Relax in the summer sun on calm bay beaches across Melbourne from the popular swimming spots and shore-side diners at St Kilda to the colorful landmark bathing huts at Brighton. Most beaches are patrolled by surf life savers during the warmer months, school and public holidays. Get off the beaten track and experience Victoria’s beautiful beaches and coastlines that stretch out for almost 1250 miles! Take in pristine landscapes ranging from sandy beaches, wetlands, forests, sheer cliffs and rocky shores. Explore Gippsland’s Ninety Mile Beach and stay at Lakes Entrance to enjoy the golden sands – ideal for swimming, beach fishing or just lazing about in the sun. Spend your summer at one of the many family-friendly beaches on the Mornington Peninsula. For a fun day trip, take the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff for some beach side cycling and barbecued seafood. Travel the rugged Great Ocean Road, where the 12 Apostles stand guard on the edge of the Southern Ocean. Pass by the famous Bells Beach, which plays host to the annual Rip Curl Pro surf tournament. Alternatively, take in the sights at The Nobbies in Phillip Island. Watch seals play at Seal Rocks or catch the sunset at Cape Woolamai, where the pink granite offers a stunning backdrop to the wild Bass Strait. << Click Here >> to get all the information you need to start planning your Melbourne Australia vacation and visit our Melbourne Australia Vacations Guide.
Here are the finest Melbourne Australia beaches:
Brighton Beach
Calm water, colorful huts and historic sea baths make this suburban beach a relaxing and stylish escape from Melbourne’s inner-city bustle. Situated in one of Melbourne’s wealthiest suburbs, Brighton Beach refers to three different sections of beach along Port Phillip Bay: Upper Brighton Beach, Middle Brighton Beach and Dendy Street Beach. Middle Brighton features historic sea baths and the Middle Brighton Pier. The most famous spot is undoubtedly Dendy Street Beach, which is home to a line of more than 80 colorful beach huts, Brighton’s famous “bathing boxes.” The beaches of Brighton generally have very calm water and are patrolled by lifeguards, which make them a safe place to swim. Just inland from the beaches there are plenty of grassy foreshore reserves to have a picnic, kick a ball or relax. Pull on your running shoes or bike helmet; separate walking and cycling paths run the length of Port Phillip Bay and provide great vistas of the bay and city skyline. Be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen and to drink plenty of water when in the sun. Brighton Beach is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Melbourne and there’s a parking lot nearby.
Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
Cape Woolamai
Catch a wave against the backdrop of ancient pink granite at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point and one of Victoria’s most popular surfing beaches. Walk along the golden, sweeping beaches at any time of the year. Follow one of the four coastal walking track loops at Cape Woolamai and stop at viewing platforms to take in breathtaking views of the Pinnacles. Witness the magical dusk descent of the short-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds) as they return from a day of fishing to the place they call home between late September and mid-April. Take advantage of Bass Strait and surf one of the best beach breaks in the country. You can rent bicycles and cycle from the tourist road down to the beach. There is a great patrolled area for kids to swim.
Cape Woolamai
Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is a 90-mile long stretch of pristine golden sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait. This is one of the most natural and unspoiled beaches in the world and is ideal for any number of beach activities from beach fishing and swimming to walking, whale and dolphin-spotting or just lazing in the sun. The beach lies on the edge of a long slender sand dune and the absence of rocky outcrops or headlands results in a vista of endless sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. Offshore, the sandy plains are only occasionally broken by low ribbons of reef. The beach can be reached from the South Gippsland Highway via the towns of Woodside Beach, Seaspray, Golden Beach or Loch Sport and Lakes Entrance. Ninety Mile Beach is unspoiled and offers clean white sand, wonderful crashing waves and a natural bush environment. A beach wheelchair is available from the Lakes Entrance Main Beach and Surf Lifesaving Club. A kiosk and accessible toilets are available at the Surf Club. A beach wheelchair is also available from the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club throughout January, and on weekends and public holidays.
Ninety Mile Beach
St. Kilda Beach
Summer isn’t summer until you’ve spent a day by the seaside at St Kilda Beach, a short tram ride from the CBD. The foreshore is a hive of activity as walkers, joggers and rollerbladers race by, while kite surfers, windsurfers and all-weather swimmers make the waters their playground. In St Kilda style there plenty of opportunity for refreshments, whether at the end of the iconic pier or in the bars and restaurants of the St Kilda Sea Baths. For an unforgettable brush with wildlife, head to the breakwater to see the resident population of little penguins burrowing in the rocks.
St. Kilda Beach
Eastern Beach
Make your way down to Geelong’s famous waterfront precinct and discover the city’s spectacular summer playground. Climb the tower and dive into the cool waters of the art deco swimming enclosure, built all the way back in the 1930s, or just take a scenic stroll along the boardwalk and watch the boats bobbing in the bay. Splash about with the kids in the seaside pool and then hit the adventure playground next door. Keep the festivities going with a ride on the Ferris wheel and historic carousel further up the beach. Round out your afternoon with a sumptuous picnic and friendly game of cricket on the vast lawns along the beach.
