Surfing in Melbourne: Top 10 Beaches to Start Your Adventure Outdoors

Long story short, you won't be getting bored easily here. And if you don't believe us, head over to the following Melbourne beaches and try them out yourself. You won't regret it.

Let's move on to the list. Here are the top 10 Melbourne beaches and what you can do in each of them. Make sure to plan out a day for each since there are tons of things to do in those.

Brighton Beach is one of the most popular Melbourne beaches out there. In case you don't know, it is divided into three sections - Upper Brighton Beach, Middle Brighton Beach, and Dendy Street Beach. Each of them is just 30 minutes away from Melbourne's Central Business District, and you can get there by catching a bus 216 or 219 from Melbourne CBD.

You can cycle down the scenic coastal route by renting a bike from Brighton Beach Bikes, which is located next to the Brighton Pier. There are many bathing huts found along the stretch of the beach, which turn it in an artistic masterpiece of its own, looking even more beautiful with the changing seasons. The Royal Brighton Yacht Club offers up to three first sails, and if you're new to sailing or want to try out, you're welcome. Walk along Church Street, and you'll find many avenues for shopping such as chic fashion outlets, boutique stores, and many beauty brands.

If it's a rainy day when you can't enjoy the beach, head over to the Palace Brighton Bay on Bay Street or the Palace Dandy Brighton on Church Street for some popcorn and movies. It's fun! For an evening of relaxation, don't forget to try out the amazing Brighton Baths, which you can enjoy by availing a day pass for only $29.99.

Apollo Bay is an absolute treat when it comes to touring Melbourne beaches. Head out for the local seafood cuisine and reel in your catch by going on a few fishing adventures with the locals. If you want an amazing seaside dinner, try out Chris's at Beacon Point and feel free to go shopping at Apollo Bay's gift shop on Saturdays. You can buy fresh produce at the town center which is located alongside the Great Ocean Road.

If you've got the energy to spare, go out surfing with your friends or rent a kayak, and explore the coastal lines. The Cape Otway Light station is a must-visit site for tourists, and if you hire a guide, you will learn about the many tales of shipwrecks in the past that occurred along the coast. Many dolphins can be spotted on the sea below the lighthouse, and you may encounter koalas during your forest drive to this destination. There is also an Aboriginal Cultural Site nearby where you will learn the art of painting, spear throwing, and other fun things. The Light Keeper's Kitchen Cafe is also nearby and offers plenty of snacks and refreshments for those moments when you're hungry for a bite.

If there's one reason to visit one of the best Melbourne beaches, Philip Island, it would be the penguin parade. Stay near the boardwalk during sunsets, and you'll see over 1100 wild penguins marching by. There are bleachers found on the beach from where you can enjoy the view with your family. If you want to see Sea Lions, then head over to the Nobbies Center. You will find Seal Rocks over there and even boardwalks that let you get close to the coastal side.

Inside the Nobbies Center, you will enjoy a virtual journey from Philip Island to Antarctica via a multitude of unique exhibits and interactive multimedia displays.

A bit off the coast of Philip Island is the Churchill Island Heritage Town, where you will find people milking cows, sheep shearing, and even cracking whips. You can visit this place with your kids and even milk a cow yourself for fun. If you like Koalas and want to see them in their natural habitat, then you should pay a visit to the Koala Conservation Center.

Frankston Pier gives you wonderful views of the beach and is a pleasant area for evening strolls. Since you're near the Pier, you want to check out the beach as well while you're at it. There are a huge picnic and barbecue area nearby, and parking is available too. Since you're in Frankston, you'd also want to visit the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Center with your kids. It's got giant water sports facilities and many waterfalls, making it a hit aquatic amusement park. Besides the pools, there are gyms inside, too, and massages are available at the wellbeing center.

Head over to the Frankston foreshore to check out the sand sculpturing area. Many tourists flock here to see the surreal animal sculptures made from sand, and there's a sand zoo too. A nice serene boardwalk runs along the beach's coastline up until Oliver's Hill. This is the perfect stretch of sand for taking romantic walks, and you will find many cafes and restaurants along the way. The sunset view at the waterfront is simply superb. If you want to take photos, head there when it's dawn or dusk for the perfect click.

For long walks, travel down the boardwalk and explore the dune scenery around you. The boardwalk runs from Wells Street to Oliver's Hill and covers a lot of the coastal habitat. You'll even be able to get nice views of Port Philip from here, and if you're stopping by the Pier, look for the "secret message" on the flags, which is 22-letters long.

You can end your day after visiting the Pier by taking a trip to the Ballam Park Homestead. Guided tours are open from 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays, and you will delight in visiting the museum and taking a look at the old-century sheds inside the homestead. An ice cream truck is known to show up just outside the park nearby here, which makes it a treat for kids.

The Mornington Peninsula is one of the most raved Melbourne Beaches, and there's a good reason why. You will never get bored the minute you land here. Start by soaking in a glimpse of the 1300 beach boxes lining along the coast and go for a winery tour for fun. There are two breweries nearby, which are the Red Hill Brewery and the Mornington Peninsula Brewery where you can enjoy the finest wines and mocktails. If you fancy a dive into the crystal-clear waters, take a plunge from the Blairgowrie Jumping Rock near Bridgewater Bay.

