Best Beaches in Melbourne (2026)
Planning your next outing? These are 32 of the best beaches in Melbourne right now, whether you're after a lazy weekend, a day with the kids or somewhere new to explore. We rank each one by our Spot Score and keep the list fresh, so you're always seeing what's actually worth your time.
Australia's beaches are world-famous, and around Melbourne you'll find everything from patrolled family swimming spots to quieter stretches of sand. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards patrol, and slip, slop, slap — the UV is strong.
32 spots
St Kilda Pier
Pier with walking track & picnic facilities offering Melbourne skyline & Port Phillip Bay views.
Chelsea Beach
Beaches in Melbourne CBD, Melbourne.
Mordialloc Beach
Beaches in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary (Parks Victoria)
Beaches in Prahran, Melbourne.
Mentone Beach
Beaches in Richmond, Melbourne.
Middle Park Beach
Beaches in Melbourne CBD, Melbourne.
Elwood Beach
Scenic stretch of sand in a central locale providing a variety of activities & dining.
Carrum Beach
Beaches in Carlton, Melbourne.
Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Lookouts in Hawthorn, Melbourne.
St Kilda Beach
Beaches in Southbank, Melbourne.
Williamstown Beach
$$Beaches in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
Black Rock Beach
Beaches in Prahran, Melbourne.
Prahran Aquatic Centre
Community venue with a 50-m. pool, spa, sauna, steam room & toddlers' pool (open in summer).
St Kilda West Beach
Beaches in South Yarra, Melbourne.
Williamstown beach
Wide, sandy cove for swimming & sunbathing, with a promenade & nearby amenities.
South Melbourne Beach Volleyball Courts
Beaches in Collingwood, Melbourne.
St Kilda beach
This famous city beach features a boardwalk, the St. Kilda Pier, swimming & various water sports.
Brighton beach
Lined with colourful, Victorian bathing boxes, this popular beach provides restrooms & a car park.
Beaches by suburb
Zoom in on the best beaches in Melbourne's most popular neighbourhoods.
Beaches guides for Melbourne
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Read guide →Beaches in Melbourne — FAQs
What are the best beaches in Melbourne?+
Our top-rated beaches in Melbourne are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Melbourne beaches ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter beaches by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many beaches are listed in Melbourne?+
We currently feature 32 beaches across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.
Are the beaches near Melbourne patrolled?+
Many popular beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers, especially over summer and on weekends. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags, check signage for conditions, and never swim alone or after drinking.