Melbourne most likely isn’t the first metropolis that springs to thoughts when fascinated by Australia’s well-known beaches.

As an alternative, you would possibly suppose of Sydney with its Pacific-facing shoreline and large harbor, or maybe Perth with its Indian Ocean beaches over which the solar units. 

Nevertheless, Melbourne is wrapped round the huge Port Phillip Bay, which suggests there are a lot of beaches inside simple attain of its bayside suburbs. Usually accessible through public transit, these nice stretches of sand are sheltered, with minimal wave motion and ideal for a relaxed dip. And being Melbourne, there’s certain to be cafe or bar close by while you’re completed with the bay views. 

Listed below are seven of Melbourne’s best beaches.

1. St Kilda Seaside

Arguably Melbourne’s reply to Sydney’s Bondi Seaside, this stretch of sand is the metropolis’s most well-known. That’s partly as a result of of St Kilda’s longtime function as a bayside leisure playground – the suburb’s streets are full of pubs, eating places, bars and reside music venues. 

The seashore itself – which fronts the clear waters of the bay – is bookended by icons: at the north finish, there’s the iconic St Kilda Sea Baths constructing, which homes a seawater swimming pool and hub of locations to eat and drink. To the south, you’ll discover the fun-filled sights of historic amusement park, Luna Park. With little or no swell, its waters are protected for households and after a swim or sunbathe, you’ll be able to stroll to Esplanade above the seashore for a drink or meal at the Resort Esplanade, a famed Victorian-era pub. Catch trams 16 or 96 to this seashore.

Planning tip: St Kilda Seaside isn’t effectively equipped with altering rooms, so to make life simpler, put on your swimwear beneath your clothes. There are public bathrooms in the Sea Baths advanced and on close by Jacka Boulevard.

2. Port Melbourne Seaside

To the northwest of St Kilda Seaside, Port Melbourne may be very simple to achieve from the metropolis heart. Bounce on a quantity 109 tram heading west alongside Collins Road and also you’ll be there in no time, driving alongside the transformed rails of what was as soon as Australia’s oldest practice line. As soon as there, you’ll be greeted by a seashore operating alongside a former industrial suburb, the place traditional Victorian structure meets glass-and-steel 21st-century buildings.

Planning tip: A great way to expertise the beachfront is to stroll southeast to Victoria St in Albert Park. Right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in fish and chips at Ahoy Roy or have a drink at the Bleakhouse Resort, earlier than catching the no 1 tram from its terminus again to the metropolis heart.

3. Elwood Seaside

South of St Kilda, Elwood is much much less frequented by vacationers or Melburnians on a day journey, maybe as a result of it’s tucked away and simply west of the nearest tram and practice strains. For individuals who do make the effort to achieve it, they’ll discover a less-crowded seashore that’s largely a neighborhood hangout. Beachgoers fling frisbees and kick footballs throughout the sands and in the adjoining sporting grounds and leafy Elwood Park. 

Somewhat additional to the east is Elsternwick Park, a broad stretch of greenery with benches and a small decorative lake. (This physique of water is best left to the birds and isn’t acceptable for swimming.)

Planning tip: Meals could be discovered on the purchasing strip alongside the close by Ormond Highway, together with fish and chips at Heads & Tails (112 Ormond Highway).

4. Altona Seaside

Melburnians not often let you know to “go west” when on the lookout for a seashore, however they need to. The bayside suburb of Altona defies the gritty industrial stereotypes of the metropolis’s west, delighting in its attractive sandy seashore a brief stroll from Altona railway station. 

It’s effectively off the vacationer path, so it’ll solely be you and the locals on the sand. In late 2023, its decaying 135-year-old pier will likely be changed by a brand-new construction stretching a powerful 300m (985ft) into Port Phillip Bay, with a boardwalk permitting guests to promenade above the waves. There are seashore volleyball courts, and adjoining Logan Reserve has bathrooms and a kids’s playground.

Native tip: Seize a serving of fish and chips from Altona Seaside Bites at 137 Esplanade. Take it throughout the road to the picnic tables above the seashore, and luxuriate in the bay views.

5. Williamstown Seaside

One other west-side gem, this stretch of coarse, golden sand at the seafaring suburb of Williamstown is an interesting spot for a dip, with its curved form making a protected space that’s excellent for households. 

There’s a kiosk promoting snacks and low at one finish; whereas at the different finish is the upscale Mediterranean-style restaurant, Sebastian. Behind the seashore is the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, place to wander or discover some shade after a swim.

Detour: Williamstown Seaside railway station is the closest to the seashore, however you would possibly like to increase your go to by strolling alongside the Esplanade and Morris Road to Williamstown Station. Somewhat additional previous the latter station is Williamstown Timeball Tower, a 19th-century construction as soon as used to sign the time to ships close by, so captains might set their clocks.

6. Dendy Road Seaside

A well-liked seashore subsequent to Brighton – one of Melbourne’s most unique suburbs on the east aspect of the bay – Dendy Road Seaside runs between Inexperienced Level and the 19th-century Center Brighton Baths. It’s a stunning place to take a dip, notably late on a sizzling summer season’s day when the solar is setting and casting its glow throughout the waves. 

What it’s most well-known for, nevertheless, are the Brighton Bathing Packing containers, an extended row of colorfully embellished timber huts which have been right here since the Victorian period – excellent fodder for selfies and Instagram photographs. Each Center Brighton and Brighton Seaside railway stations are close by.

7. Sorrento Entrance Seaside

As far south as you’ll be able to go in the Melbourne metropolitan space, the Mornington Peninsula suburb of Sorrento is as charming as its namesake on the Italian Riviera. Located on an extended slender peninsula, it’s a spot of aquatic contrasts: on the south shore are the unpredictable waters of Bass Strait, whereas on the north shore lies the a lot gentler Entrance Seaside. 

Admire Sorrento’s historic limestone buildings earlier than heading for the sand, which is framed by stands of Norfolk pines and an extended jetty. You possibly can rent paddle boards on the foreshore and gas up afterwards at The Baths restaurant close to the pier.

Detour: From Sorrento you’ll be able to catch the common ferry throughout the bay to Queenscliff, a pretty seaside city on the Bellarine Peninsula. It’s an incredible place for an in a single day keep, or you’ll be able to take a bus onward from there to Geelong, returning to Melbourne through frequent trains.