12 Best Coastal & Beach Walks Melbourne 2026

The following list of coastal and beach walks in and around Melbourne are a few of our favourites. From relaxing walks beside the surf to rugged tracks through coastal heath, the area’s diverse and interesting beaches offer something for everyone. So grab your walking buddies, fill up your water bottle and hit the beach.

1. St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach is just 6 km south of Melbourne’s CBD and is a popular day-trip location for Melburnians. Featuring a beautiful palm-tree lined boardwalk and an array of attractions and landmarks, it’s the perfect location to enjoy a walk along Melbourne’s most famous beach. Before swimming, check conditions, supervise children and swim between the red and yellow flags.

The beach’s foreshore also caters well for pedestrians, cyclists, runners, joggers and those wishing to take advantage of the many cafes, restaurants and shops located in the area. Keep an eye out for the breakwater, which is home to Melbourne’s St Kilda Little Penguins who make an appearance at dusk. Book a free penguin-viewing ticket before visiting.

• Address: Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/fh1Jh93FPy2tGUco8

2. Yarra Bend Park and Dights Falls

Yarra Bend Park in Fairfield, Victoria, is a beautiful riverside bushland reserve boasting cliffs, a Par 3 Golf Course with 9 challenging holes set within native bushland, native plants and animals, picnic areas, playgrounds, sporting facilities, walking tracks and more.

There are many different walks you can choose from within the park. One of the most popular is the Dights Falls Loop walk. Follow the banks of the Yarra River to Dights Falls, a favourite for picnics.

• Address: Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/wL8pDgygEgEFDEGZ8

3. Brighton Beach

The multicoloured Brighton Bathing Boxes make Brighton Beach one of Melbourne’s most picturesque beaches. With sweeping views of Melbourne’s CBD, Brighton Beach is a favourite for walkers, runners, sunbathers, swimmers and more.

Brighton Beach forms part of Melbourne’s Bay Trail and is ideal for a stroll along the boardwalk and a trip into Brighton, an area rich in history and immigrant heritage. There are many cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and attractions to explore in Brighton.

• Address: Brighton Beach is located along the Bay Trail, which stretches from Port Melbourne to Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Re3HAtNR14ov8NKD7

4. Half Moon Bay

The crescent-shaped Half Moon Bay located in Black Rock is known for its historic shipwreck HMVS Cerberus, great fishing, beautiful sandbanks and more. It’s a favourite for families, snorkelling and swimming, but check conditions, supervise children and swim between the red and yellow flags.

Half Moon Bay is home to Victoria’s oldest surf life saving club, the Half Moon Bay Surf Life Saving Club, as well as the Black Rock Yacht Club.

• Address: Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/3NqHF39G78g2EsLP9

5. Cape Schanck to Gunnamatta Beach (Fingal Beach Walk)

The beautiful Fingal Beach Walk is a 3 km return walk through native bushland on the Mornington Peninsula. The walk commences at Fingal Picnic Area off Cape Schanck Road and travels through coastal Moonah woodland.

Follow the track through bushland and descend the steep stairs to Fingal Beach. A longer 5 km walk from Fingal Picnic Area leads towards Gunnamatta Beach. High tides can prevent passage along the beach, so check tides and current park conditions before attempting the extension.

• Address: Fingal Picnic Area, Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Ex3voKXVARAEVMiE9

6. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park is perfect for bushwalking, wildlife spotting and swimming. Covering over 50,000 hectares, Wilsons Promontory National Park is Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness. One of Wilsons Promontory National Park’s highlights is its popular Squeaky Beach, renowned for its squeaky white sand.

Tidal River is a popular base within Wilsons Promontory and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. If you’re feeling fit and keen to see Wilsons Promontory National Park’s beautiful views then hike to Mount Oberon via the Mount Oberon Summit Walk.

• Address: Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/gkNENVJRMSZMxyRFA

7. George Bass Coastal Walk

The 7 km George Bass Coastal Walk leads walkers along a cliff-top track from Punchbowl Road at San Remo to the Bass Highway at Kilcunda. Walkers will be rewarded with a feast for the senses as they explore lush bushland, pristine white sand beaches and lagoons unseen by all but locals, along this stunning piece of Bass Coast coastline.

Take a serene and scenic stroll along the George Bass Coastal Walk. Allow approximately two hours, one way, at an average fitness level.

