Good to know
Good to Know
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags in patrolled areas.
- St Kilda Beach ranks among Melbourne's dirtier beaches due to stormwater drains—avoid after heavy rain.
- Most beaches have paid parking or ticketed parking; some side streets offer limited free parking.
- Many beaches are accessible by Melbourne's public transport system (trams, trains, buses).
- Summer crowds are heaviest December-January; quieter times are April-May and August-September.
- Water temperatures stay cool year-round (17-22°C (63–72°F)); wetsuits often recommended for extended swimming.
- Little penguins can be spotted at St Kilda Pier at dusk.
- Facilities vary significantly; family-friendly beaches like Mordialloc and Hampton have full services including playgrounds, BBQs, and restaurants nearby.
- Dog-friendly beaches are available but have restricted areas and times—check local signage.
General Notes
Melbourne's beaches are situated along Port Phillip Bay and are known for calm, sheltered waters rather than surf. Summer season (December-February) is peak, with June-September offering quieter times and cooler but pleasant conditions. Most beaches have patrolled swimming areas during summer (October-April). Water temperatures average 17-22°C (63–72°F) year-round.
Beach Designations
St Kilda Beach
- Party
- Yes
- Quiet
- No
- Access
- 6 km by tram or car from CBD
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Lower (near stormwater drains)
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 6
- Description
- Melbourne's most iconic beach with a vibrant, busy atmosphere. Features a boardwalk, restaurants, cafes, and Luna Park nearby. Popular for swimming, watersports, sunbathing, and social gatherings.
Facilities
- Lifeguards on patrol
- Restaurants and cafes
- Public toilets
- Playgrounds nearby
Brighton Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- No
- Access
- Train station on Sandringham line nearby
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- High (one of Melbourne's cleanest)
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 13
- Description
- Famous for its iconic colourful Victorian bathing boxes. Safe, shallow waters excellent for families. One of Melbourne's cleanest beaches with good swimming conditions.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols
- Parking (paid)
- Public toilets
- Playground
- Walking and cycling paths
Elwood Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- Yes
- Access
- 8 km by car or taxi from CBD
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Clean and calm
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 8
- Description
- A peaceful, family-friendly alternative to busier beaches. Calm waters with a no-boating zone ideal for swimmers of all ages. Spacious foreshore with good amenities.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols (summer)
- BBQ areas
- Picnic tables and playgrounds
- Public toilets and showers
- Walking and cycling paths
- Nearby woodfired pizza
Mordialloc Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- No
- Access
- 15 km south-east of CBD
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Clean
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 15
- Description
- Popular family beach with a wide shoreline and gentle water suitable for children. Features a long pier excellent for fishing and walking. Parklands perfect for picnics.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols
- Wide parking area
- Public toilets and showers
- Picnic and BBQ areas
- Pier for fishing
- Restaurants and cafes nearby
Altona Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- Yes
- Access
- Western area of Melbourne
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Clean
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Description
- 3 km of golden sand often overshadowed by more famous beaches, resulting in fewer crowds. Patrolled, clean, calm, and shallow at low tide. Features a heritage 500m pier.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols
- Pier for walking and fishing
- Picnic facilities
- Public toilets
- Parking options
- Nearby cafes and restaurants
Hampton Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- Yes
- Access
- 14 km south of CBD
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Very high (consistently clean)
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 14
- Description
- Peaceful, family-friendly destination with calm, safe waters. Wide promenade and grassy picnic spots ideal for families. One of Melbourne's cleanest beaches.
Facilities
- Playgrounds
- Picnic facilities
- BBQ shelters
- Nearby cafes and restaurants on Hampton Street
- Wide promenade
Sandringham Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- Yes
- Access
- Accessible by Sandringham line train or car (20 mins from CBD)
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Good
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 16
- Description
- Hidden gem with soft golden sands and a peaceful environment. Relatively tranquil compared to other southern beaches. Northern end near lifesaving club is safest for swimming.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols
- Ample parking
- Picnic facilities
- Coastal walking trails
- Nearby snorkelling at Rickett's Point
Half Moon Bay (Black Rock)
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- Yes
- Access
- 30 km from CBD
- Full Service
- No
- Water Quality
- Clear
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Distance From CBD Km
- 30
- Description
- Isolated crescent-shaped bay with shallow, still waters ideal for families and relaxation. Historic HMVS Cerberus shipwreck creates a breakwater. Good for snorkelling.
Facilities
- Jetty (100m long)
- Fish and chips kiosk
- Boat launching ramp
- Scenic views
Williamstown Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- No
- Access
- 10 mins walk from Williamstown Beach train station
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Good
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Description
- 550m of wide, sandy beach in a hipster seaside suburb with good character. Patrolled and full-service with nearby gardens and historic sites.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols (summer)
- Cafes and restaurants
- Public toilets
- Playgrounds (Sadler Reserve, Hatt Reserve)
- Picnic facilities and rotunda
- Parking (paid and limited free)
- Walking distance to Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Frankston Beach
- Party
- No
- Quiet
- No
- Access
- South of city centre
- Full Service
- Yes
- Water Quality
- Good
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Description
- 2.5 km of beach with extensive facilities and activities. Features a 500m pier, extensive boardwalk, and maritime-themed playground. Safe for all ages.
Facilities
- Lifeguard patrols
- Extensive boardwalk
- Arched bridge at Kananook Creek
- Adventure playground
- Public artworks
- Restaurants
- Picnic tables and BBQs
- Public toilets
- Dedicated parking
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.