Beside the Seaside

Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods Beside the Seaside

Port Melbourne Roberto Seba

Waves on the Beach Dominic Bede Isaiah RAAF Museum

When the temperature rises, take yourself to one of Melbourne’s local beaches. There’s so much to explore, from awesome swimming spots to enchanting wildlife.

Pure Port

Jump on the number 109 tram to Port Melbourne. The beach here is loved by locals, who hit the sand to walk its length, often with their dogs. Head west and follow the boardwalk to historic Princes Pier. Just away from the water, you can walk through Garden City, an estate of 322 Britishstyle houses built between 1926 and 1948 around open public spaces. When your walking tour is over, hit bustling Bay Street and take a seat in the garden at Ciao Cielo 14 . +ciaocielo.com.au

Southern Sunshine

It’s a nine-kilometre stretch of sand that starts near the mouth of the Patterson River near Carrum, but you’ll definitely want to check out beach around Frankston Pier. You sometimes get small waves here, but it’s great for a swim, with lifesavers keeping watch during the summer months. There’s a great boardwalk and some excellent playgrounds to round out the summer fun. Waves on the Beach 15 is a popular, casual restaurant with great views of the sunset when you reach day’s end. +wavesonthebeach.com.au

That’s the Point

It’s the birthplace of the RAAF, but the RAAF Museum 16 at Point Cook is not the only reason to visit this bayside suburb. For bird lovers, there’s no better place in Melbourne to pull out the binoculars than Point Cook Coastal Park. On the sand flats and in Cheetham Wetlands, you’ll spot big numbers of migratory species. For divers and snorkellers, the rocky reefs of Point Cook Marine Sanctuary, just off shore, harbour a huge diversity of underwater life. +airforce.gov.au

’Allo, Altona

When summer comes, the water at Altona Beach fills with sounds of splashing as everyone jumps in. There are walks right along the shoreline if you want to stretch your legs, but you can also head inland and do the 3.5-kilometre circuit around Cherry Lake. Beat the heat by exploring the trails early in the morning – you can get there on the Werribee line train – then get brekkie at Bezirk 17 . This relaxed yet stylish cafe uses local produce and suppliers, and serves up dishes like chilli scramble and banana and butterscotch hotcakes. +bezirk.com.au

Bezirk

Plan your journey

+ptv.vic.gov.au

The Fashion Capital

Chadstone

With more than 550 stores, you’ll be able to browse the day away at Chadstone. Most of the luxury brands, including newcomer Longchamp, can be found here under the one roof, so prepare to splurge. It’s also the only place in Melbourne where you can visit Alexander McQueen and Tod’s stores. When you’re done shopping, there are a number of dining precincts as well as options for entertainment. Treat the kids to a visit to Legoland or take a load off at Hoyts. +chadstone.com.au