South Melbourne Beach, which is directly adjacent to the very similar Port Melbourne Beach, is the closest sea bathing option to the city centre.

In total, South Melbourne and Port of Melbourne beaches measure over 3km in length and connect to the popular St. Kilda area at the southern end.

The 10 best hotels in Melbourne

Beaches and facilities

South Melbourne's beaches are long and have a combined promenade along them with a wide pedestrian walkway and a regular street for cars.

In a few places you'll find kiosks with restaurants, free toilets or showers, but large parts of the beaches are completely open and free of amenities ideal for uninterrupted relaxation.

In general, despite its proximity to the centre, South Melbourne Beach is relatively the least busy precisely because of its length and wide-open space.

The surface is very fine white sand and the entrance to the water is gradual.

How to get there

From the centre, both South Melbourne and Port Melbourne Beach can be reached by tram in 15 minutes.

Tram 109 - has a terminus at the north-west end of the beach
Tram 1 - has a terminus in the middle of South Melbourne Beach
Tram 12 - runs along the south end of the beach along Danks St (about 100 metres from the shore)