Where to find Melbourne's best beaches

IT'S going to be a scorcher today and thousands of people will head to the beach to beat the heat. But where's the best place to go? Here are our picks for Melbourne’s top beaches.

Williamstown Beach is an inner city gem.

IT'S been a scorcher this week and what better way to beat the heat than by heading to the beach.

As summer starts to heat up we'll be spending more and more time by the bay.

But where are the best places to head to?

Here are our picks for Melbourne’s top beaches.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with our choices? Tell us your favourite beach below.

Half Moon Bay, Black Rock

Half Moon Bay, Black Rock.

A curved, compact beach with safe swimming and a boat launching facility. The wreck of the HMAS Cerberus just off shore is a hot spot for diving. The surrounding cliffs make it a very picturesque spot for lazing or picnicking on the beach and the nearby pier is a great swim-to and jump-off point for young swimmers.

Order fish and chips at the kiosk and enjoy the surf and sand until the portable buzzer announces your freshly cooked fare is ready. Or, if you are feeling more luxurious, book a window table at the fabulous Cerberus Beach House restaurant and watch the sunset over the Bay as you enjoy the great food. Half moon bay, has boat launching facility, the half-sunk cerebrus, a pier, a fish and chip place and a restaurant.

Hampton Beach

Enjoy the clear, clean waters at Hampton Beach. Picture: Alex Coppel.

This is one of the better kept secrets in Melbourne. It is patrolled by lifesavers and has plenty of sand to park a beach towel. Brighton Beach Station is a short stroll away, as is Hampton Station if you start from the southern end of the beach. It’s less busy than South Melbourne and St Kilda Beaches, but parking can be a hassle.

If swimming isn’t your thing, there is an easy walk towards Sandringham Yacht Club, where you will also find stand-up paddle boards or kite boards available through Sandy Beach HQ.

Williamstown Beach

The western suburbs’ best non-secret. Tucked away on the western side of the West Gate Bridge, Williamstown Beach has a long, sandy strip cleaned daily and patrolled by lifesavers. The shallow water is perfect for young children, with few waves to speak of. The beach can get busy on hot days and parking can be a battle if you turn up late. But Williamstown North Station is just a short stroll away and a smart way to beat the traffic. Sirens Restaurant or the kiosk offer refreshments and food, while there are ample barbecue facilities.

Altona Beach

Lifesavers on patrol at Altona beach.

See Williamstown Beach, but less busy, a longer stretch of side and a pier to jump off. There is also more seaweed, but the beach is cleaned daily. Altona Village has plenty of cafes and take-away shops. A section of the beach is allocated for kite-surfing away from the swimming zone. Altona Beach produces stunning sunsets over Port Phillip Bay looking out towards Portalington and Point Cook. Public transport is available, with Altona Station a five-minute walk from the beach. The Route 903 Smartbus terminates at Altona.

Mt Martha South Beach

Wide stretch of sand, beach boxes and stunning views across the Bay. The beach is divided in two by a creek. Lifesavers patrol the northern tip of the southern end, but the sand can drop away quickly, causing a problem for young children. Can also get busy on holidays.

Mothers Beach, Mornington

One of Mornington’s three beaches north of the jetty, this is a stand-out for its family friendly safe swimming and shallow waters. It has a lovely stretch of clean sand and there are picnic tables and barbecues under shady trees.

Longbeach

Known as Longbeach, the stretch between Patterson River and Mordialloc, which takes in Chelsea, Bonbeach, Edithvale and Aspendale, is the jewel in Melbourne’s beachside crown. White sand and clean water, it is simply beautiful.

Bushrangers Bay, Mornington Peninsula National Park

More rugged than the others, but this serene and beautiful beach is nonetheless a worthy inclusion on our list. A sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs lashed by wild waves, it is not recommended for swimming. However, the hike to the beach alone makes a visit highly worthwhile. Views are sublime on the 2.5km trek along Main Creek from the Boneo Rd car park, or the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track from the Cape Schanck car park. You won’t regret it, we promise.

- James Twining, Donna Carton, David Turner, Julian Kennedy and Michelle Rose