• Address: The walk stretches from Punchbowl Road in San Remo to the Bass Highway in Kilcunda, Victoria, Australia
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/NBsHKrD7HXfQbVqx6

8. Surf Coast Walk

The Surf Coast Walk commences at Point Impossible near Torquay and finishes at Fairhaven, totalling a distance of 44 km.

With twelve different sections, the picturesque Surf Coast Walk offers a choice of outings for different types of walkers. Match your ability and experience to the section you choose.

• Address: The walk starts at Point Impossible near Torquay and ends in Fairhaven, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/GiWkWkKpaAucjxSm9

9. Bushrangers Bay Walking Trail

This moderately challenging trail near Cape Schanck, Victoria is about 5.2 km return. Start at the trailhead at the Cape Schanck car park. Follow the track through the bushland all the way down to the beach at Bushrangers Bay.

You’ll likely encounter wildlife including kangaroos. Return via the same route.

• Address: The trail starts at the Cape Schanck car park, Cape Schanck, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/boogWGP563gpgs6u8

10. Bayside Coastal Trail

Take in the sights as you explore the Bayside Coastal Trail Network, which follows 17 km of coastline from Brighton to Beaumaris. Walk or cycle through a variety of coastal suburbs.

The Bayside Coastal Trail offers a way to explore Melbourne’s bays, beaches and headlands on foot or by bike.

• Address: The Bayside Coastal Trail Network follows the coast from Brighton to Beaumaris, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/7hyYmovgQzquNYSx5

11. Surf Coast Trek

This charity trekking event offers challenging walks along the Surf Coast Walk. Event routes have included the 26 km Anglesea Trek starting at Anglesea and the 40 km Surf Coast Trek from Aireys Inlet to Torquay. Check the organiser’s current route and entry details.

Individuals and teams taking part in the Surf Coast Trek commit to achieving a fundraising goal which goes towards Kids+ and the Give Where You Live Foundation in Geelong. These event requirements do not apply to independent walks along the public trail.

• Address: An organised event along the Surf Coast Walk, Victoria, Australia. Check the organiser’s current route and start details.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/TQZCVRt5zE6xfiaM9

12. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

The full Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail runs for 23 km from near West Gate Bridge in Spotswood to Skeleton Creek in Altona Meadows, via Williamstown and Altona. Enjoy the beauty of the foreshore and parkland along the way.

The trail passes the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, with marine life to look out for along the way.

• Address: The trail runs from near West Gate Bridge in Spotswood to Skeleton Creek in Altona Meadows, via Williamstown and Altona, Victoria, Australia.
• Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/SEmZR9abup3kUixq9

Best Coastal & Beach Walks Melbourne Highlights

Here are a few highlights from our list of coastal and beach walks in Melbourne and the surrounding region.

• The most iconic beach: St Kilda Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views across Port Phillip Bay.
• The most picturesque beach: Brighton Beach, famous for its colorful bathing boxes and vibrant neighborhood.
• The most serene coastal walk: George Bass Coastal Walk, offering picturesque paths, hidden lagoons, and jaw-dropping coastal scenery.
• The best national park for coastal walks: Wilsons Promontory National Park, featuring various trails and breathtaking landscapes.
• The most secluded beach: Half Moon Bay, an isolated beach in Black Rock, popular for snorkeling and romantic strolls.
• The longest coastal trail: Surf Coast Walk, a 44 km trail from Point Impossible near Torquay to Fairhaven, offering stunning coastal views and encounters with wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most iconic beach in Melbourne?

Busy but fun St Kilda Beach has great views across the bay.

Which beach is famous for its colorful bathing boxes?

Brighton Beach has colourful bathing boxes and a buzzing atmosphere.

What is the longest coastal trail in Melbourne?

The Surf Coast Walk runs for 44 km from Point Impossible near Torquay to Fairhaven, outside metropolitan Melbourne.

Are these coastal walks suitable for all fitness levels?

From short, family-friendly urban walks to challenging treks through pristine national parks, these walks offer something for different abilities and experience. Match your ability and experience to the walks.

Can I access these coastal walks using public transport?

St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach can be accessed by public transport. For Cape Schanck and Wilsons Promontory National Park, a rental car or an organised tour may be more convenient.