Enjoy a picnic with your family at Sorrento Beach. The Fish Fetish restaurant there is famous and serves up some of the best fish and chips in the region. For enjoying a gorgeous sunset by the oceanside, head over to Cape Schanck, which offers stunning vantage points. The sprawling rock formations along the coastline of the Peninsula are a visual treat for the eyes as well, making it a perfect spot for photography too. If you visit the Peninsula during the summer months of October to April, you'll even spot some seals and dolphins in the waters while you take a swim.

Hop on the Skybus from the Melbourne Airport to get to St. Kilda. It's a beautiful beach that's waiting to be explored. If you're traveling solo, rent a bike from St. Kilda Bicycles and cycle down the coastal path. Head over to Republica for some refreshing cocktails and a nice dinner. If you crave Matcha, then the Matcha Mylkbar is at your service. End your evening by spending time wandering the Botanical Gardens. If you are in the mood for shopping, you can get on the tram to head over to the Melbourne City Center. The Night Market and the Eureka Sky Tower are two spots you want to explore besides the Melbourne beaches here.

Sunny days are perfect for visiting this beach since you can go sunbathing. You will find many people doing HIIT, cardio, and their variations of workouts along the line of this beach in the mornings and evenings. Feel free to join them if you want. Other things to do at Melbourne beaches like St. Kila are fun beach volleyball sessions with friends, swimming, sailing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. We also recommend trying out Mr. Natural Pizza Place if you're hungry for some grub or having a snack at the Beachcomber Cafe if you want something light.

Port Campbell National Park houses several attractions, which is why it's considered to be one of the best Melbourne beaches for tourists. From the rock formations elegantly sculpted by the ocean waves known as the 'Twelve Apostles' to the Loch Ard Gorge, you will see many sites along your way down the Great Ocean Road.

If you want to go birdwatching, try visiting the Mutton bird Island, which is home to wonderful short-tailed creatures. The birds are known to migrate over 30,000 km annually and spend the summers in the Pacific Ocean, returning to their nesting grounds in the last week of September. The best time to see them is from January to February here. Go on the Port Campbell Discovery Walk and learn about the shipwrecks of the past. There are refreshments available at the kiosk in the Twelve Apostles visitor center in case you get hungry. Walk along the rugged coastline, take plenty of photos, and make sure not to miss the beautiful sunset.

The Peterborough Walking Track from the south side of the Bay of Martyrs carpark is ideal for short work, and you will discover the 'Falls of Halladale' on your way there. You can stretch your walk until the Wild Dog Cove if you want to make it longer and more pleasant.

The Phillip Island Nature Park is a treasure trove of wildlife and beautiful scenery for the adventurers out there. If you love seeing koalas, head over to the Koala Conservation, and walk across the boardwalks. You will find them sleeping or munching on Eucalyptus leaves in their natural habitat.

If you'd like to look at Kangaroos, head towards the Phillip Island Wildlife Park, where you will come across Australia's finest wildlife species. The emus and geese roaming around the open enclosures are a beautiful sight, making it a very enjoyable experience. If you'd like a stroll down the beach with a loved one, go to the Forrest Caves. You'll need at least 1 to 2 hours to explore the beach and even climb the rock formations there while you're at it. However, it's important to note that the caves are accessible only during low tides.

If you're traveling with kids, take them for a session of whale watching at the Pyramid Rock. You can get a 270-degree of the coast from the viewing platform, and there is car parking access too.

Williamstown Beach is a clean, airy, and sandy beach - perfect for taking long strolls when you're in the mood. It's beautiful all-year-round, and the crowds are less during the winter season. It's 22 minutes away from the Williamstown Station at Melbourne, and if you reach the back of the seawall, you will discover some amazing snorkeling spots.

The crystal-clear waters and small waves make it perfect for surfing. We recommend going during the summers since the weather is good and there are plenty of food and refreshment options at the beach too. Car parking is also not a problem.

You will find many cyclists and dog walkers passing by the clean yellow sand when you visit here. The light breeze by the oceanside and the sunshine in the mornings make for wonderful experiences too. If you're in the mood for fun and games, try going for a beach volleyball session with your friends. Swimming is also an option in case you want to go for something besides surfing.

Carrum beach is one of the best local Melbourne beaches geared towards families and kids. There's ample parking space, and the beach is accessible via a short walk from the train station. The Life Saving Station at the beach has clean toilets and a nice children's playground too.

If you'd like to enjoy sightseeing, head over to the Carrum War Memorial, which is a bit off the Nepean Highway, for fishing adventures and learning more about life at sea, the Sharkmen Fishing Charters are a must-visit attraction. You'll learn a lot about fishing here and go on boat rides to catch your feed too. For a glass of the best wine and casual conversations with friends, the Grape Expectations Australia won't disappoint you. They organize regional wine tours of the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley, where you will discover the charm of micro-breweries while sipping on the finest drinks.

Melbourne beaches are indeed a paradise for surfers, but as you can see, there is a lot more to them than that. Take your kids and family on holiday and have the time of your life at these Australian beaches with Trip.com. We make booking flights easy and getting the best deals on hotels a cinch. You can even compare prices on our website and get instant confirmation on your bookings. There's even a free cancellation policy in case you ever change your mind, and you can make the most of our skip-the-line bookings to avoid long queues and get front-row seats to the latest happening events.