Melbourne Beaches and Surfing

(Melbourne, Victoria - VIC, Australia)



Melbourne BeachesBeing located on the south-eastern coast of Australia, Melbourne fronts Port Phillip Bay and is surrounded in both directions by a number of appealing beach resorts, stretching from Geelong to the south-west, right down to Frankston and Mornington, to the south-east. Some lend themselves to swimming and water sports, such as surfing, while others are more suited to sunbathing and family orientated activities.

Lying in the region of ten minutes to the south of central Melbourne is the inner suburb of St. Kilda, where its beachfront is especially popular with holiday makers vacationing in the city. St. Kilda Beach stretches for approximately 750 metres / 2,460 feet and can be found in between the harbour and the marina, where it features a popular esplanade. However, it is the endearing colony of Little penguins living here that prove to be the real highlight, while the penguin parade at the Phillip Island Nature Park may also appeal (roughly 140 km / 87 miles) to the south-east of the city.

The water quality of more than 40 beaches in this region is closely monitored and regularly tested by the Victoria Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Life guards are frequently present on the principal stretches during busy times, while restaurants are never far from hand. Keen surfers staying in Melbourne may like to consider the beaches of Cat Bay, Flinders, Gunnamatta, Point Impossible, Portsea Back, Rye Back, Smiths and Woolamai - there is certainly plenty of choice, wherever you are looking.



13th Beach

Address: Black Rock Road, Barwon Heads, Victoria (VIC), 3227, Australia
Located on the outskirts of the city, 13th Beach is a popular stretch, with secluded areas and strong waves, ideal for surfing. There are also a number of popular tourist attractions nearby, including a couple of golf courses and the neighbouring Trey Bit Reserve at Sandringham.

Albert Park Beach

Address: Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3206, Australia
Centrally located Albert Park Beach is just up the road from the St. Kilda Harbour and features a narrow, sandy expanse, sheltered, safe waters and a number of seaside-related activities. Nearby are cycle trails, playgrounds for children and spectacular views of the waterfront.

Melbourne Beaches

Bells Beach

Address: Bells Boulevard, Torquay, Victoria (VIC), 3228, Australia
Bells Beach can be found in the nearby township of Torquay, where it is known for its favourable surfing conditions. Attracting surfers from all over the world, Bells hosts a number of professional surfing competitions, which are always well attended. The Surfworld Museum is a further highlight, as is the Crowne Plaza Torquay Hotel at Zeally Bay.

Woolamai Beach

Address: Woolamai Beach Road, Phillip Island, Victoria (VIC), 3922, Australia
Philip Island's Woolamai Beach is situated approximately 125 km / 78 miles to the south-east, next to Cape Woolamai. With good conditions for surfing, sunbathing and general activities, Woolamai is easy to reach via the Citylink Tollway and also features a number of scenic walking trails.

Melbourne Beaches

Brighton Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Middle Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3186, Australia
Brighton Beach, in the southerly Bayside area of the city, is a particularly attractive stretch, with golden sand, sparkling blue water and good seaside facilities. Useful points of reference within close proximity include the Cabrini Hospital, the William Street Reserve and a host of seafood restaurants, which often come with views across Port Phillip Bay.

Cat Bay

Address: Ventnor Road, Phillip Island, Victoria (VIC), 3922, Australia
Cat Bay is situated on Philip Island, being especially popular with more inexperience surfers. Do bear in mind that the gentle waves at Cat Bay can become fairly large at times, depending on the weather.

Elwood Beach

Address: Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3184, Australia
Elwood Beach lies to the south of the city centre and alongside the suburb of St. Kilda, being a major family attraction with many excellent facilities for both children and adults. Specific attractions include picnic areas, open expanses of grassland, boating, fishing and tennis, while nearby you will find the Elsternwick Golf Course, the Marine Parade, the Moran Reserve and the Paul Hester Walk. The adjacent Elwood Park provides further interest.

Flinders Beach

Address: Golf Links Road, Flinders, Victoria (VIC), 3939, Australia
Located within the Mornington Peninsula area and home to superb waves for surfing, Flinders Beach attracts many tourists and locals from Mornington, being approximately 100 km / 62 miles to the south of Melbourne. Other points of interest at Flinders include sheltered areas, scenic views and a variety of different waves. Those with their own vehicle may like to head a few minutes to the west to reach the Mornington Peninsula National Park, the Cape Schanck Golf Course and the National Golf Club, where you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the Bass Strait as you play a round.



