‘Beaches’ might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a day trip with the kids to Melbourne, but we’d say there are more than a lot of places absolutely gorgeous for the whole family. enjoy.
From the city center to the Great Ocean Road, Victoria has no shortage of scenic beaches to drive to, each with its own personality. Shallow waters, playgrounds and pristine sandy beaches are at the forefront here, so check out some of the best child-friendly beaches in Melbourne and Victoria.
Williamstown Beach
Perhaps the best place in town to admire the sunset, Williamstown Beach is a little haven in the city, and you never have to look far to find a good fish and chipper. If you and the family want to channel your inner hunter-gatherer, you can also try fishing off the end of the pier. With views over Port Phillip Bay, a long sandy beach and shallow waves close to shore, Williamstown Beach is definitely one of the best kid-friendly beaches in Melbourne.
Cowes Beach
This stunning north-facing beach is the perfect place to spend the day with the family, with pristine beaches and sultry blue seas. Cowes Beach has safe, shallow surf for wading, and it’s also calmer than some of the more popular options but no less pretty, so a prime contender for best child-friendly beach in Victoria. There are also plenty of lawns nearby for a picnic, so be sure to load up the basket.
Normandy Bay
Wilson’s Prom main beach is Normandy Bay, a short walk along the Tidal River to the sandbars, which then opens into a wide ocean inlet. With gorgeous views and plenty of space, it’s an absolute marvel. Tidal River is perfect for dipping your feet in if your kids aren’t too familiar with the water, making it one of the best kid-friendly beaches Victoria has to offer.
Brighton Beach
With dozens and dozens of brightly painted bathing huts lined up along the beach, Brighton Beach is a sight for sore eyes. Definitely one of the most picturesque places to sunbathe, it is also ideal for relaxing with the family due to the calm waters and the ideal location. There are also plenty of little cafes and restaurants nearby in case you and the crew get peckish, so bring a blanket and laze on the sand while you eat and take in the incredible views.
Melbourne South Beach
We’re sticking to downtown for this one, but we have a good reason. South Melbourne Beach is tidy and quiet, and perfect for bringing the little ones there. There’s the beach, of course, to soak up the sun and surf, but there’s also a water-themed playground nearby for the kids to enjoy (and get a little tired). Melbourne South Beach is definitely one of the best kid-friendly beaches.
Half Moon Bay
Say what you want of an inland Melbourne beach, but Half Moon Bay is a real treasure in the city, especially for families. Located in the bayside suburb of Black Rock, the cliff-lined beach with shallow water at low tide is perfect for all swimming levels. At dusk, it is littered with many fish and chip lovers attending the scenes.
Mont Marthe Beach
The pinnacle of the peninsula’s seaside offer, Mount Martha has a gorgeous beach right in the heart of town; a long stretch of sand stretches from the tip of the cliff to Mornington. Being a bay beach, you don’t have to worry about rips or waves, just soft blue water that glistens in the sun; there are also many beautiful nooks around the cliff edge of Mount Martha that are great for snorkeling and fishing.
Chelsea Beach
Chelsea Beach has absolutely everything for a day out with the family, a barbecue area, a nearby playground, lots of shade, a clean beach and some pretty spectacular emerald-colored waves. There are plenty of shallow sections to paddle near the seafront, making this one of the best kid-friendly beaches in Melbourne.
Lorne Beach
About an (incredibly scenic) 2-hour drive from Melbourne, Lorne’s beaches are some of the most beautiful Melbourne has to offer. The scenic bay is sheltered from the wind and with the Otway hinterland as a backdrop it is a magical place to swim, just make sure to stay between the flags on the main beach if you are not too comfortable with the waves.
For more things to do with the kids, go This way.
Image credit: Urban List, Visit Vic
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