12 Melbourne Beaches To Visit (Yes, They Exist)

Melbourne beaches may not be as renowned as their counterparts in other Australian cities, but the strong sense of community and variety of conditions provide plenty of opportunities to swim, surf, SUP, and just relax when the sun makes an appearance.

People typically think of Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast when discussions about Australia’s best patches of sand arise. And yet, many forget that beaches in Melbourne do indeed exist.

Moreso, there are some genuinely fantastic beaches that have been propped up over the years, from popular spots like St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach to lesser-known favourites like Mentone and Williamstown.

From Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula, these are the best beaches you’ll find in and around town ordered by distance from the city centre.

1. South Melbourne Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 5.3 kilometres

The tiny Princes Pier at South Melbourne Beach (also known as Port Melbourne Beach) is one of the most charming in the state and perfect for sunset photography. And while casual strolls and privacy may be what this Port Phillip Bay beach is best known for, the usual conditions are still decent enough for a swim. Although not for a surf.

waves lapping the shore on South Melbourne Beach — Calm waters make South Melbourne Beach ideal for swimming. (Image: Visit Victoria)

As one of the closest patrolled beaches from the heart of Melbourne, this stretch of sand is most popular amongst visiting families with limited time who mightn’t want to drive out to Brighton or Half Moon Bay.

You’d generally find locals walking their dogs, playing beach tennis, or visitors scurrying off from the nearby cruise ship terminal. It may not be the most popular, but the solitude is part of the appeal.

Port Melbourne on a sunny day — Stroll along the esplanade on a sunny day. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. St Kilda Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 7.3 kilometres

St Kilda Beach is to Melbourne what Bondi is to Sydney. And while that may seem like a rather crude comparison, consider that this historic suburb also lays claim to some of the best restaurants in Melbourne like Stokehouse and Cafe Di Stasio, as well as the fabulous Captain Baxter rooftop bar.

al fresco dining with palm trees at St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, VIC — Walk from the sand to the doorstep of Melbourne’s best eateries. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With so many great places to eat and drink after a swim, it’s no surprise that most Melbourne visitors head straight here when the sun is out, while families will appreciate the proximity to Luna Park.

city views from St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, VIC — Admire the city skyline from St Kilda Beach. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Conditions at St Kilda Beach can vary but the relatively calm waters make it a good spot for novices to practice surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can also hire equipment nearby if you’d like to SUP.

people sitting by the seaside at St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, VIC — Enjoy a weekend by the seaside in the historic suburb. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A pro tip would be to hang around until later in the day and walk down St Kilda Pier, where you might spot some fairy penguins milling around.

people walking along St Kilda pier at sunset, Melbourne, VIC — Sunsets are nothing short of spectacular on St Kilda Pier. (Image: Tourism Australia / Time Out Australia)

3. Elwood Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 9.8 kilometres

Just around the corner from St Kilda, Elwood Beach is much quieter but no less exciting and an easy pick for one of the best beaches in Melbourne. Although it doesn’t feel like it, you’re still quite close to the city so it’s an ideal option for hurried visitors, who want something that sits between the action of St Kilda and the solitude of South Melbourne Beach.

Point Ormond Lookout Elwood Beach — Walk from Point Ormond Lookout to Elwood Beach and spot the city skyline behind you.

Given it’s still a bay beach, the conditions at Elwood Beach are almost always calm and perfect for swimmers while surfers may want to monitor throughout the day. It’s more of a family-friendly beach as a result, flecked with picnic goers throughout the week or anyone keen on a more peaceful SUP away from the crowds.

4. Brighton Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 13 kilometres

Defined by its multi-coloured row of beautiful bathing boxes on the foreshore, Brighton Beach is one of Melbourne’s most picturesque, complemented by views of the distant CBD skyline. While St Kilda Beach gets its Bondi vibe from the communal atmosphere, Brighton feels like a short stroll on L.A.’s famous Venice Beach.

an aerial view of the distant CBD skyline from Brighton Beach — Brighton Beach is arguably the most picturesque spot in Melbourne. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Yet it has its own identity. Conditions vary greatly, and the exposed beach can get quite windy resulting in some fairly decent waves and rip holes. That’s why plenty of novice surfers prefer this Melbourne beach over nearby alternatives, with a good middle ground between entry-level waves and more serious ones.

The area’s generous spread of breezy restaurants, galleries and cafes is a big attraction for swimmers and sunbathers as well, with popular options including Sons of Mary and the classic Fish Tank.

an aerial view of bathing houses on Brighton Beach — The famous bathing houses are perched on the lush seafront enclave of Brighton. (Image: Visit Victoria)

5. Williamstown Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 14 kilometres

Looking back over Melbourne from Gem Pier is one of the most beautiful views in Victoria, which makes Willy Beach particularly popular for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Williamstown Beach is just a step away from the local train station, making this a greatly accessible patch of sand for visitors who may not have the luxury of time on their side. The very active foreshore offers playgrounds, sporting facilities, and several solid options for a post-swim feast as well as classic Aussie fish and chip shops that line the Esplanade.

Williamatown Beach near Melbourne — Make a day of it at Williamstown Beach.

Yet be weary of the variable conditions. The Western end is generally calmer and is patrolled by The Williamstown Surf Life Saving Club, while some other sections can be quite rocky and exposed to strong winds throughout the year. Of course, that’s great news for surfers, but less so for those just wanting a peaceful swim.

