7 of the best beaches in Melbourne

17.11.2023 - 19:49 / lonelyplanet.com

Melbourne probably isn’t the first city that springs to mind when thinking about Australia’s famous beaches.

Instead, you might think of Sydney with its Pacific-facing coastline and massive harbor, or perhaps Perth with its Indian Ocean beaches over which the sun sets. 

However, Melbourne is wrapped around the vast Port Phillip Bay, which means there are plenty of beaches within easy reach of its bayside suburbs. Often accessible via public transit, these pleasant stretches of sand are sheltered, with minimal wave action and perfect for a relaxed dip. And being Melbourne, there’s sure to be a good cafe or bar nearby when you’re finished with the bay views. 

Here are seven of Melbourne’s best beaches.

Arguably Melbourne’s answer to Sydney’s Bondi Beach, this stretch of sand is the city’s most famous. That’s partly because of St Kilda’s longtime role as a bayside entertainment playground – the suburb’s streets are crammed with pubs, restaurants, bars and live music venues. 

The beach itself – which fronts the clear waters of the bay – is bookended by icons: at the north end, there’s the iconic St Kilda Sea Baths building, which houses a seawater swimming pool and hub of places to eat and drink. To the south, you’ll find the fun-filled attractions of historic amusement park, Luna Park. With very little swell, its waters are safe for families and after a swim or sunbathe, you can walk to Esplanade above the beach for a drink or meal at the Hotel Esplanade, a famed Victorian-era pub. Catch trams 16 or 96 to this beach.

Planning tip: St Kilda Beach isn’t well supplied with changing rooms, so to make life easier, wear your swimming gear beneath your clothing. There are public toilets in the Sea Baths complex and on nearby Jacka Boulevard.

To the northwest of St Kilda Beach, Port Melbourne is very easy to reach from the city center. Jump on a number 109 tram heading west along Collins Street and you’ll be there in no time, riding along the converted rails of what was once Australia’s oldest train line. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a beach running alongside a former industrial suburb, where classic Victorian architecture meets glass-and-steel 21st-century buildings.

Planning tip: A good way to experience the beachfront is to walk southeast to Victoria St in Albert Park. Here you can enjoy fish and chips at Ahoy Roy or have a drink at the Bleakhouse Hotel, before catching the number 1 tram from its terminus back to the city center.

South of St Kilda, Elwood is far less frequented by tourists or Melburnians on a day trip, perhaps because it’s tucked away and just west of the nearest tram and train lines. For those who do make the effort to reach it, they’ll find a less-crowded beach that’s mostly a local hangout.