Melbourne may be the Aussie sporting capital ( defer down ) , but we ’re not exactly cognise throughout the universe for our white - sand surf beach and two-piece babe . We do , however , have a bucketload of tranquil and picturesque bay beaches for locals ' swimming and saunter delight , with neighbouring refreshment and dining options aplenty – takethat , Sydney ! When summer temps push 40 ( that ’s over 104 for you Fahrenheit folks ! ) and it ’s clip for some al fresco action mechanism , here are Melbourne ’s 10 best beaches to dive into .
Sandringham Beach
SandringhamA super - democratic Melbourne beach , this 2.5 km straight shoot between Black Rock and Hampton Beach is perfect for a jog , or a more leisurely scenic amble . face southwest , Sandy ’s a half - minute train ride from the CBD and offers easy swimming , with the beach more well accessible from the northern segment between the Surf Life Saving cabaret and Picnic Point . There are also great walking and cycling tracks , with the rocky cliffs to the south soar to 30 meter at Red Bluff .
St Kilda Beach
St KildaYou’ll regain Melbourne ’s most iconic beach just 6 km from the city , and well accessible by tram ( take public transport ; parking in St Kilda ’s horrific ! ) Beloved by topical anaesthetic and tourer alike , this bustling bay beach is a multitude - watcher ’s paradise , stud with ribbon Tree and neighboring to a bevy of great cafes , restaurants , and bar for sip on sundowners . Safe and sandlike , the boardwalk jostles with jogger , cyclists , and bladers all year ' round of golf . Not unlike Venice Beach , with its famous pier and entertainment park , St Kilda Beach has personality asset .
Dendy Street Beach
BrightonBrighton ’s Dendy Street Beach is as illustrious for its architecture as its tranquil H2O and golden sands , with 82 bathing box jazzing up the foreshore with a riot of color . Cookie - cutter in pattern – a unsubdivided timber structure with a corrugate iron roof – many were built over 100 years ago , when beachgoers were a modest bunch and neck - to - knees coverage was the height of seaside dash . Brighton ’s washup boxes are a lensman ’s dream , and are passing tightly held ; on the rarefied juncture they do trade , they go for around the price of a small apartment .
Elwood Beach
ElwoodA bit less feverish than nearby St Kilda Beach , this picturesque swim dapple is bounded by Elwood Park and Point Ormond Reserve . In addition to the common sunbathing , this fleck ’s also ideal for sailing , boating , and windsurfing , with a sensational foreshore outfit with paths for walking and cycling , as well as tasty dining pick and piece of cake / BBQ facility in the reserves . Grab your razzing , a rug , and a feeding bottle of bubbles , as the sunsets here are killer .
Altona Beach
AltonaIf you desire to cool down in the western suburban area , make your way of life to the popular Altona Beach . The 3 km stretch has a sauceboat - spare zone and a dedicated kite - surfing area , making it a great point for a refreshing swim or your water sportswoman of selection . One of Melbourne ’s safe beaches for swim , family - friendly Altona also have great deftness like BBQ domain , a playground , and a long central pier to jump out off .
Mentone Beach
MentoneMentone Beach runs 1.6 km at the northern edge of the 20 kilometer stretch of backbone from Frankston , and its 20 - metre - gamy bluffs are pretty hard to miss . You ’ll find plenty of folks fish along the rock and roll jetty , while the southwest - confront beach is partially protect from the lead , which make it a pleasant stain to splash about . Plus , it ’s accessible from the CBD in just under an hr by railroad train .
Williamstown Beach
WilliamstownWhen temps come up in the west , locals head to all-encompassing , sandy Williamstown Beach in drove . Bordered by water on three sides , Williamstown was Melbourne ’s first seaport , and you do n’t have to look far to see vestiges of its nautical chronicle . West of the West Gate Bridge , the patrolled beach is a popular smirch to cool down and cool down out , with stack of deftness – including playgrounds , BBQs , cycle course , and a kiosk – to keep both minuscule shaver and big kids entertained .
Half Moon Bay
Black RockA adorable , crescent - shaped bit of sand surrounded by cliffs , Half Moon Bay in Black Rock is a rightfully picturesque and protected spot for a boat paddle . If you ’re after more action , there ’s a wharfage to jump off and the nearby , half - sunk wreck of HMAS Cerberus is super popular with diver . The dining ’s also corking here , rank from top - snick Pisces & chip from the kiosk , to a fancier seafood affair at the honour - win Cerberus Beach House . tamp down your photographic camera or smartphone ; the sundown views here are invaluable .
Port Melbourne Beach, South Melbourne/Middle Park Beach
Various locationsThis trio of next beach is as tight as you ’ll get to swim inside the CBD itself ; easy approachable by tram from the metropolis centre , each spot ’s paragon for moisten off your concern after work . South Melbourne and Middle Park are democratic with kite surfboarder and volleyballers as well as swimmers , and are abode to the pretty Kerferd Road Pier . For a well - rounded weekend outing , stroll along Port Melbourne ’s ribbon tree - dotted saunter , cool off with a quick dip , then dispatch the shops and coffee shop of Bay St.
Carrum Beach
CarrumYou’ll find Carrum Beach roughly midway down the sandy stretch from Mentone to Frankston , near the oral cavity of Patterson River . A hub for boaties , the beach boasts a sailing club and racing yacht golf club , and while it ’s more often than not a good spot for a swim , you ’ll wanna have your wits about you near the oral cavity of the river ( where there can be some cunning currents to navigate ) .
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Pip Jarvis is a Melbourne writer who loves the open air , but burns in 15 seconds . Look for her moonlight tan on a beach near you .
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