Melbourne Beaches

By Jane Halpert, a dog lover, scuba diver and freelance writer. She writes about politics and science from her home in Melbourne.

Have your car serviced regularly, particularly if you are planning a driving holiday along Victoria’s coastline. At the same time you might compare comprehensive insurance policies. It pays to shop around as prices vary dramatically.

St. Kilda Beach

Located approximately 6 km from Melbourne’s Central Business District, according to stkildamelbourne.com.au, it is one of the most popular beaches. This sandy, clean beach is famous for its promenade, pier and sea baths. Year round, it is extremely popular with both young families, walkers, cyclists, runners, swimmers, paddle boarding and sailing enthusiasts. Being as close as it is to the CBD, it has a great selection of restaurants, bars and is renowned for its nightlife and live band venues.

Melbourne is known for having two to three seasons in one day. With the possibility of chilly winds originating in the Antarctic, winter temperatures may drop as low as 6 degrees Celsius and as high as 26 degrees Celsius in summer. Bring a jacket in your beach gear, just in case the weather turns.

Check out the local artisan markets and galleries in the beach precinct, during your visit.

Great Ocean Road

Torquay to Nelson

South of Melbourne you will find the spectacular Great Ocean Road, which stretches from the famous surfing beach Torquay to Nelson on the South Australian border. Along this 400-km drive, travel resources will help you find some impressive beaches and coastal scenery.

Geelong

You may base yourself in Geelong (approximately a 70-minute drive south from Melbourne), which is Victoria’s second largest city. This city is home to pubs, nightclubs and live music venues.

Bellarine Peninsula

Close to Geelong you will find the Bellarine Peninsula, with many beautiful beaches, well known for surfing contests and spectacular coastline. These beaches include Bells Beach, Torquay and Queenscliff, where you will find rich maritime history as well as great swimming, surfing, fishing and boating. According to Skateboarding Australia, Geelong has a long history with skateboarding.

Apollo Bay

Along the Great Ocean Road is Apollo Bay where you can horse ride along the beach at sunset, learn to surf, sea kayak or swim. Mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse in the Otway Ranges is near Apollo Bay. About an hours drive away, the real jewel in the crown in this region is the Twelve Apostles, which are twelve 45-m high stacks of limestone rock. Still known as the Twelve Apostles, states visitmelbourne.com, there are only Eleven Apostles as one recently dropped into the ocean. The rocks stand in the middle of the Great Ocean Road, approximately 260 km from Melbourne’s CBD in the middle of rainforests, rugged coastline and world-class views. Remember to pack your camera and a light jacket in case the weather changes.

The Great Ocean Road is really one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. Not only because of it’s beautiful beaches, but also the rich scenery and majestic natural phenomena.