Eastern Beach
Thirteenth Beach
Grab your surfboard and explore this 2.8 mile stretch of picturesque coastline west of Barwon Heads. A popular surf spot, Thirteenth Beach provides varied conditions to suit both learner and advanced surfers. The lovely wide stretch of sand spreads between looming sand dunes and crashing waves, and is also ideal for a refreshing walk, jog, sandcastle-making or ball play with the dog. Take a short walk around the headland, don a wetsuit for some diving, and take in the expansive views.
Thirteenth Beach
Squeaky Beach
Take a wander along the famous white sand of Squeaky Beach and have a dip in the turquoise waters of one of Wilsons Promontory’s most iconic beaches. The rounded grains of quartz make a squeaking sound when you walk, giving this popular local beach its name. Head down from the Squeaky Beach car park and make your way through coastal scrub, jumping the little stream as you reach the beach. Take in views out to distant islands and the granite-studded headlands, or just choose a comfortable spot on the large expanse of pristine white sand. Adventurous types will love the northern end of the beach, with its large granite boulders creating a maze of passages to explore. Marvel at the brilliant orange rocks that contrast perfectly with the clear blue ocean and visit at dusk to watch the changing hues at sunset. Squeaky Beach can be reached from a range of short walks including the Lilly Pilly Gully car park, Picnic Bay or Tidal River, which offers spectacular coastal views. Vehicle access is available via the Squeaky Beach car park, with a short five-minute walk to the beach through coastal scrub. Toilet facilities are located adjacent to the car park. Surf lifesavers do not operate at this beach. All-terrain wheelchairs, a TrailRider and beach wheelchairs are available for park visitors with significant physical disabilities.
Squeaky Beach
Bells Beach
Ride a wave at Bells Beach, located near Torquay on the southern coast of Victoria in the Great Ocean Road region. Head to Bells Beach over the Easter weekend and watch the world’s best surfers carve up the waves at the Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition. High cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to the natural amphitheatre of the beach and large swells from the Southern Ocean, which slow down and steepen over the reef-strewn shallows, create the outstanding surf. If you’re a sightseer, Bells Beach is a popular spot with great vantage points along the cliff. For surfers, Bells Beach is really for the experienced. The beach is an exposed reef and point break with excellent right hand breaks, at their best during autumn and winter.
Bells Beach
Wow, you and my wife would get along so well. She adores the beach. Honestly, I go to make her happy or put out crab pots.
But after reading your descriptions (along with seeing the images and video), O how nice it would be to visit and experience such lovely places. I particularly like the out of the way, more secluded beaches. However the Brighton Beach bath houses are lovely.
I am very curious to what exactly is the bath house’s purpose is? They all appeared locked up.
Thanks
Those Brighten Beach Bath houses are actually owned by individuals. They are VERY expensive to buy. When the owners come to the beach, they use it like you would use a cabana. Some people will rent them out to others as well, that is also expensive. But it is cool, and I could see myself enjoying this immensely! Thanks for visiting Melbourne Australia Beaches.
I just have to say that your descriptions are stunning. I could actually see these places in my mind. You make me want to go to Australia even more. I’m very much a water child that loves to swim the day away. I almost like it better than reading!
Cape Woolamai sounds both beautiful and breathtaking. I love nature trails as well so this will definitely be added to the places I want to see.
Take care,
Anne
You are welcome Anne 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed your digital vacation to the Melbourne Australia beaches! Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
Once again, another great post on your beautiful website. I think Squeaky Beach would be the one for me. It looks so peaceful. Thank you for sharing. I will be back!
Squeaky Beach is a good choice! And it is peaceful. Melbourne Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches for sure. Thanks for reading!
The title caught my attention right away. I knew I stepped into a future travel destination I want to go to, and It made me really interested to read more about it. Victoria’s beaches are where it is at. It has a little bit of everything to offer. I live in Washington, and when you hit the beaches at the right time of the year it is nice because you get a little bit of it all, the landscape, trees around, rocky landscapes, so in a way I could see Victoria being good. There are many great destinations, but I liked Easter Beach in particular. Growing up in Orange County, CA the beaches were very tourist centered. I like the private beaches but attraction is nice. Awesome stuff! Thanks for the share.
You are welcome Michael. And I know what you mean, here in Florida the beaches get so crowded. Some days I like it, but some days I just want a quiet beach without all the noise. Easter Beach is a great choice, and Melbourne is a wonderful beach vacation spot. Thanks for visiting!
Australia definitely has the best beaches in the world! I remember when I went to Greece, everyone was going on about how great their beaches were. After living in Australia for 8 years, I was very unimpressed with the beaches there. But they dis have great seafood which made up for it.
