Melbourne is best known for its vibrant culture, coffee scene, and unpredictable weather, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches. From family-friendly beaches to secluded coves, the city’s coastline offers something for every beach lover.

In this guide, we’ll explore 7 best beaches in Melbourne, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. From the bustling atmosphere of St Kilda to the tranquil waters of Half Moon Bay, we will cover some of the most gorgeous beaches for swimming, surfing, picnicking, and simply unwinding with a good book.

So grab your sunscreen, pack your beach bag, and join us as we look at Melbourne’s best beaches!

Top 7 Best Beaches in Melbourne

1- Port Melbourne Beach

At number 1, we have the Port Melbourne Beach which is a great spot if you’re looking for a beach close to the city.

The beach is only about 5.3 kilometers from Melbourne’s central business district and is more popular among locals because parking is a little tricky and not that accessible. You’ll mostly find parking spots along Beaconsfield Parade.

Usually, the wind blows strong from the south on the beach and you will be able to enjoy moderate waves. These waves help keep the beach nice and wide, about 100 meters across.

Swimming at Port Melbourne Beach is usually safe when the waves are moderate. But it’s best to stay in the areas that are under surveillance by lifeguards, just to be extra safe. If you see any rip currents then be careful because they only appear when waves are breaking over the sandbar.

If you’re not in the mood for swimming, you can take a nice walk along the beach or just dip your toes in the water. There are also some nice places to eat nearby. You can even grab a coffee and a slice of cake if you’re feeling peckish.

2- St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach to Melburnians is what Bondi Beach is to Sydneysiders. It will take a 20-minute drive from Melbourne CBD to reach St Kilda Beach.

This beach is part of a lively area with lots to do. You can find some of Melbourne’s best restaurants here, like Stokehouse and Cafe Di Stasio. There’s also a cool rooftop bar called Captain Baxter if you want to have a drink with a view.

The water at St Kilda is usually calm without big waves. This makes it great for water sports. You’ll often see kite surfers showing off their skills near West Beach, and people trying to balance on paddle boards all around.

Even if you don’t want to swim, there’s plenty to do. The beach has a nice path lined with palm trees. It’s perfect for jogging, rollerblading, bike riding, or just taking a leisurely walk.

St Kilda isn’t just about daytime fun. In the evening, you can catch a show at the Palais Theatre, a historic venue that will add some culture to your beach day. Moreover, you can visit St Kilda Esplanade Market to explore and buy artwork and homemade items.

3- Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is undoubtedly among the best beaches in Melbourne. It gets its name from its crescent shape, which looks like a half moon.

This beach is special because it’s located in a small inlet, protected by grassy cliffs. This makes it a great spot for sea life, and if you are a diver then you will love to explore here.

The Half Moon Bay is 350 meters long and offers plenty of different activities. You’ll find jetties where boats dock, and you can even take short boat rides if you want.

Moreover, the beach is perfect for swimmers and boating fans. There are also lots of places to eat nearby, so you won’t go hungry that’s for sure.

For a serene experience, stay until sunset. Watching the sun slowly sink into the water is a beautiful sight.

What makes this beach really unique is its history. There’s an old battleship from the 1870s, called HMVS Cerberus, sunk just offshore. It was put there in 1926 to protect the local yacht club from waves.

4- Elwood Beach

If you want a more peaceful beach day than busy St Kilda, Elwood Beach is the place to go. It’s not very far from the city, but it will make you feel as if you are on a proper beach holiday.

One of the best things about Elwood Beach is the view of Melbourne’s skyline. If you visit just after sunrise or just before sunset, you can take amazing photos of the city bathed in beautiful orange, yellow, and red lights.

If you are someone who likes to stay active then there’s also an outdoor gym on the promenade. You can work out there while enjoying the sea breeze.

If relaxing is more your style, just spread out on the sand. When you get hungry, there are cafes and restaurants right by the beach where you can grab a bite to eat.

All in all, Elwood Beach offers a classic Australian beach experience. It’s a great place to pretend you’re on a beach holiday without having to travel far from Melbourne.

Also Read: Best Beaches in Sydney

5- Mothers Beach

Mothers Beach in Mornington is another great beach in Melbourne that is perfect for families, especially those with kids. It’s about an hour from Melbourne, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

The beach has calm waters that are perfect for swimming and splashing around. There’s also soft white sand where kids can build sandcastles or play games.

What makes Mothers Beach extra family-friendly are the picnic tables and playground. You can easily spend a whole day here, having lunch and letting the kids play between swims.

For older kids or adults looking for more action, you can rent paddleboards or kayaks at the beach. This will add a bit of adventure to your beach day.

6- Brighton Beach

At number 6, we have Brighton Beach which is known for its colorful bathing boxes. These 82 small, brightly painted huts line the beach and make it a favorite place for tourists to take photos.

The beach has something for everyone. When it’s windy, you can find some good waves for surfing. On calmer days, it’s great for swimming and sunbathing. All this makes it an attractive spot to both locals and tourists from around the world.

One of the best things about Brighton Beach is its location. It’s close to many nice cafes, art galleries, and restaurants. This means you can easily grab a meal or a coffee after spending time at the beach.

The beach can get quite busy, especially on summer days and weekends. But its popularity shows how much people enjoy it. Whether you want to relax on the sand, take a dip in the water, or just admire the famous bathing boxes, Brighton Beach offers a classic Australian beach experience.

7- Williamstown Beach

Williamstown Beach offers one of the best views of Melbourne. Many people come here on New Year’s Eve to watch the fireworks over the city skyline.

It’s very easy to get to this beach. The train station is right nearby, making it perfect for a quick beach trip if you don’t have much time.

There’s more than just sand and water here. The area around the beach has playgrounds and sports facilities. You’ll also find plenty of places to eat, including classic Australian fish and chip restaurants along the Esplanade.

For swimming, the western end of the beach is usually calmer and safer. It’s watched over by lifeguards. Other parts of the beach can be rocky and windy, which surfers might enjoy but swimmers should be careful of.