Hey there, Victoria mums and dads! With spring rolling in, it’s time to pack the towels, snacks and sun hats—because your next family beach adventure is waiting. From peaceful bayside spots to surfy favourites, here are 10 of Victoria’s best family beaches with the key features every parent wants: safe swimming, toilets, playgrounds, parking, and food nearby.
Why it's a classic: A family beach with a buzz! Think calm water, a long promenade, ice cream stops, and even penguin-spotting at the pier.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, playgrounds, restaurants, parking
Best for: Inner-city beach days and little animal lovers
Why locals love it: This gorgeous cove has calm waters, rocky edges for exploring, and a shipwreck just offshore. Café on the sand? Yes, please!
Facilities: Toilets, café, BBQs, parking
Best for: Adventurers and snorkellers-in-training
Why it’s ideal for families: A peaceful alternative to St Kilda with views of the city skyline, shallow entry for safe paddling, and grassy picnic zones.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, playground, BBQs
Best for: Pram walks and chilled-out bay days
Why it’s a fave: Calm waters, a huge foreshore playground, and lots of space for beach cricket or sandcastle competitions.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, BBQs, playground, parking
Best for: Day trips from Melbourne and active beachgoers
Why it’s charming: The perfect mix of historic charm and safe family fun. Shallow water, white sand, and great lunch spots across the road.
Facilities: Toilets, restaurants, shaded areas, parking
Best for: Splashing, shopping and lunching with a view
Why the name fits: It’s quiet, gentle, and oh-so-easy. A calm, protected bay with BBQs and shady trees right near the sand.
Facilities: Toilets, BBQs, picnic spots, parking
Best for: Baby’s first beach day or low-key afternoons
Why it’s a Great Ocean Road highlight: Surfy on one end, calm on the other. Plus, a gorgeous main street lined with fish ‘n chip shops and ice cream.
Facilities: Toilets, lifeguards, cafés, playgrounds, parking
Best for: Beach-cation vibes and road trip fun
Why it’s great for all ages: A beautiful stretch with surf lessons, rock pools, a patrolled swimming area, and a big playground nearby.
Facilities: Lifeguards, toilets, BBQs, cafés, playground
Best for: Kids learning to surf and full-day outings
Why families return again and again: Shallow waves, clean sand, and walking distance to shops, restaurants and penguins (if you stay till dusk!)
Facilities: Toilets, restaurants, shops, BBQs
Best for: Island fun, animal lovers, and sandy snack breaks
Why it’s a gem for little ones: Flat, calm waters perfect for waders, paddlers and floating flamingos. Also home to the Bunurong Coastal Reserve.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, playgrounds, parking
Best for: Safe swimming and nature play
Victoria’s sun might not feel as fierce, but don’t be fooled—it’s just as sneaky! UV can soar in spring even when the breeze is cool, so shade is a must.
For a low-stress, shade-on-the-go option, grab yourself a SunPlay Pop-Up Beach Tent. These beauties offer UPF50+ sun protection, pop up in seconds, and give you and the kids a perfect little hideaway between swims, snack stops or nappy changes.
Because let’s face it—if the kids are comfy and covered, everyone’s happy. Pack it once and thank yourself all season long.
