Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get our top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Header image courtesy of Matthew Smith (via Unsplash)
Australia is known for having some of the best beaches in the world, and it undoubtedly has one of the biggest beaching (yes, it’s a thing) and surfing cultures in the world. What’s amazing about visiting the Land Down Under is that their summer is our winter!
Anytime you are dying for some sun and blue waters between December to February, just head down to Melbourne, where you can find amazing beaches just a short distance from the city centre. Here's a list of the best sandy strips in Melbourne to go sunny side up.
If you are looking for a low-key and underrated beach, then Dromana Beach is ideal. Located an hour’s drive south of Melbourne’s city centre, it is worth the cruise if you have access to a car. You can also take the train from Flinders Street heading to Frankston, then switch to bus 788 to Portsea and alight at Dromana Hub SC. Dromana Beach is beautiful because it is quite empty—most visitors are not aware of it yet, so you might have the beach all to yourself. Plus, the water is super clean and crystal-clear so definitely take a dip as well.
Brighton Beach is a Melbourne classic because of its colourful bathing huts lined up along the sand. Its colour-blocking combinations will definitely have you snapping photos! During the summer months, it can get rather crowded and busy, but it is extremely easy to get to. Brighton Beach is a 25-minute car ride south from Melbourne and a 35-minute train ride from Flinders Street railway station, with trains departing every 15 minutes.
You don’t need to go all the way to Europe in order to find a nude beach, as there are quite a few right here in Melbourne. One such option is Sunnyside North Beach, which is located an hour’s drive from the city. It’s a small and intimate beach just to the right of the Mornington Country Golf Club. Sunnyside North Beach is the ideal place for one to feel comfortable and liberated in their own bodies just outside the city. Being nude is optional, but if you are trying to avoid any unwanted tan lines, then this is the place for you to do so comfortably.
If you are looking for something a little more rural, then Sorrento Ocean Beach is as far away as you can get. Right on the other side of Port Phillip Bay facing Melbourne is this stunning beach with soft white sand and a rocky coastline that faces out towards the Bass Strait, the sliver of ocean between Tasmania and Australia. One will be able to spot super cool rock formations at low tide when rock pools form at this peninsular beach and stop by the spectacular oceanfront café called All Smiles Sorrento Ocean Beach.
For dog lovers out there missing their pets back home, don’t you worry, there are plenty of dog beaches for you to visit in Melbourne. You will be able to lounge in the sun while also enjoying the company of local pups at Port Melbourne Dog Beach, accessible via a 30-minute walk from the city centre—extremely convenient for those staying downtown.
St Kilda Beach is one of the more popular seaside destinations in the city of Melbourne, studded with waterfront bars and restaurants. With plenty to see and do, walkers, joggers, windsurfers, and rollerbladers are all sharing and enjoying the beach right alongside you.
Check out the Iconic St Kilda Pier for a stroll during sunset—the views are to die for. If you are lucky, you may even spot penguins after dusk, diving into the water from the pier.
Rosslyn is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Montreal—however, her interests run far beyond the classroom. She craves hands-on learning through new experiences in different countries and cultures. Raised in Hong Kong, she’s had the privilege to travel to numerous Asia-Pacific regions within arm’s reach. Therefore, with any spare time available, Rosslyn is up for new adventures, whether it be action-packed or simply lounging by the beach soaking up some rays.
Top