12 Best Beaches in Melbourne To Visit On A Day Out

Photo by: Richard Munckton

How could we talk about beaches without mentioning St. Kilda Beach? Often referred to as ‘Melbourne’s beachside playground’, St, Kilda Beach is a must visit for tourists and residents alike. This beach is great for swimming, paddle boarding and kite surfing. You can also head up to St Kilda Pier to do some fishing or to catch a glimpse of the Little Penguins marching ashore at dusk. St Kilda has plenty of things to do offshore too. Stop into Luna Park for a thrilling ride or settle into one of the many bars and restaurants along Acland Street.

Photo by: Josh Withers

Brighton Beach is one of Melbourne’s most iconic and recognisable beaches. This family friendly beach is home to over 80 stunning bathing boxes lined up along the shore. These boxes, which were once used as changing rooms for women in the more modest times of the 1800’s, are now a hot spot for Instagrammers! Take a stroll along Dendy beach and take in each colourful and uniquely designed box – as well as a photo or two – or simply relax by the water and soak up some sun.

Photo by: John

At Port Melbourne Beach, metropolitan Melbourne meets the bay. Just five kilometres southwest of Melbourne’s CBD, this quiet beach sits behind a stunning backdrop of palm tree-lined streets and a mix of modern and traditional infrastructure. Port Melbourne beach is perfect for a lazy day of lounging in the sun. Be on the lookout for cruise ships such as the Spirit of Tasmania docking at Station Pier. Be sure to check out The Exchange Beach Club before you head in to get some great deals!

Photo by: Andrew

While Brighton Beach is a spectacular spot for families, it may not be entirely suitable for your pooch. However, head a mere kilometre up the coast and you’ll find Sandown Street Beach – also referred to as ‘Brighton Dog Beach’. Here, dogs are free to run around off-lead all year round! With gentle, shallow waters and a mix of sand and greenery, Sandown Street Beach is the perfect place for your dog to swim, run and roll around. Being quite a popular beach with dog owners, your pup is bound to make some new friends too.

Photo by: David Lam

If you and your dog love going on adventures then add Tassells Cove to your bucket list! Located at the northern end of Safety Beach, Tassells Cove is often free of beach-goers and dogs are welcome to run around off-lead at all times of the year. This secluded beach is the perfect spot for walking your four-legged friend, with plenty of cliffs, rockpools and dog-friendly waters to explore.

Photo by: Visit Victoria

If Tassels Cove wasn’t enough for your adventurous pup, then look no further than Royal Beach. This lead-free beach is hidden away from some of Mornington’s busier beaches by lush, grassy bluffs. With pebble stone sandbanks, rock pools, shrubbery, cliffsides and, of course, clear, calm waters, Royal Beach has plenty for your dog to explore.

Photo by: Scott Cresswell

Looking for a relaxing day out with the family? Head on over to Dromana Beach. Located in Mornington Peninsula, Dromana Beach is a quiet, clean beach that boasts a stunning backdrop of Arthurs Seat. With sheltered barbeque and picnic areas, a nearby playground, accessible parking, and flat, shallow waters ideal for kids to swim in, it’s the perfect spot for the whole family. Be sure to pack your canoes and paddle boards or bring a rod and catch a fish or two off of Dromana Pier.

Photo by: Xiao Chuan Zhang

Whether you looking to swim, kick around a football or relax on the beach with some fish and chips, Chelsea Beach is the perfect spot for it all! There is an air of excitement that constantly surrounds Chelsea Beach. Before you’ve even stepped foot onto the sand, your kids will have a blast on the impressive playground positioned directly in front of the beach. With shallow waters and police and lifeguards on patrol over the weekends, you can rest assured that you kids will be safe. Chelsea Beach has ample parking and it’s a five minute walking from Chelsea station. A decent selection of cafes and take-away shops are just a stone throw away from the beach itself.

Photo by: Stuart & Jen Robertson

While Chelsea Beach is a blast, it can get a little crowded at times. If you’re looking for a quieter, more peaceful day out then jump in the car and head 10 minutes further down the coast to Carrum Beach. It’s clean, white sand and gentle, blue waters are perfect for both kids and adults. Carrum Beach’s most impressive feature is its stunning nautical themed playground that sits right on the beach. With parking and local cafes only a minute away from this foreshore playground, you won’t have to worry about hiking your way down to Carrum Beach (as is often the case with other beaches).

Photo by: Beverley Van Praagh

Tucked away along the coast of Black Rock, you’ll find Half Moon Bay. Just under 20km from Melbourne’s CBD, this crescent shaped stretch of land provides the perfect opportunity to take in some stunning scenery, without having to travel halfway across the state. From intricate rock formations, to lush coastal bushland and even a shipwreck, there’s more than enough to take in at Half Moon Bay. Take a casual stroll along the bay or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up along the Red Bluffs for even more spectacular views.

Photo by: Visit Victoria

Sure, we all love the typical ‘white sand’ and ‘blue water’ beaches, but sometimes a change of scenery is nice. If you’re looking for something different then head down to Fosters Beach in Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by tall and verdant sandstone bluffs that will take your breath away, this rocky coast makes for a wonderful walking spot. While its bumpy terrain may not be suitable for kids, Fosters Beach – also known as ‘Dog Friendly Fossil Beach’ – is an off-lead area all year round!

Photo by: Clement Tang

Explore the very best of what Greater Melbourne has to offer at London Bridge Lookout. You can find this hidden gem nestled along the coast of Portsea, making it the ideal location for a day trip. Enjoy breath taking views of the ocean or stare in awe at some of the incredible rock formations that have captivated visitors for centuries. Perhaps it’s most notable feature is the London Bridge rock, which acts as nature’s very own window to the sea. In addition, this beach boasts local cafes and restaurants, barbeque and picnic facilities and easily accessible parking nearby. So, while London Bridge Lookout may be at the bottom of our list, we’re sure you’ll want to put it at the top of your bucket list!