Brighton Beach

The Basics

Walk the shores of one of Melbourne’s top spots and enjoy the beachy environs, whether on your own or on a tour. Some comprehensive sightseeing tours combine the bathing boxes with stops at St. Kilda, which is home to the rides and attractions at Luna Park, and other Melbourne highlights such as Royal Botanic Gardens and Arts Centre. Or, visit Bright Beach in conjunction with Phillip Island, where you can watch penguins return home at sunset.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Brighton Beach is a must-visit for families, beach lovers, and keen photographers.

• Though the boardwalk above the beach is wheelchair accessible, Brighton Beach itself is not.

• There are several kiosks selling water, snacks, and ice cream on the beach itself.

How to Get There

Brighton Beach is located only 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Melbourne's central business district, along the southeast edge of Port Phillip Bay. Public trams, trains, and buses run from central Melbourne to Brighton Beach; bus Nos. 216 and 219, and trains on the Sandringham line are the most convenient options.

When to Get There

The summer months of December, January, and February prove perfect for sunbathing and swimming on Brighton Beach; however, they also draw the largest crowds. For unobstructed photos of the bathing boxes, reach the beach before 10am.

Phillip Island

About 79 miles (127 kilometers) from Brighton Beach is Phillip Island, a nature reserve that’s most famous for its nightly penguin parade, when thousands of Australia’s smallest penguin breed waddle back to their beachside burrows after a day at sea. View the natural phenomenon from three different viewing areas inside the reserve. Book in advance to guarantee entry; bundle your ticket with other of the island's eco-tourism offerings for savings.

Why visit Brighton Beach?

You should visit Brighton Beach to see the famous local attraction, the Brighton Bathing Boxes. Brighton Beach is also home to one of the nicest and closest city beaches in Melbourne, so it’s perfect if you want to have a beach day but don’t want to travel far from the city center.

What is the beach like at Brighton?

While they’re collectively referred to as Brighton Beach, there are actually several beaches at Brighton—each with its own defining features. All of them are sand beaches with generally gentle surf; however, some are backed by seawalls or parks, while others, such as Middle Brighton Beach, have a breakwater and pier.

Is 1 day enough for Brighton Beach?

Yes, one day is plenty of time at Brighton Beach, allowing you to see the beach's iconic bathing boxes and visit some of the different beaches along its waterfront. Of course, after your first visit, you may find that you want to spend even more time by the beach.

Which train station is best for Brighton Beach?

The best train station for visiting Brighton Beach is Brighton Beach Station on the Frankston and Sandringham Line as it lets you quickly walk to the beach. If you wish to visit the Brighton Bathing Boxes, you can also use Middle Brighton Station, as the walking distance is roughly the same.

Is it safe to swim in the sea at Brighton?

Yes, it’s safe to swim at Brighton Beach although some areas are safer than others. Middle Brighton Beach is considered the safest place in the area because it’s patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, while Dendy Street Beach and Brighton Beach are relatively safe but are not patrolled.

What time does Brighton Beach close?

Brighton Beach is a public beach that doesn’t close overnight, meaning you can visit the beach at any time of day or night. It’s recommended to only swim during daylight hours and when lifeguards from the Brighton Life Saving Club are on duty at Middle Brighton Beach.