Top 10 Beaches in Melbourne

There are plenty of excellent beaches in Melbourne for a lovely day trip or weekend getaway. And, all of these beaches are within a 1-hour drive of the CBD, making them accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Melbourne is home to some fantastic bay beaches, offering safe swimming areas, soft sand, and clear water. And, for the most part, these beaches are usually alongside built-up areas making them the perfect activity for a day out. So, grab some lunch, and then hit the beach for an afternoon of sun-soaking.

Continue reading to discover the best beaches in Melbourne for the summer.

10 Best Beaches in Melbourne

Firstly, the list of the top 10 beaches in Melbourne is in no particular order. And, all of these beaches are loved by heaps of people in the surrounding suburbs and throughout metro Victoria.

I highly recommend adding a few of these places to your list of places to visit this summer to enjoy for an afternoon.

For the most part, the best time of year to visit these beaches is usually between January and April. Moreover, this is when the weather is warmest and most consistent. However, be sure to check the weather before making your journey to the beach.

Seaford Beach

Seaford Beach is a fantastic beach that can be easily accessed from the train station. Not to mention, there is a walking trail alongside the shore, making it the perfect early-morning activity in summer.

I highly recommend taking a short wander along the pier and then relaxing on the white and soft sand to finish the day.

Mothers Beach

Mothers Beach is an absolute hotspot for Melburnians during the summer period, and, it’s clear to see why. Grab your snorkels, kayaks, or stand-up paddle boards for an enjoyable day in the bay.

Mothers Beach feels like a classic Melbourne beach with the bathing boxes lined up along the shore. They add a bunch of colour and give off a true summer vibe. Not to mention, it’s lovely watching the boats float past the pier.

For an extra activity, I highly recommend checking out the Mount Martha Pillars while you’re down this way.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is one of the best beaches in Melbourne as it’s slightly more hidden than the more common beach spots. Nonetheless, this doesn’t stop this spot from getting busy during the peak summer period. So, head there early to snap up your spot on the sand.

The bay is very small and feels like a hidden paradise. And, it’s one of the more unique beaches in Melbourne as it’s surrounded by tall cliffs.

While visiting, be sure to check out Red Bluff Lookout since you’re in the area. The views look out over the cliffs and glow golden during sunset!

Elwood Beach

This is a fantastic beach for the entire family considering the dog-friendly beach area. Dogs are welcome to join owners at any time from 1st April – 31st October. Otherwise, for the summer period, they are only allowed on the beach from 5:30 AM – 9:30 AM.

Nonetheless, this is the perfect opportunity to get out for an early morning beach session during the summer period. On the other hand, if you’re down to enjoy a nice lunch, I recommend stopping into Elwood Bathers to enjoy a nibble.

St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach is easily one of the most known beaches in Melbourne and is an absolute tourist hotspot year-round. Firstly, the beach is gorgeous with soft white sand and crystal clear water and there are loads of things to do nearby.

If you don’t like getting sandy, set a towel or blanket up in the park across from the beach and enjoy some time on the well-manicured lawns. Additionally, you could wander up to Catani Gardens for a lovely afternoon stroll.

Finally, if you’re up for some adventure, feel free to check out Luna Park. It’s Melbourne’s best theme park and attracts thousands of visitors yearly.

Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne Beach is yet another family-friendly location to enjoy this summer. Firstly, there is a wide stretch of sand to sprawl out amongst and set up for a nice day in the sunshine. And, this is the closest available beach to the Melbourne CBD.

Take a wander along the shoreline and check out the seashells that wash up. Moreover, this is a great activity to do with children.

Williamstown Beach

Taking the list of beaches to the other side of the bay, I recommend checking out Williamstown Beach. Firstly, this beach is great if you live over the west side of the city but still want to enjoy a nice day in the sun.

Secondly, there are a couple of beach kiosks and restaurants in the area for coffee or some lunch. Take a wander up to Point Johnston to explore the rocks and discover sea critters.

Brighton Bathing Boxes

The Brighton Bathing Boxes is a famous tourist spot in Melbourne alongside a beautiful stretch of beach. Head to this iconic location to check out the 82 brightly coloured beach boxes sitting on the shoreline. And, head into the water for a refreshing dip on a warm day.

This is a beautiful spot for sunset with loads of photo opportunities on offer!

Edithvale Beach

Edithvale Beach is along a very long stretch of sand and there is always plenty of space on offer. Besides, there is limited parking in the side streets making it the ultimate place for a private spot on the beach.

So, if you don’t like visiting crowded and overpopulated areas, I highly recommend enjoying this spot for a little more space and privacy. Finally, this is an excellent spot for larger groups to set up for the day.

Black Rock Beach

Last but not least, is Black Rock Beach. This is yet another stunning and slightly hidden beach, though loads of locals know about it.

Nonetheless, it’s slightly nestled in behind the cliffs making it feel like a bit more of a getaway. Take a wander along the bay trail for a bit of physical activity, or park yourself up on the sand to enjoy some time relaxing.

There are a bunch of rocks on one side of the beach giving you the perfect opportunity to do some exploring. However, please keep in mind that the water gets relatively deep quickly, and might not be best for young children.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, these are just a handful of some of Melbourne’s best beaches. There are loads more on offer and it’s up to you to explore them and find your ultimate go-to beach.

Nonetheless, this is a great guideline to give you an idea of what beaches you might like to visit over the summer period.

Stay safe this summer, wear plenty of sun protection, and don’t forget to swim with a friend or family member. And, keep an eye on children in the water at all times. Happy swimming!

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