6. Half Moon Bay

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 19.4 kilometres

Given its crescentic shape, Half Moon Bay is fairly protected from Melbourne’s temperamental weather conditions, keeping the water calm throughout the year. As such, it’s also very popular for boating and more relaxed water sports like SUP. Although, surfers have been known to enjoy the beach’s relative privacy when conditions are appropriate.

Beachgoers at Half Moon Bay in Melbourne — Half Moon Bay is one of the prettiest spots for a swim near Melbourne.

The sense of place and maritime history gives this beach its personality, especially the 1870s battleship, the HMVS Cerberus, that was sunk here in 1926 to create a breakwater for the Black Rock Yacht Club.

Swimmers should stick to the southern corner where the water is calmer and there are generally fewer rip channels compared to the rocky northern section. The Half Moon Bay Surf Life Saving Club patrols this part of the beach and there is ample parking around.

7. Mentone Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 25.9 kilometres

Much like Frankston Beach, Mentone is another highly rated hidden gem that visitors often bypass but locals swear by. You’ve got another bay beach here, so conditions favour those lighter activities like swimming and SUPing while only beginner surfers have patience for the light waves.

The western part of the beach is considered the best dog beach in Melbourne with a generous off-leash policy on the sands. That’s a big reason why you’ll mostly find locals up and down the four-kilometre stretch.

Mentone Beach aerial view — Mentone Beach is a dog-friendly haven.

8. Mordialloc Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 28.6 kilometres

Mordialloc’s communal design is what makes this a hidden favourite amongst regulars who typically end the day at Sunny Boy Beach Club or cook up their own feast in the dedicated BBQ and picnic area. Known by locals as Mordi Beach, this is another one of those stretches of sand that is more popular amongst families than groups of mates, offering plenty to do from well-worn bike paths to a sturdy 300-metre pier that’s great for sunset.

Find serenity and space to roam at Mordialloc Beach.

The sand can be quite rough for some but the conditions are stable and ideal for swimmers who want to shy away from the more popular Melbourne beaches. Mordi is also a fantastic, very peaceful seaside town so it’s always worth exploring further out if it’s your first time here.

9. Frankston Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 56.3 kilometres

Crystal clear water and some of the best sand in Melbourne. Many locals would claim Frankston Beach as the number one reason to jump in a car and take the hour drive outside of the CBD. Although they’d be quiet while doing so, careful to not let the secret spill out.

Aerial view of Frankston Beach — Frankston Beach remains a bit of a local secret.

The sturdy and quite long trestle pier is usually packed with fishing enthusiasts and conditions are generally very stable for swimmers throughout the year. Although the primary reason most make the trip down is to spend the entire day in the charming seaside town of Frankston, with its high standard of restaurants and cafes.

Mural painted by Frankston Beach — Find plenty of shops and eateries near to the beach.

Surfers might want to bypass this one, but swimmers and sunbathers generally agree that this is the best beach on Port Phillip Bay.

10. Dromana Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 84.5 kilometres

There are so many beaches across the Mornington Peninsula that it’s impossible to pick any front-runners. Although Dromana Beach is certainly a top-tier option with its clear turquoise waters and idyllic swimming conditions.

an aerial view of Dromana Beach above the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola — Catch uninterrupted views of Dromana Beach from above onboard Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The foreshore has plenty of barbecue spots, while the small fishing pier typically sees a lot of action year-round because there’s less competition.

the pier on Dromana Beach — Take an afternoon stroll on the 200-metre Dromana Pier. (Image: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism)

While the sand can be quite coarse and visually unexciting, the surrounding hiking trails certainly help push up the visual appeal of this family-friendly beach. The nearby Arthurs Seat State Park is certainly a stamina test, but those who want to see the summit without the sweat can take the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola for incredible views across Port Phillip Bay with Melbourne’s skyline in the background.

sunset views from the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola — Port Phillip Bay is stunning from above. (Image: Tourism Australia)

11. Mount Martha Beach

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 78.7 kilometres

Clear blue water, idyllic golden sand, and the most beautiful bathing boxes on the Mornington Peninsula. Brighton Beach may be Instagram famous, but locals know that the most beautiful beach outside of Melbourne is Mount Martha.

Swimmers at Mount Martha Beach — Set foot on the idyllic golden sand of Mount Martha Beach. (Image: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism)

The pleasant conditions give Mount Martha a very European feel and the water clarity regularly attracts snorkellers, given the beach has many little nooks populated by extensive reef and weed beds. Expect to spot a huge variety of species like whiting, flathead, garfish, and snapper.

an aerial view of the golden sand and blue waters of Mount Martha Beach — The vibrant turquoise blue waters at Mount Martha Beach beckon. (Image: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism)

12. Gunnamatta

Distance From Melbourne CBD: 103.5 kilometres

Gunnamatta is greatly exposed to the full force of the Southern Ocean and so conditions are generally very harsh yet incredibly exciting for more experienced surfers. That makes this beach, part of the bountiful Mornington Peninsula National Park, the most popular for anyone seeking consistent breaks and gigantic waves.

That also means you probably wouldn’t find anyone here who isn’t charging at the water with a surfboard in hand. Gunnamatta can be quite risky, but anyone who likes watching the drama unfold usually kills time on the sand while watching thrill seekers navigate the high swells.

Gunnamatta Beach full with beachgoers — Claim a patch of sand at Gunnamatta Beach.

Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Melbourne.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

12 Melbourne beaches to visit (yes, they exist)