Beaches near Melbourne

Perhaps more than any other country, Australia builds a large part of its national identity around beach life. After all, this continent-sized country has roughly 34,000 km of coastline to explore. And because the interior of Australia can be a hard unfairly inhospitable place, most of the country's major cities are close to the coast, with around 87% of the population living within 50km of the coast.

Melbourne is no exception. This city is home to some exceptional beaches that, with their picnic and barbecue facilities, golden sands, crashing waves, and other amenities, are features of city life here. Legendary locations like St Kilda Beach, Half Moon Bay, and Williamstown Beach make sure that you can find popular Melbourne beaches to enjoy no matter what you're in the mood for.

Melbourne's climate is classified as temperate oceanic, which means the city is often cloudy and can experience cold spells. However, in the summer, there are also periods of extreme heat. Remember that in Australia, summer happens in what would be considered winter months in the northern hemisphere. For example, Christmas Day is an extremely popular time to head to the beach.

The best Melbourne beaches for everyone to enjoy

Melbourne's coastal location means you are never far from a beach. Which beach works best for you is going to depend on how you want to spend your time. Some places are better for water sports like diving, snorkeling, and surfing, while others offer more secluded and warm waters ideal for little kids to paddle safely and beach volleyball is popular everywhere! With many of Melbourne's top beaches easily reachable by public transport, there's really no reason not to get out to at least one or two of these excellent beaches.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is located just 11 kilometers from Melbourne’s Central Business District, making it a quick and easy escape from the city. You can reach the beach by train in about 20 minutes by taking the Sandringham Line from Flinders Street Station to Brighton Beach Station, which is just a short walk from the shoreline. If you’re driving, it’s a 20 to 30-minute trip from the city, and there’s parking available nearby.

Brighton Beach is famous for its vibrant, colorful beach huts, known as the Brighton Bathing Boxes, which line the sandy shore and make for great photo opportunities. These historic huts have been around since the 19th century and are now a beloved symbol of Melbourne’s coastal charm. Beyond its visual appeal, the beach offers calm, gentle waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or just wading in the shallow surf. The clean, golden sand and stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline in the distance make Brighton Beach a picturesque spot for relaxation.

After enjoying the beach, take a stroll along the Brighton Beach Foreshore, where you’ll find walking and cycling paths with great views of Port Phillip Bay. For foodies, Brighton has plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants where you can grab a coffee or enjoy some fresh seafood. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the waters.

Because this beach is so close to the city, it's tempting to want to go and explore right away. But if you haven't been able to check into your hotel or vacation rental, what do you do with your bags?

That's where Bounce comes in. We partner with local businesses to provide affordable and convenient Melbourne luggage storage in multiple locations throughout the city. Thanks to Bounce, you'll never be stuck without a place to leave your things.

South Melbourne Beach

South Melbourne Beach is located just less than five kilometers from Melbourne’s city center, so it's one of the most accessible beaches for a quick coastal escape. You can easily get here by taking the tram from the city - route 1 will get you to the beach in around 15-20 minutes, with a short walk from the tram stop. Driving takes about 10-15 minutes, and there is street parking available, although it can fill up quickly on warm days.

South Melbourne Beach is a quieter, more local alternative to the busier beaches like St Kilda. It has a relaxed, laid-back vibe and is popular with families, locals, and those looking for a peaceful day by the water. The beach features clean, soft sand and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, wading, or paddleboarding. One of the standout features of South Melbourne Beach is the stunning views of the Melbourne skyline in the background, which creates a beautiful contrast with the natural seaside setting.

South Melbourne Beach is also close to some fantastic local spots. You can take a short walk to South Melbourne Market, one of the city’s most popular markets, where you can sample fresh produce, gourmet foods, and local delicacies. If you're into watersports, there are opportunities for kite surfing on windy days. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the beachside Kerferd Road Pier is perfect for a scenic stroll or fishing.

The nearby Albert Park is also worth a visit if you’re looking for a mix of beach and park time. The area has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink after a day in the sun.

Part of the appeal of South Melbourne Beach is that there is so much to do here. You can easily make a whole day out of exploring the beach, the market, and the parks around here. Thanks to Bounce luggage storage, you can leave your beach things behind and enjoy some of the other activities in the area.

Williamstown Beach

Williamstown Beach, often known locally simply as Willy Beach, is located about 15 kilometers southwest of Melbourne's city center. You can reach it by train in around 25 minutes by taking the Williamstown Line from Flinders Street Station to Williamstown Beach Station, which is just a short walk from the beach. If you’re driving, it’s about a 20-30 minute trip, with parking available nearby, though it can get busy on sunny weekends.

Williamstown Beach offers a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of Melbourne's other beaches. It's known for its clean, calm waters ideal for swimming, especially for families with children. The beach’s unique location also provides beautiful views of the Melbourne city skyline and Port Phillip Bay. The beach is perfect for a relaxing day out, with plenty of space to spread out, sunbathe, or enjoy a beachside picnic.

Williamstown Beach is not just about sun and sand - there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Take a stroll along the Williamstown Botanic Gardens nearby, which is a peaceful spot for a walk or a picnic under the shade of old trees. For history enthusiasts, Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park offers walking trails with historical markers that detail Williamstown’s maritime history. You can also visit Williamstown’s historic pier, where you’ll find waterfront cafes, ice cream shops, and seafood restaurants. Want to spend more time in the water? You can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the bay.

The laid-back charm of Willy Beach makes it the perfect place to relax, but it's much easier to do that if you're not carrying heavy bags with you. Even if you had to check out of your hotel early, you can leave the bags behind with us and get in a few more hours of beach time.

The seemingly countless beaches in Melbourne are just waiting for you to set up for the day. Aside from the ones that made our list, St Kilda Beach adjacent to Luna Park is ideal for families, and the Black Rock Yacht Club offers an entirely different and higher-end vibe near Sandringham Beach and Black Rock Beach. Remember that wherever your Melbourne beach itinerary takes you, Bounce is available to help you store all your extra items.