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.

Slow down and find your rhythm on a Murray River journey through time and place.

Trust is a funny thing. It seems not that long ago that my mother was insisting on pouring the milk into my cereal bowl, because she didn’t trust me not to slosh it over the table, and yet here I am on the Murray River at Mildura in far north-west Victoria, being handed the keys to a very new and very expensive luxury houseboat.

After a crash course in how not to crash, I’m at the wheel of the good ship Elevate – pride of the All Seasons fleet – guiding her upstream past red-ochre cliffs as pelicans glide above the rippled river and kookaburras call from reedy banks. There’s a brief moment of breath-holding while I negotiate a hairpin turn around a jagged reef of skeletal, submerged gum trees, before a cheer rings out and calm descends as the timeless river unfurls in front of us.

The Murray River winding through Yarrawonga. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

Setting sail from Mildura

Murray River birds — Home to a large number of bird species, including pelicans. (Image: The Precint Studios)

A journey along the Murray River is never less than magical, and launching from Mildura makes perfect sense. Up here the river is wide and largely empty, giving novice skippers like myself the confidence to nudge the 60-tonne houseboat up to the riverbank where we tie up for the night, without fear of shattering the glass elevator (the boat is fully wheelchair accessible) or spilling our Champagne.

My friends and I spend three days on the water, swimming and fishing, sitting around campfires onshore at night, and basking in air so warm you’d swear you were in the tropics. The simplicity of river life reveals an interesting dichotomy: we feel disconnected from the world but at the same time connected to Country, privileged to be part of something so ancient and special.

Stop one: Echuca

19th-century paddlesteamers — A historic 19th-century paddlesteamer cruises along the Murray River. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The six-hour drive from Melbourne to Mildura (or four hours and 20 minutes from Adelaide) is more than worth it, but you don’t have to travel that far to find fun on the river. Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca is the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne (two hours 45 minutes), and you’ll still find a plethora of paddlesteamers tethered to the historic timber wharf, a throwback to the thriving river trade days of the 19th century. The PS Adelaide, built in 1866 and the oldest wooden-hulled paddlesteamer operating in the world, departs daily for one-hour cruises, while a brand-new paddlesteamer, the PS Australian Star , is launching luxury seven-night voyages in December through APT Touring.

The town is also a hot food and wine destination. St Anne’s Winery at the historic Port of Echuca precinct has an incredibly photogenic cellar door, set inside an old carriage builders’ workshop on the wharf and filled with huge, 3000-litre port barrels. The Mill, meanwhile, is a cosy winter spot to sample regional produce as an open fire warms the red-brick walls of this former flour mill.

Stop two: Barmah National Park

Just half-an-hour upstream, Barmah National Park is flourishing, its river red gum landscape (the largest in the world) rebounding magnificently after the recent removal of more than 700 feral horses. The internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland sits in the heart of Yorta Yorta Country, with Traditional Owners managing the environment in close partnership with Parks Victoria. Walkways weave through the forest, crossing creeks lined with rare or threatened plants, passing remnants of Yorta Yorta oven mounds and numerous scar trees, where the bark was removed to build canoes, containers or shields.

The Dharnya Centre (open weekdays until 3pm) is the cultural hub for the Yorta Yorta. Visitors can learn about the ecological significance of the Barmah Lakes on a 90-minute river cruise, led by a First Nations guide, or take a one-hour, guided cultural walking tour along the Yamyabuc Trail.

Stop three: Cobram

Continue east to Cobram to find the southern hemisphere’s largest inland beach. Swarming with sun-seekers in summer, the white sand of Thompson’s Beach is shaded by majestic river red gums and dotted with hundreds of beach umbrellas, as beachgoers launch all manner of water craft and set up stumps for beach cricket. But the beach is at its most captivating at sunset, when the crowds thin out, the glassy river mirrors the purple sky, and the canopies of the gum trees glow fiery orange.

The region is also home to some fine resorts and indulgent retreats. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has two riverside championship golf courses, luxury apartments and self-contained villas. While not strictly on the Murray, the historic wine town of Rutherglen is rife with boutique (and unique) accommodation, including an exquisitely renovated red-brick tower in a French provincial-style castle at Mount Ophir Estate. Fans of fortified wines can unravel the mystery of Rutherglen’s ‘Muscat Mile’, meeting the vignerons and master-blenders whose artistry has put the town on the global map for this rich and complex wine style.

Stop four: Albury-Wodonga

First Nations YindyamarraSculpture Walk — First Nations Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is part of the Wagirra Trail. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Follow the river far enough upstream and you’ll arrive at the twin border cities of Albury-Wodonga. The Hume Highway thunders through, but serenity can be found along the five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – part of the Wagirra Trail that meanders through river wetlands just west of Albury in Wiradjuri country. Fifteen sculptures by local First Nations artists line the trail, conveying stories of reconciliation, enduring connection to culture, local Milawa lore and traditional practices. It feels a long way from Mildura, and it is, but the pelicans and kookaburras remind us that it’s the same river, the great conduit that connects our country.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

New Mildura motel Kar-rama. (Image: Iain Bond Photo)

Kar-Rama is a brand-new boutique, retro-styled motel in Mildura, with a butterfly-shaped pool and a tropical, Palm Springs vibe. Echuca Holiday Homes has a range of high-end accommodation options, both on the riverfront and in town.

Playing there

BruceMunro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura — Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights in Mildura. (Image: Imogen Eveson)

Artist Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights installation, comprising more than 12,000 illuminated ‘fireflies’, is currently lighting up Mildura’s Lock Island in the middle of the Murray. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a hub for contemporary art, with a rotating roster of exhibitions, and is a major outlet for young and First Nations artists.

Eating there

Mildura’s diverse demographic means it’s a fantastic place to eat. Andy’s Kitchen is a local favourite, serving up delicious pan-Asian dishes and creative cocktails in a Balinese-style garden setting. Call in to Spoons Riverside in Swan Hill to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal produce in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.

12 Melbourne beaches to visit (yes, they exist)