Melbourne has some of Australia’s best beaches, offering everything from calm swimming spots to scenic coastal walks and water sports. This guide covers 20 must-visit beaches, highlighting key features, best activities, and essential planning tips.
To help you choose the right beach, I’ve included:
- Water quality ratings (for the cleanest swimming spots)
- Visitor trends (to avoid crowds)
- Seasonal recommendations (best times to visit)
This list covers you whether you’re after family-friendly beaches, great surf, or quiet escapes. And if you’re looking for more things to do in the city, check out these top free activities in Melbourne to make the most of your trip!
✅ Best for Families: Elwood Beach, Altona Beach, Rosebud Beach
✅ Best for Swimming: Edithvale Beach, Mount Martha Beach, Sorrento Front Beach
✅ Best for Photography: Brighton Beach, Mentone Beach, Mount Martha Beach
✅ Best for Water Sports: St Kilda Beach (kitesurfing), Ricketts Point (snorkeling), Flinders Beach (surfing)
✅ Best for Relaxation: Sandringham Beach, Chelsea Beach, Dromana Beach
Table of Contents
Top 20 Melbourne’s Best Beaches
1. St Kilda Beach
St. Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most famous beach, known for its bustling promenade, kitesurfing, and stunning sunsets.
Located just minutes from the city, it attracts locals and tourists looking to relax by the bay. The beach has cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it perfect for a full-day visit.
- Location: 6 km from Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Moderate – Best after dry weather
- Crowds: Bustling on weekends
- Best for: Sunsets, kitesurfing, nightlife
- Activities: Swimming, jogging, cycling, penguin spotting
2. Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is best known for its iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes, a row of colorful wooden huts that are one of Melbourne’s most photographed spots.
The calm waters and soft sand make it an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Location: 12 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Clean, calm waters
- Crowds: Moderate to high during peak hours
- Best for: Photography, swimming
- Activities: Sunbathing, beach walks
3. Elwood Beach
Elwood Beach is a quiet, family-friendly beach with vast sandbanks and gentle waves. It’s perfect for picnics, jogging, and paddleboarding.
The Elwood Foreshore Reserve offers BBQ facilities, making it a popular weekend spot.
- Location: 8 km south of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Good – Occasionally affected by stormwater runoff
- Crowds: Less busy than St Kilda and Brighton
- Best for: Families, picnics, paddleboarding
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, cycling
4. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach surrounded by red cliffs.
It’s home to the historic HMVS Cerberus shipwreck, making it a favorite for snorkelers and history lovers. The water is clear and calm, perfect for swimming and photography.
- Location: Black Rock, 20 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Crystal clear water
- Crowds: Less crowded, great for a peaceful day
- Best for: Snorkeling, scenic views
- Activities: Swimming, photography, exploring shipwrecks
5. Williamstown Beach
Williamstown Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the Melbourne skyline.
It’s a small but charming beach popular for sunbathing, swimming, and evening strolls along the foreshore. The nearby cafés and parks make it an excellent spot for a laid-back day by the water.
- Location: 15 km southwest of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Good – Generally clean, occasional seaweed
- Crowds: Moderate, quieter on weekdays
- Best for: City views, sunbathing, swimming
- Activities: Walking, picnicking, cycling
6. Sandringham Beach
Sandringham Beach is a hidden gem along Melbourne’s coastline, known for its soft golden sands, clear waters, and peaceful environment.
Scenic cliffs and coastal walking trails surround the beach, perfect for relaxation and photography.
- Location: 19 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Crystal clear waters
- Crowds: Quiet to moderate, peaceful even on weekends
- Best for: Relaxation, scenic walks, photography
- Activities: Swimming, coastal walks, snorkeling
7. Sorrento Front Beach
Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento Front Beach is a calm and scenic beach known for its shallow waters and beautiful surroundings.
It’s an ideal spot for families, paddleboarding, and relaxed swimming.
The nearby town of Sorrento offers excellent dining and shopping options.
- Location: 91 km south of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Clear and calm waters
- Crowds: Busy in summer, quieter in autumn and winter
- Best for: Families, paddleboarding, scenic views
- Activities: Swimming, kayaking, dining nearby
8. Port Melbourne Beach
Just minutes from the city, Port Melbourne Beach offers a peaceful escape with stunning bay views.
It has a long boardwalk, making it great for cycling and sunset walks.
The beach is also close to waterfront restaurants and bars, making it a popular after-work destination.
- Location: 4 km from Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Moderate – Best on non-rainy days
- Crowds: Busy on weekends, relaxed on weekdays
- Best for: Walking, waterfront dining, city proximity
- Activities: Swimming, cycling, sunset watching
9. Altona Beach
Altona Beach is family-friendly, with shallow waters, a long pier, and soft sand. It’s perfect for kids, kite surfers, and fishing enthusiasts. The nearby parklands and BBQ areas make it an ideal picnic spot.
