, and follow volunteer advice. Keep a respectful distance

Are there sharks at Melbourne beaches?

• Encounters are very rare inside Port Phillip Bay. Always swim at patrolled beaches and during daylight hours

Are beaches free to use?

• Yes. Public beaches are free. Parking is often paid near popular spots

What about jellyfish and stingers?

• Bluebottles occasionally appear, usually after certain wind patterns. If stung, exit the water and seek first aid from lifesavers

Is snorkelling good in the bay?

• Absolutely, on calm days. Ricketts Point and Half Moon Bay are excellent for beginners. Flinders Pier is famous for weedy seadragons, with clear conditions on still mornings

Do I need a car to visit the beaches?

• Not for inner bayside beaches. Trams and trains work well. For the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and Surf Coast, a car is the most flexible option

When is the best time to visit?

• Late December through March offers warm weather and water. Early mornings are best for calm bays. Plan around sea breezes and arrive early on hot weekends

Responsible Beach Time

These beaches are beautiful because they are cared for. A few small actions help keep them that way.

• Use bins or take all rubbish with you
• Protect dunes by using marked paths
• Choose reef-safe sunscreen and avoid trampling rock pools
• Respect wildlife, especially at penguin habitat and marine sanctuaries

Conclusion: Melbourne’s Beaches, Your Way

Melbourne rewards curiosity. Follow the tram to a city beach for a lunchtime dip with skyscrapers on the horizon. Drive a little further to find red-cliff coves and snorkel-perfect reefs. Set the alarm and chase a day trip to surf where legends are made. Mix and match calm bayside mornings with ocean-swept afternoons, and end your day with fish and chips on a pier as the sky leans pink.

The best beaches in Melbourne are not a single destination. They are a collection of moments by the water that suit every traveler, every family, every adventurous soul. Decide how you want the day to feel, pick your patch of sand, and let the coast write the rest of your story.

Ready to go? Pack the sunscreen, grab a Myki or car keys, and choose your beach. Melbourne’s bayside gems and surf escapes are waiting, from St Kilda’s energetic shoreline to the rolling breaks of the Surf Coast. The water is calling.