Best beaches Victoria: Family fun, dog friendly and top surf spots
Nothing says freedom like a salty breeze and sand between the toes. Whether you want to gather the squad for beach cricket, conquer a wave or chill in a secret spot we’ve done the legwork for you.
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When lockdown restrictions finally eased Melburnians hit the sand to celebrate their freedom.
Here’s our pick of the top spots for a day on the sand including some lesser known spots for those hoping to avoid the crowds.
Don’t forget your mask and sunscreen!
FAMILY FUN
HALF MOON BAY
Beach Rd, Beaumaris
With a safe shallow bay and crescent-like auburn coloured cliffs for a backdrop, Black Rock’s Half Moon Bay is a private sanctuary for families looking for a quieter trip to the seaside. Also featuring a pier, the HMVS Cerberus submarine breakwater, fantastic food spots and boat ramp, Half Moon is like a mini Mordialloc beach, minus all the hustle and bustle.
You can access sailing instructions and other equipment at the yacht club, and the Red Bluff cliffs make for a beautiful sunset stroll. If you’re staying for the day, head to Black Rock village on the way home as it comes alive at dinnertime.
CARRUM
This has to be one of the best kid-friendly beaches in Melbourne. Unfortunately the secret is out and if you’re planning a visit pick a week day or plan to arrive early on the weekend to secure one of the limited parking spaces. Families flock here for the super soft sand and clear, shallow water. The nautical-themed playground and boardwalk add to the appeal of Carrum Beach. There’s also a surf lifesaving club, showers and toilets,
ALTONA BEACH
Esplanade, Altona
Often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbour – Williamstown Beach – this three km stretch of sand is one of the west’s best kept secrets. The beach to the east of the pier is patrolled during summer and is calm and shallow at low tide making it the perfect spot for little ones to paddle and older children to master their swimming, stand up paddle boarding or even kitesurfing. Anglers can thrown in a line from the heritage listed Altona Pier and treasure hunters can scan the rock pools below for shells and marine life. But best of all it’s secret status means you’re less likely to have to trawl for a parking space or hustle for space on the sand.
ROSEBUD
Jetty Rd, Rosebud
If you fancy a day at the beach without the stress of playing lifeguard or ending up with a car full of sand this is the place to go. You can watch the waves, stretch your legs on the 300m pier and cool off with an ice cream all without stepping on the sand. The foreshore playground is always a crowd pleaser with long slides that follow the curve of the dunes and a flying fox to challenege more adventurous kids. If you cave and end up in the water it’s shallow and calm most of the time.
SMITHS BEACH, PHILLIP ISLAND
Smiths Beach Road, Smiths Beach
Locals in the know steer clear of Cowes during peak season and head to Smiths Beach instead. The crescent-shaped beach on the south coast of the island is a hidden gem with calm, shallow water. It’s patrolled during summer months and the consistent waves that roll in at high tide are ideal for gromits finding their feet on their boards. Snorkellers also visit at low tide to explore the larger rock pools. There’s toilets, change rooms and an outdoor shower.
CATCH A WAVE
BELLS BEACH
Bells Beach Road, Mount Duneed
This is where the pros come to hang ten. The world-famous beach has hosted the Rip Curl Pro comptition since 1962 and is not for the faint hearted. It has two right hand breaks, exposed reefs and swells that produce waves of up to five metres. The biggest waves pound the shore between April and October. From November to March there are smaller waves, but it’s still one for experienced surfers.
GUNNAMATTA BEACH
Truemans Rd, Fingal
This has been ranked among the world’s most dangerous stretches of water, and is best suited to experienced surfers. It has two large car parks, and toilet blocks that can be accessed from Truemans Rd.
Volunteer and professional lifeguards patrol daily from December 26-January 26.
POINT LEO
Western Pde, Point Leo
Of all the ocean beaches on the peninsula this is the spot to make your surfing debut. Its gentle waves are perfect for grommets and beginners and the East Coast Surf School is conveniently located nearby. The swell is also popular with members of the Maladiction long boarders club and has hosted a Vintage Surf Carnival. There’s also a kiosk, picnic areas, barbecues and play equipment on the foreshore reserve. Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club and professional lifeguards patrol the beach daily from December 26 — January 26.
MUSHROOM REEF
Golf Links Rd, Flinders
Boogie boarders flock to this spot to make the most of its perfectly shaped reef break. It’s also a marine sanctuary that is home to weedy sea dragon and the black and white sea star as well as myriad birds. Leave the car at the first car park off Golf Links Rd.
WOOLAMAI SURF BEACH
Woolamai Beach Road, Cape Woolamai
Beautiful and dangerous – it’s not hard to see why this is one of the most popular surf beaches in Victoria. The pink granite backdrop, pristine natural environment and wild waves make it well worth the hour and 45 drive from Melbourne. It is an open ocean beach and can be deadly. Swimmers are warned to stay out of the water unless life savers are patrolling.
DOG-FRIENDLY
ST KILDA WEST BEACH
Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda
If you and your dog like a chin wag with your salty stroll Port Phillip’s most sociable dog beach is the perfect fit. Pick up a coffee from the West Beach Pavillion cafe and then let your pooch run from the shallows to the sand bars. West Beach is one of only five in the municipality that allows dogs to run free on the sand year round, Like most councils the rules about when Fido can run free change in November and many beaches introduce limited leash-free times. Check with your local council before you head up and always pick up after your pet.
SANDOWN STREET BEACH
Sandown Street Beach, Brighton
If you’re going to spot a famous canine it will be here. It’s close to flash eateries and swanky homes and not surprisingly has some fancy elements to match the high end postcode. The beach is fully fenced and off-lead year round. The water is also very shallow making it safe for purse sized pooches and owners who don’t want to wade out too far to retrive the ball when playing fetch.
MENTONE BEACH
Beach Rd, Mentone
There aren’t many dog beaches in Melbourne where our favourite hounds can be unleashed around-the-clock, and Mentone Beach is Kingston’s ticket to 24-hour, seven days per week fun. Take a midnight swim with your furry friend or run wild in the sunshine, but be mindful of peak times because this beach can get packed. Be sure to stay on the sand and between Charman and Plummer Rd, as strict leash restrictions kick into place next door near Parkdale.
TASSELLS COVE
Marine Drive, Safety Beach
Our four-legged friends like a day at the beach just as much as we do. Luckily, canine visitors are welcome at many Melbourne beaches. There can be restrictions on when they’re welcome so check the relevant council website before heading out. One of the best is tucked away in Tassels Cove. The picturesque red cliffs provide a natural barrier for adventurous pooches and a great back drop for some seasonal selfies. To access the small car park exit Bruce Rd onto Marine Drive and continue over the bridge.
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