- Location: 23 km west of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Good – Occasionally affected by seagrass buildup
- Crowds: Moderate, quieter than St Kilda and Brighton
- Best for: Families, kite surfing, fishing
- Activities: Swimming, pier fishing, walking
10. Mordialloc Beach
A local favorite, Mordialloc Beach is known for its long wooden pier, clear waters, and soft golden sand.
It’s an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying classic fish & chips from the nearby shops.
- Location: 25 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Clean and well-maintained
- Crowds: Moderate, busy in summer
- Best for: Swimming, fish & chips, pier walks
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beachside dining
Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Melbourne
11. Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Beach is a secluded beach surrounded by scenic cliffs. It’s great for coastal walks, rock pool exploration, and snorkeling.
The beach has a natural, untouched feel, perfect for a quiet escape.
- Location: 18 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Crystal clear waters
- Crowds: Low to moderate, peaceful even on weekends
- Best for: Rock pools, snorkeling, coastal walks
- Activities: Exploring tide pools, photography, hiking
12. Frankston Beach
Frankston Beach is the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula, featuring golden sands, a picturesque pier, and a lively foreshore.
It’s a great all-rounder, ideal for families, swimmers, and beachside dining.
- Location: 41 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Good – Generally clean, but can be affected by seaweed
- Crowds: Busy in summer, quieter in winter
- Best for: Families, pier walks, beachside cafés
- Activities: Swimming, beach sports, scenic walks
13. Mentone Beach
Mentone Beach is a peaceful, less crowded beach known for its stunning red cliffs and soft sandy shores.
It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing swim or a quiet coastal walk. The scenic views and clean water make it a hidden gem.
- Location: 22 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Clean and clear waters
- Crowds: Low to moderate, peaceful even on weekends
- Best for: Quiet getaways, scenic views, relaxation
- Activities: Swimming, beach walks, photography
14. Chelsea Beach
Chelsea Beach is a clean and spacious beach with crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
It’s popular for relaxation, dog walking, and water sports.
The beach has a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds.
- Location: 30 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – One of Melbourne’s cleanest beaches
- Crowds: Moderate, quieter than Brighton and St Kilda
- Best for: Relaxation, dog walking, water sports
- Activities: Swimming, paddleboarding, sunbathing
15. Edithvale Beach
Edithvale Beach is known for its pristine white sand and clear waters.
It’s a great swimming spot, especially for families and those looking for a peaceful beach day. The nearby dunes add to the natural beauty.
- Location: 28 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – One of Melbourne’s cleanest beaches
- Crowds: Low to moderate, peaceful atmosphere
- Best for: Swimming, relaxation, quiet beach days
- Activities: Swimming, beach walks, sunbathing
16. Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
Ricketts Point is a protected marine sanctuary, making it a paradise for snorkelers and marine life lovers.
The shallow rock pools and abundant sea life make it one of Melbourne’s best places for underwater exploration.
- Location: Beaumaris, 20 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling
- Crowds: Moderate, busier in summer
- Best for: Snorkeling, marine life exploration, nature lovers
- Activities: Snorkeling, rock pool exploration, beach walks
17. Mount Martha Beach
Mount Martha Beach is famous for its colorful beach huts, clear turquoise water, and peaceful vibe.
It’s a great swimming spot with a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for families and photographers.
- Location: 60 km southeast of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Clear, calm waters
- Crowds: Moderate, peaceful even in peak season
- Best for: Photography, swimming, relaxation
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, scenic walks
18. Dromana Beach
Dromana Beach is calm and family-friendly, with a long foreshore reserve, BBQ areas, and scenic walking paths.
The gentle waves and shallow water make it perfect for young kids and casual swimmers.
- Location: 85 km south of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Clean, safe swimming conditions
- Crowds: Moderate, family-friendly environment
- Best for: Families, beach picnics, paddleboarding
- Activities: Swimming, BBQs, kayaking
19. Rosebud Beach
Rosebud Beach is a shallow-water beach with gentle waves, making it one of the safest beaches for families.
The long stretch of foreshore includes parks, picnic areas, and a scenic pier.
- Location: 92 km south of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Shallow and clean
- Crowds: Moderate, family-oriented atmosphere
- Best for: Families, young children, beach walks
- Activities: Swimming, fishing, paddleboarding
20. Flinders Beach
Flinders Beach is a secluded coastal escape with rugged beauty and strong waves, making it an excellent spot for surfers, photographers, and nature lovers.
The dramatic cliffs and rocky shoreline create breathtaking scenery.
- Location: 100 km south of Melbourne CBD
- Water Quality: Excellent – Unspoiled and natural
- Crowds: Low, ideal for solitude
- Best for: Surfing, photography, nature walks
- Activities: Surfing, rock pool exploring, hiking
Takeaway
Melbourne’s coastline offers a diverse range of beaches for every type of visitor—from bustling, activity-filled shores like St. Kilda and Brighton to secluded, natural escapes like Flinders Beach.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly swimming spots, scenic coastal walks, top snorkeling locations, or stunning sunset views, this list has something for everyone.
