Best Melbourne Beaches to Visit This Summer

Summer in Melbourne means long days, warm evenings, and plenty of time outdoors. The city is perfectly placed on the edge of Port Phillip Bay, giving you easy access to some of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re after golden sand, calm waters, or the perfect sunset, there’s a beach for every mood.

Here are five of the best beaches to visit this summer — and how you can reach them easily by public transport.

 

 

St Kilda Beach 🏖️

St Kilda is Melbourne’s most famous beach — and for good reason. It’s the place to soak up the sun, swim in calm waters, or wander along the palm-lined foreshore. At the end of the pier you might even spot the colony of little penguins that appear at dusk. With Luna Park, Acland Street’s cake shops, and live music bars nearby, it’s as much about the vibe as the beach itself.

• Why students love it: Perfect for grabbing gelato with friends after class, watching penguins at dusk, or joining weekend beach volleyball games.
• How to get there: From Journal Campus House (172 Bouverie Street, Carlton)
  Walk to UniMelb Stop 1 → take tram 1 (southbound) into the city → transfer to tram 96 (East Brunswick ↔ St Kilda Beach) → ride to the end.
  ⏱️ Around 35–40 minutes.

 

Elwood Beach 🌿

Just south of St Kilda, Elwood is loved by locals for its relaxed vibe. You’ll find space for swimming, paddle boarding, cycling, or evening BBQs on the grass. It has a wide sandy beach and a community feel — perfect for a slower summer day.

• Why students love it: Ideal for a relaxed weekend BBQ, playing frisbee on the grass, or cycling down the scenic foreshore trail. Walk a little further to Point Ormond Reserve (about 10–15 minutes) for one of the best sunset views in Melbourne, with the city skyline in the distance.
• How to get there: From Journal Campus House (172 Bouverie Street, Carlton)
  From UniMelb Stop 1, take tram 67 towards Carnegie → get off at Elsternwick Station (Stop 44). From there, walk about 20 minutes along Ormond Road to the beach, or take bus 246/600/922/923 for a few stops to Elwood.
  ⏱️ Around 45 minutes.

 

Brighton Beach 🎨

Brighton is instantly recognisable for its colourful Bathing Boxes, lined up neatly along the sand. They’re one of Melbourne’s most photographed landmarks — and a great backdrop for a summer picnic. The beach itself is wide and calm, with clear water that’s perfect for a swim. Stay for the evening to catch one of the best sunsets in the bay.

• Why students love it: A great day trip spot for photoshoots, picnics with friends, and Instagram-worthy sunset shots.
• How to get there: From Journal Campus House (172 Bouverie Street, Carlton)
  From UniMelb Stop 1, take any tram into the city → get off at Flinders Street Station → take the Sandringham line train → get off at Middle Brighton or Brighton Beach Station. From there, walk 15–20 minutes to Dendy Street Beach.
  ⏱️ About 55 minutes.

 

Williamstown Beach ⚓

Image: Public domain

 

A classic seaside escape with a slower pace. Williamstown Beach has shallow water, wide sand, and plenty of grassy spots for a picnic or a BBQ. From the shoreline you can see the Melbourne skyline across the bay — a reminder that you’re only a short trip from the city even though it feels like a small coastal town.

• Why students love it: A peaceful escape from the city buzz — perfect for reading, picnic catch-ups, or enjoying fish and chips on the sand.
• How to get there: From Journal Campus House (172 Bouverie Street, Carlton)
  From UniMelb Stop 1, take a tram into the city → get off at Flinders Street Station → take the Williamstown line train (some services require a change at Newport) → get off at Williamstown Beach Station → 5–10 minute walk to the sand.
  ⏱️ About 50 minutes.

 

Half Moon Bay 🌊

Image: Accessible Beaches Australia

A hidden gem in Black Rock with dramatic cliffs, clear water, and the historic HMVS Cerberus shipwreck just offshore. Perfect for a day of snorkelling and exploring.

• Why students love it: A more adventurous option — great for snorkelling, exploring the cliffs, or making it a full-day summer trip with friends.
• How to get there: From Journal Campus House (172 Bouverie Street, Carlton)
  From UniMelb Stop 1, take a tram into the city → get off at Flinders Street Station → take the Sandringham line train to Sandringham Station → outside the station, transfer to bus 600/922/923 towards Black Rock/Half Moon Bay → get off on Beach Road and walk 5–10 minutes down to the bay.
  ⏱️ About 1 hour 10 minutes.

 

✨ Summer tip: Always bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. The Melbourne sun can be stronger than you think.

 

Beaches in Melbourne are more than just places to swim — they’re where friendships are made, sunsets are shared, and weekends feel like holidays. Living at Journal Campus House means you’re connected to all of it. So grab your mates, hop on a tram, and let this summer be full of memories by the bay.

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