Green Point Beach

Address: The Esplanade, Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3188, Australia
Situated to the south of Brighton Beach, the Green Point Beach area has good conditions for windsurfing, swimming and relaxing. Nearby are picnic facilities, together with a large amount of local wildlife, which is in good supply around the Foreshore Reserve.

Gunnamatta Surf Beach

Address: Truemans Road, Rosebud, Victoria (VIC), 3939, Australia
The Gunnamatta Surf Beach resides within the Mornington Peninsula and attracts many professional surfers. With large and exciting waves, this attractive stretch of sand is to be found close to the Tootgarook Sports Reserve.

Half Moon Bay Beach

Address: Beach Road, Black Rock, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3193, Australia
Half Moon Bay Beach is situated to the south-east of the city, being sandwiched in between Hampton and Beaumaris. This secluded area has good facilities, golden sand and an attractive pier, and is known for being a popular spot for sunbathing nudists.

Jan Juc Beach

Address: Carnarvon Avenue, Jan Juc, Victoria (VIC), 3228, Australia
Jan Juc Beach is a busy beachfront sited to the south-west, with frequent strong waves and plenty of sunshine. This scenic area is popular with locals, while tourists may also like to check out the neighbouring Torquay Foreshore Reserve, the Bob Pettit Reserve and the Scuttlebutt Scuba Charters, based on the Sunset Strip.

Middle Park Beach

Address: Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3206, Australia
Close to Albert Park and St. Kilda, Middle Park Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sand and calm, blue water. Popular for sunbathing, swimming and general beach fun, Middle Park also has a number of tourist attractions nearby, such as the Albert Park Driving Range, the Melbourne Sport and Aquatic Centre, the Cummins Reserve and the Catani Gardens.

Point Impossible Surf Beach

Address: Fishers Lane, Torquay, Victoria (VIC), 3228, Australia
Point Impossible Surf Beach is based in Torquay, to the far south-west of the city, being popular with those beginning to surf. Featuring small and medium-sized waves, Point Impossible is often fairly busy.

Port Melbourne Beach

Address: Beach Street, Port Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3207, Australia
Port Melbourne Beach is a fairly narrow location with shallow waters. Popular with families, other attractions for tourists visiting the coastline here also include cycle trails, walking paths and boating.

Portsea Back Beach

Address: Back Beach Road, Portsea, Victoria (VIC), 3944, Australia
Portsea Back Beach, in the Mornington Peninsula area, features strong waves and good visitor amenities. Although the sea can be dangerous at times, the waves are superb for surfing and attract surfers from all over Victoria.

Rye Back Beach

Address: Sandy Drive, Rye, Victoria (VIC), 3941, Australia
Rye Back Beach, in the Mornington Peninsula, boasts some of the best surfing conditions in the region. There are many sandy expanses here, as well as seasonal surfing events, spectacular views and a number of golf courses, such as the Dunes Links and the Moonah Links.

Sandridge Beach

Address: The Boulevard, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), 3207, Australia
Located in the Bayside area, Sandridge Beach has gentle, calm waters. Additional highlights for tourists coming here include comprehensive facilities for children, picnic areas and a nearby park.

Smiths Beach

Address: Smiths Beach Road, Phillip Island, Victoria (VIC), 3922, Australia
Smiths Beach, on Phillip Island, is a clean, secluded stretch suitable for beginners at surfing. With scenic views and sandy beaches, this destination suits those looking to sunbathe and relax in peaceful surroundings.

St. Kilda Beach

Address: Jacka Boulevard, St. Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria (VIC), Australia
St. Kilda Beach is a lively area roughly 6 km / 4 miles to the south of downtown Melbourne. There are many exciting family activities nearby, including shops, fairground rides, cycle trails, paths and cafés. With clean, sandy expanses and a friendly group of local penguins, St. Kilda is very popular with families. The Marina, the Harbour, the Jacka Boulevard and the Esplanade all add to the overall appeal.