Best Family Friendly Beaches Near Melbourne

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Brighton Beach

Australia, South Australia, Brighton

Brighton Beach is a picturesque sandy beach in Adelaide, South Australia, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant community. It is patrolled by the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club during summer, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers. The beach features a long jetty, a popular spot for fishing and strolls. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade, with the Esplanade Hotel being a notable spot. Brighton Beach offers stunning sunsets and a lively promenade perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The beach lies between Seacliff and Glenelg, part of the Holdfast Bay area. A sand replenishment program helps maintain the beach's sandy dunes and natural beauty. Brighton's coastal path also offers an attractive walking route for those who enjoy scenic walks.
Its historical significance is highlighted by the War Memorial arch near the jetty, where Anzac Day services are held annually. Overall, Brighton Beach is a charming coastal destination ideal for both locals and tourists alike.

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4.15

Williamstown

Australia, Victoria, Williamstown

Williamstown Beach is a picturesque beach in Victoria, Australia, known for its broad, clean sand and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. It offers a tranquil and inviting environment, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water activities like fishing from the Eastern Pier. The beach is part of the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, making it accessible by hiking, car, or train. It features a lively promenade lined with cafes and dining options, complementing its beautiful natural setting.
The beach hosts various events throughout the year and is a family-friendly destination with amenities like picnic areas and a children's playground. The surrounding Williamstown area adds to its charm with historic attractions and vibrant community activities.
The beach's proximity to Melbourne makes it a popular day-trip or weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike.

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4.2

Brighton Beach - Adelaide

Australia, South Australia, Brighton

Brighton Beach, located in the coastal suburb of Brighton, Adelaide, is renowned for its expansive golden sand and picturesque views. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere and is patrolled by surf lifesavers during the summer months, ensuring safety for beachgoers. The beach is framed by a long jetty perfect for fishing and strolling, with landmarks like the Esplanade Hotel nearby, offering both dining and lodging options. It is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and other water activities. The coastal promenade hosts a variety of cafes and restaurants, providing a lively atmosphere. Whether it's a sunrise or sunset stroll, Brighton Beach offers breathtaking views and a tranquil ambiance, making it a must-visit destination in South Australia.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the beachfront, take part in local events, or simply relax on the shore. The area is well-maintained with facilities like restrooms and picnic areas, adding to its appeal.
The historical Brighton Jetty is a significant landmark, offering a unique spot for fishermen and sightseers alike.

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4.05

Sandringham Beach

Australia, Victoria, Sandringham

Sandringham Beach is located in the charming bayside suburb of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia. It offers a straight 2.5 km long beach facing southwest, backed by steep bluffs towards the south. The beach is perfect for small families and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. It features scenic views, picnic facilities, and a lifesaving club. The area is also known for its shopping and dining options, including the historic band rotunda. Visitors can enjoy the beach's tranquil surroundings and explore nearby attractions like the boat harbour at Picnic Point, offering stunning views of the bay.
The southern part of the beach is characterized by eroding cliffs that have formed shallow reefs in the surf zone. Pathways and clifftop parks provide panoramic views towards Red Bluff and Half Moon Bay. The beach is popular for its calm waters and accessible facilities.
Sandringham itself is a well-established suburb with a preserved village feel, featuring iconic palm trees along its commercial center. Its history dates back to being a small fishing village, now offering a variety of modern amenities and attractions.

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Elwood Beach

Australia, Victoria, Elwood

Located just eight kilometers from Melbourne's central business district, Elwood Beach is a 1.3-kilometer-long, fine, golden sand beach. This is positioned near the immensely popular St. Kilda Beach along Port Phillip Bay and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, which together offer incredible views of the Melbourne skyline. The beach is part of the Elwood Park & Elwood Foreshore Reserve, encouraging sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty, flora, and fauna of the region.

