15 Best Beaches in Melbourne, Australia (2026 Guide)
A few months ago, a friend asked me a simple question: what is the best beach in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia? The honest answer is — it depends what you’re after. Below is a hand-picked list of 15 beaches I’d actually recommend, from the iconic spots everyone knows to the quiet local favourites most tourists never find. Each one includes the exact location, Google Maps rating, real advantages, and honest disadvantages.
1. St Kilda Beach
Exact Location: St Kilda, Victoria 3182, Australia
When people think of Melbourne beaches, St Kilda usually comes first. It is one of the city’s most visited beaches and offers swimming, walking paths, cafes, nightlife, and famous sunset views from St Kilda Pier. Visitors can also spot little penguins near the breakwater at certain times of year.
Advantages
- Closest major beach to Melbourne CBD
- Vibrant atmosphere with restaurants and attractions
- Great sunsets and city skyline views
Disadvantages
- Can become crowded during summer
- Less peaceful than other beaches
2. Brighton Beach
Exact Location: Esplanade, Brighton, Victoria 3186, Australia
Brighton Beach is famous for its colorful bathing boxes, making it one of the most photographed beaches in Victoria. Calm waters and easy train access make it popular among families and first-time visitors.
Advantages
- Iconic Melbourne beach experience
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Calm swimming conditions
Disadvantages
- Popular tourist destination
- Parking can be difficult during peak season
3. Half Moon Bay
Exact Location: Beach Road, Black Rock, Victoria 3193, Australia
This is often the beach locals mention when asked for hidden favorites. Sheltered by cliffs and known for clear water, Half Moon Bay feels quieter than Brighton or St Kilda. The historic HMVS Cerberus shipwreck adds extra character.
Advantages
- Crystal-clear water
- Great for swimming and snorkeling
- Less crowded atmosphere
Disadvantages
- Smaller beach area
- Limited public transport compared with St Kilda
4. Elwood Beach
Exact Location: Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, Victoria 3184, Australia
Just south of St Kilda, Elwood Beach offers a more local experience. Families, joggers, cyclists, and residents enjoy its relaxed environment and beautiful sunsets.
Advantages
- Quieter than St Kilda
- Excellent walking and cycling paths
- Family-friendly environment
Disadvantages
- Fewer tourist attractions nearby
5. Williamstown Beach
Exact Location: The Strand, Williamstown, Victoria 3016, Australia
If you enjoy city skyline views while relaxing on the sand, Williamstown Beach is a strong contender. The calm waters and nearby historic waterfront create a unique atmosphere.
Advantages
- Family-friendly swimming
- Beautiful Melbourne skyline views
- Historic surroundings
Disadvantages
- Smaller than some eastern beaches
Explore Williamstown Beach →
6. Altona Beach
Exact Location: Altona Foreshore, Altona, Victoria 3018, Australia
Altona Beach remains one of Melbourne’s underrated beaches. Its shallow waters and long sandy shoreline attract families looking for a quieter day by the bay.
Advantages
- Wide sandy beach
- Accessible facilities
- Ideal for children
Disadvantages
- Less scenic than some eastern beaches
7. Mentone Beach
Exact Location: Beach Road, Mentone, Victoria 3194, Australia
Many locals consider Mentone one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets. Calm water, soft sand, and spectacular sunsets make it an excellent alternative to busier beaches.
Advantages
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Great sunset views
- Suitable for swimming
Disadvantages
- Less known by tourists
Explore Mentone Beach →
8. Sandringham Beach
Exact Location: Beach Road, Sandringham, Victoria 3191, Australia
Sandringham combines golden sand, scenic walking tracks, and excellent bay views. It is often overlooked despite being one of Melbourne’s most attractive coastal suburbs.
Advantages
- Beautiful coastal scenery
- Good swimming conditions
- Less crowded than Brighton
Disadvantages
- Limited tourism infrastructure
Explore Sandringham Beach →
9. Beaumaris Beach
Exact Location: Beach Road, Beaumaris, Victoria 3193, Australia
Nature lovers often prefer Beaumaris because of nearby rock formations and coastal landscapes. It feels more natural and less commercialised than many Melbourne beaches.
Advantages
- Natural coastal environment
- Good walking trails
- Excellent photography
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for those seeking beachside entertainment
Explore Beaumaris Beach →
10. Seaford Beach
Exact Location: Nepean Highway Foreshore, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia
Ask Melbourne locals online about underrated beaches and Seaford appears surprisingly often. Its wide sandy shoreline and relatively clear water make it a favourite for long walks.
Advantages
- Wide beach with fewer crowds
- Relaxed local atmosphere
Disadvantages
- Further from Melbourne CBD
Explore Seaford Beach →
11. Edithvale Beach
Exact Location: Nepean Highway, Edithvale, Victoria 3196, Australia
Edithvale offers one of the longest stretches of sand in Melbourne’s southeast. Locals appreciate its clean shoreline and quieter setting.
Advantages
- Long sandy beach
- Easy train access
- Less tourist traffic
Disadvantages
- Limited attractions nearby
Explore Edithvale Beach →
12. Aspendale Beach
Exact Location: Nepean Highway, Aspendale, Victoria 3195, Australia
Aspendale is another hidden gem frequently praised by Melbourne residents. It combines clear water, open space, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Advantages
- Relaxing environment
- Great swimming conditions
Disadvantages
- Not widely promoted to tourists
Explore Aspendale Beach →
13. Chelsea Beach
Exact Location: Chelsea Foreshore, Chelsea, Victoria 3196, Australia
Chelsea Beach attracts visitors looking for soft sand and a classic suburban beach experience. Many locals rank it among Melbourne’s most enjoyable swimming beaches.
Advantages
- Good facilities nearby
- Family-friendly
Disadvantages
- Busy on hot summer days
Explore Chelsea Beach →
14. Bonbeach
Exact Location: Nepean Highway, Bonbeach, Victoria 3196, Australia
Bonbeach remains one of Melbourne’s quieter coastal escapes. It offers peaceful surroundings and a less commercial feel.
Advantages
- Quiet and uncrowded
- Great for relaxation
Disadvantages
- Limited tourist facilities
Explore Bonbeach →
15. Sunnyside Beach
Exact Location: Sunnyside Road, Mount Eliza, Victoria 3930, Australia
Although slightly beyond central Melbourne, Sunnyside Beach is worth mentioning. Locals often recommend it for clear water and scenic views.
Advantages
- Beautiful natural setting
- Calm swimming conditions
Disadvantages
- Longer travel time from the CBD
Explore Sunnyside Beach →
Which Beach Is Actually the Best?
After walking my friend through all of these, here’s the short version:
For first-time visitors: Brighton Beach
For atmosphere and attractions: St Kilda Beach
For hidden local charm: Half Moon Bay
For families: Altona Beach and Williamstown Beach
For fewer crowds: Seaford Beach, Aspendale Beach, and Mentone Beach
For photography: Brighton Beach and Half Moon Bay
The truth is Melbourne’s coastline is best enjoyed by mixing the famous beaches with the hidden local favourites. That is where you find the side of Melbourne most tourists miss entirely.