Yeah, I do know how you feel. I lived in Texas for 10 years. The beaches were a 4 hour drive, but after vacationing to Florida a half a dozen times, when I finally did make it to a Texas beach…..it was a tad disappointing. Nothing beats Florida in the US and nothing beats Australia 🙂 Thanks for visiting Melbourne Australia Beaches.
Actually I have never been to Melbourne but my friend recommended me to go there. I didn’t know any attractive spots in Melbourne before, but after reading this, I felt like finally I found the place I should go! Thank you very much. Now I’m excited to go there. I’m looking forward to your next article 🙂
Great, keep posted with my email announcements and I will let you know what I am reviewing next. I have a lot of amazing places I am ready to cover 🙂 Thanks for visiting Melbourne Australia Beaches.
I have never been to Australia but after reading about these golden sandy beaches and now this is the place I’m going. I have cousins living in Melbourne so this really helps me when visiting someday. thanks for sharing this.
I have family there as well. Time for a visit for me for sure! You will love it there. Thanks for reading about Melbourne Australia Beaches.
Fantastic information. I would love to go to Australia. The photographs of all the beaches there look amazing. A great read.
Thank you so much Ruth! I am glad you enjoyed visiting the Melbourne Australia beaches!
I have to say I was excited to read your blog mainly because I reside within Melbourne. I’m fortunate to say I’ve travelled all over the world, however, to me nowhere else can compare to the beaches we have in Australia. My favourite being Thirteenth Beach.
I also have to say your beautifully written blog brought tears to my eyes because I am truly lucky to live where I live.
Oh my gosh you are lucky to live there. It is absolutely beautiful with so many wonderful places to go!
I was in Melbourne in 2009 – didn’t get the chance to check out all the beaches I wanted to – in fact only made it to St Kilda but I was short on time and had people to visit.
I did however, travel from Adelaide to Melboune via the Great Ocean Road and checked out the 12 apostles – that is a pretty awesome site!
Might be heading back to Melbourne in near future – which would be the one beach you’d recommend there, if you only had time to do one?
I would say St. Kilda but you have been there. Did you spend much time there? If not, you have to go back there 🙂 Next pick would be Squeaky Beach!
Hi Leahrae
Nice to meet you. All the beaches sounds so relaxing and beautiful. I can only imagine all of the experiences that you have enjoyed with your family. I live in Mich. and I will never see Hawaii.
Money is short. You have a really nice website and you are inspirational and I’m sure you will help a lot of people with their vacations. Take Care
Michelle
Thank you so much Michelle and good luck to you!
I’ve never been to Australia but it’s one of the places I think I may travel to soon! Any thoughts on whether I should go to Melbourne over other places? Also a quick question about the sea in the Melbourne Beaches – are there sharks, and do you need to do anything to avoid them?!
The number one place, in my opinion, is to go the Great Barrier Reef. There are several good beaches there such as Airlie Beach, Mission Beach, and the Whitsunday Islands to name a few. You won’t lack for anything to do there. A variety of sharks inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. What we most commonly encounter are smaller species which pose no threat to divers or snorkelers. The shark that Australia is infamous for is the Great White shark, prefers cold water of the Southern Ocean and does not exist in Tropical North Queensland.
Interesting information you have shared. I thought the only way to get a good deal on air fare was to book through one of those deal sites and had no idea the time of day or what day had a bearing on this. Very helpful. Ae there hotels close by the beaches in Australia or family style resorts? And would using Expedia or Travelocity offer good reviews for accommodations?
Yes, most all of the resorts are going to be right on the beach with a LOT of family friendly choices. Either Travelocity, or Expedia will get you good bargains. They both have pretty much the same deals.
I was in Australia in 2006 for 9 months, and I deeply regret not going to Melbourne. We did what lots of backpackers do and went up the East coast to work on farms along the way. I heard so many nice things about Melbourne and beaches there, very different from the East coast. I hope on day to return and spend a bit of time in the South and West coast of this beautiful country. If I ever do, what is a must see attraction located in Melbourne? Looking at the beautiful pictures brings back great memories of my favorite trip ever. Thank you for the post!
In Melbourne, and these are not beach related, see the Eureka Skydeck, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Dandenong Ranges, the Shrine of Remembrance, and of course take the City Circle Tram. Thanks for reading!
I have always wanted to travel to Australia but have yet to. I love all the colorful and bright bathing boxes at Brighton beach. Squeaky beach is very interesting. I have never heard of a beach, or anywhere for that matter, that squeaks when you walk on it. What is your personal favorite of all the Melbourne Australia beaches?
You have to spend a day by the seaside at St Kilda Beach, a short tram ride from the CBD. The foreshore is full of activity with walkers, joggers and rollerbladers. You’ll see kite surfers, windsurfers and all-weather swimmers make the waters their playground. In St Kilda there is plenty of opportunity for refreshments, whether at the end of the iconic pier or in the bars and restaurants of the St Kilda Sea Baths. Head to the breakwater to see the resident population of little penguins burrowing in the rocks. It’s a great experience!p>