Exploring the 7 Top-Rated Beaches in Melbourne, Australia

By Mabel Collins | Update on: May 31, 2024

Melbourne, Australia, is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, world-class dining, and eclectic architecture. However, the city's beaches are an equally compelling attraction. Stretching along the eastern shores of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's coastline offers a variety of stunning beaches, each with its unique charm and appeal.

Here, we explore the seven top-rated beaches in Melbourne, where sun, sand, and surf meet to create perfect retreats for both locals and tourists. Our list gathers several beaches in close proximity to Melbourne's CBD. Prepare with sunscreen and your favorite swimwear, as these locations are eagerly awaiting exploration.

Table of Contents

St Kilda Beach Melbourne
Williamstown Beach Melbourne
Elwood Beach Melbourne
Sorrento Front Beach
Altona Beach
Dendy Street Beach
Port Melbourne Beach
Conclusion

St Kilda Beach Melbourne

St Kilda Beach is arguably Melbourne's most iconic beach, known for its lively atmosphere and proximity to the city center. Just a short tram ride from Melbourne's CBD, St Kilda Beach has always been a hotspot for both locals and visitors up to now.

Highlights:

Lively Promenade: The beach is flanked by a bustling promenade, featuring an array of cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s an ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying a meal with a view.
St Kilda Pier: The historic pier offers stunning views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay. It's also home to a little penguin colony, which can be spotted at dusk.
Water Activities: The calm waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kite surfing. The beach’s broad expanse of sand is ideal for sunbathing and beach sports.
Events: St Kilda hosts numerous events, including the St Kilda Festival, a free celebration of music, arts, and community.

The St kilda Beach

The St kilda Beach

Williamstown Beach Melbourne

Williamstown Beach offers a unique blend of historic charm and natural beauty. It’s a great spot to enjoy both maritime history and a day by the sea.

Highlights:

Historic Seaport: Williamstown was one of Melbourne’s first seaports, and the area still retains its maritime charm with historic buildings and museums.
Williamstown Botanic Gardens: Located nearby, these gardens provide a lush, green escape with beautiful walking paths and picnic spots.
Swimming and Snorkeling: The clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with a variety of marine life to discover.
Gellibrand Point: A short walk from the beach, this point offers panoramic views of the bay and the city skyline.

Elwood Beach Melbourne

Elwood Beach is one of the beaches in Melbourne that is known for its relaxed atmosphere and is a favorite among locals for its family-friendly environment.

Highlights:

Recreational Facilities: The beach is equipped with BBQs, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it perfect for family outings.
Watersports: It’s a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing, and sailing due to its consistent wind conditions.
Elwood Canal: The nearby Elwood Canal offers a pleasant walking and cycling path, adding to the beach’s charm.
Local Cafes: The surrounding area has a variety of cafes and eateries where you can enjoy a meal or a coffee after a day at the beach.

Elwood Beach

Elwood Beach

Sorrento Front Beach

Sorrento Front Beach, located on the Mornington Peninsula about 90 kilometers south of Melbourne's CBD, is a picturesque and serene coastal haven. Being one of the beaches in Melbourne, it has clear, turquoise waters and soft, golden sands, this beach offers a tranquil escape from the city. The gently sloping shoreline and calm waves make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and family-friendly beach activities.

The beach is complemented by the historic Sorrento Pier, which provides excellent fishing opportunities and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. Surrounding the beach are charming cafes and boutiques, along with the lush Sorrento Park, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Sorrento Front Beach beautifully combines natural beauty with a touch of historic charm, making it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors.

At the end of the day, the beach is conveniently close to Sorrento’s charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal or shopping after a day at the beach.

Altona Beach

Altona Beach is a long, sandy stretch located to the southwest of Melbourne’s CBD. It’s known for its relaxed vibe and wide, open spaces.

Highlights:

Extensive Beachfront: The long stretch of sand is perfect for beach walks, jogging, and playing beach sports.
Picnic and BBQ Areas: Ample picnic spots and BBQ facilities make it a great place for family gatherings.
Dog-Friendly Areas: Parts of the beach are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the day with your furry friends.
Altona Pier: The pier is a popular fishing spot and offers beautiful views, especially at sunset.

Altona Beach

Altona Beach

Dendy Street Beach

Dendy Street Beach is famous for its colorful bathing boxes that create a picturesque backdrop against the pristine sands and clear waters and it is located in Brighton. Just 13 kilometers from Melbourne's CBD, this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings.

The calm waves ensure a safe environment for children, while the ample shoreline allows for beach games and relaxation. Nearby amenities include picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and convenient parking. Additionally, the beach offers stunning views of the Melbourne skyline, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

Port Melbourne Beach

Port Melbourne Beach, located just 5 kilometers southwest of Melbourne's CBD, is one of the most popular urban beaches in Melbourne known for its convenient location and stunning views of the city skyline. This beach is a favorite among locals and visitors for its accessibility and vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights:

Station Pier: A historic pier that serves as a docking point for cruise ships and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, offering great views and a taste of Melbourne's maritime heritage.
Palm-lined Promenade: The beach features a scenic promenade lined with palm trees, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling while enjoying the sea breeze and picturesque views.
Family-friendly: With its gentle waves and sandy shores, the beach is ideal for swimming, making it a safe spot for families with children.
Bay Street: Just a short walk from the beach, Bay Street offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, providing plenty of options for dining and leisure.
Sunsets: Port Melbourne Beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, providing stunning views over Port Phillip Bay and creating a perfect setting for evening relaxation.
Beachfront Parks: The area is dotted with parks and green spaces, equipped with BBQ facilities and picnic spots, making it a great location for outdoor gatherings and activities.

Port Melbourne Beach

Port Melbourne Beach

Conclusion

Beaches in Melbourne offer a diverse array of experiences, from the lively and bustling to the serene and secluded. Whether you’re looking to engage in watersports, explore marine life, or simply relax by the sea, the beaches of Melbourne cater to every preference. Each of these seven top-rated beaches brings its unique charm, providing ample opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Summer is coming, so let's apply for an Australia travel document to discover all the beaches in Melbourne in the heat of summer. With our support from Australian Immigration Services, travelers will get an eVisa within 03 business days. We suggest that you should apply in advance 7 days to prevent any delays. If you have any concerns, please contact us directly, we will be happy to support you and provide information about travel visas to Australia.

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