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4.1

Half Moon Bay Beach

Australia, Victoria, Black Rock

Located in the community of Black Rock, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Half Moon Bay Beach - also known as Half Moon Beach - is a 500-meter-long, crescent-shaped, golden sand beach. This beach is positioned about 20 kilometers southeast of the Melbourne city center along Port Phillip Bay and has a beautiful backdrop of red bluff cliffs, coastal vegetation, and several popular oceanfront buildings, including Black Rock Yacht Club, the Half Moon Bay Lifesaving Club, and the Cerberus Beach House Restaurant and Beach Kiosk, which together offer incredible views of the Melbourne skyline. The beach is part of the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, encouraging sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty, flora, and fauna of the region.

The beach is home to the famous HMVS Cerberus shipwreck, a historic ironclad warship visible from the shore that served in the Victorian Navy during the late 19th century. HMVS Cerberus was the first iron-hulled British warship to be designed without masts and to be powered purely by steam. In 1926, it was deliberately scuttled to serve as a breakwater. Today, HMVS Cerberus is a designated historical site that holds significance for its role in protecting Melbourne’s coast.

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4.15

Port Melbourne Beach

Australia, Victoria, Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne Beach is located in the bustling suburb of Port Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It is just a few kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and is known for its picturesque views of the city skyline and Port Philip Bay. The beach offers a mix of white sand and activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. It is popular among locals and visitors alike, providing a tranquil seaside escape with nearby shopping and dining options along Bay Street.

The area is historically significant, having been a major arrival point for European migrants post-world war and a key area during the Australian Gold Rush. Today, it is an evolving residential and recreational hub, offering a charming blend of modern and historic architecture.

The beach is easily accessible via a short drive or public transport, making it a convenient day trip from the city. With its playgrounds and parks nearby, it's also a favorite among families.

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4.05

South Melbourne Beach

Australia, Victoria, Albert Park

South Melbourne Beach, situated in Albert Park, Victoria, offers a scenic blend of oceanfront views and urban convenience. The area is known for its proximity to various amenities and attractions like the Albert Park Lake and the Melbourne Sports Precinct. While not directly a beach, it is close to Port Melbourne Beach, providing access to coastal activities. The surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of vibrant cafes, restaurants, and event spaces, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

South Melbourne Beach benefits from its location near major events like the Australian Grand Prix and the Albert Park Golf Course. This vicinity also ensures easy access to urban attractions in Melbourne city. However, the primary beachfront experience is more characteristic of nearby Port Melbourne.

The area's scenic views and lively atmosphere make it an attractive destination for casual strolls and dining experiences by the bay.

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4.05

Norman Beach

Australia, Victoria, Tidal River

Norman Beach is a stunning open-ocean beach located near the Tidal River settlement within Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia. The beach stretches approximately 1.6 kilometers and offers pristine white sand that gently slopes into turquoise waters. Surrounded by scenic hills and distant islets, it provides a picturesque setting for both relaxation and adventure. The beach is especially popular on summer weekends and during holidays, attracting visitors with its safe swimming and surfing conditions.

This beach is ideal for families as it offers shallow waters suitable for children and is adorned by granite headlands like Norman Point, which protect it from strong westerly waves. Additionally, the nearby Tidal River flows into the beach, offering extra recreational opportunities like playing in the water and exploring the riverbank.

The vibrant wildlife in the area, including kangaroos and emus, adds to the beach's charm, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and photographers.

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Cowes Beach

Australia, Victoria, Cowes

Cowes Beach, located in Cowes, Victoria, Australia, is a picturesque and tranquil destination on Phillip Island. It boasts soft white sand and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is close to the town centre, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and cafes. Cowes is known for its laid-back seaside atmosphere and is a hub for water sports and activities. The beach is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their pets along. During peak season, lifeguards are on duty, ensuring a safe environment for beachgoers.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Cowes Beach, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing. The nearby Cowes Yacht Club offers boating facilities, and scenic cruises can be taken to explore Seal Rocks and other surrounding attractions. The area is rich in wildlife and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and families alike. The beach is often bustling during the holiday season but offers a peaceful retreat during the off-season.

Cowes Beach is steeped in history, named after the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight in England. It offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.