10 Best Beaches in Melbourne

Mordialloc Beach is a long, sandy public beach suited to walks, jogs, gentle swims and relaxed days by the coast. Its dog-friendly appeal includes designated off-leash areas, while nearby parklands, a creek, walking trails, cafés and shops extend the visit beyond the sand. The beach also has a pier, picnic tables, a playground and a beach café.

Dog Friendly Beach - Brighton provides a Brighton foreshore setting where dogs can run, socialise and play in shallow water. It suits owners wanting off-leash beach time, with fenced areas, hills, flat sections, bins, water and doggy bags available. Early mornings can be a quieter time, while the beach remains a popular meeting place for dogs and their owners.

St Kilda Beach is a Melbourne beach on Port Phillip Bay with a sandy shoreline, boardwalk and St Kilda Pier. It suits visitors who want swimming, water sports, walking, city views and a lively foreshore atmosphere rather than a secluded tropical escape. Nearby cafés, restaurants and entertainment make it easy to extend a beach visit into an afternoon or evening.

Mentone Beach is a sandy public beach with a boardwalk, shallow water, toilets and showers. It suits swimmers, walkers, families and dog owners, with an off-leash dog area to the north and space for dogs to socialise and play. The beach can offer quieter spots away from busier areas, while nearby roadside parking and food options add practical convenience.

Williamstown Beach is a wide, sandy cove suited to swimming, sunbathing, picnics and walks along the promenade. It appeals to families, open-water swimmers and visitors seeking sunset scenery, with nearby toilets, showers, benches and cafes or pubs a short walk away. The Melbourne Open Water Swimming Club is based at the beach and holds Saturday morning sessions.

Half Moon Bay Beach is a Melbourne beach with calm water, soft sand and red cliffs. It suits families with young children, snorkellers and visitors seeking a peaceful swim or sunset setting. Toilets and an outdoor shower have been upgraded, while a fish-and-chips kiosk and Cerberus restaurant add nearby food options.

Dog Friendly Beach is a large beach suited to dogs wanting to stroll, run and swim, with shallow water and sand banks that can work well for smaller breeds. The off-lead area is described as available all year, and nearby open space supports walks and dog socialisation.

Brighton Beach is a Melbourne coastal spot suited to relaxed walks, runs, bike rides and time by the water. Its colourful Victorian bathing boxes give the shoreline a distinctive character, while sea views, soft sand, restrooms and a car park add practical appeal.

Middle Park Beach is a peaceful Melbourne beach suited to quiet walks, swimming, cycling, picnics and sunset viewing. The sandy shore, grassy areas, beachfront paths and distant city skyline create an easy coastal escape from the city’s busier spots. Its facilities and nearby food options are basic, so it is best approached as a simple seaside outing.

Elwood Beach is a scenic stretch of sand offering swimming, shoreline walks, running, cycling and relaxed bay views. It suits visitors looking for a calm beach outing, sunset scenery or space for children to play. Nearby cafés and restaurants provide food options, while parking is located beside the beach and public facilities include clean restrooms.