Best accessible beaches in Melbourne

Here is our pick of the top accessible beaches in Melbourne to make a splash at this summer:

1. Williamstown:

A short drive or train trip from central Melbourne, Williamstown Beach is perfect for a quick dip if you live in the city. Take the plunge and enjoy some time out from the hustle and bustle of city living.

Accessibility features:

• Beach matting available seven days a week.
• Free hire of beach wheelchair and beach walking frames. Book via Hobsons Bay City Council on 300 179 944 (8am-5pm weekdays) or email [email protected].

More information here

2. Altona Beach

Another beach conveniently located within a hop, skip and jump of the city. A nice sandy beach punctuated by an iconic ocean pier makes it a great place to cool off. And don’t forget the shady promenade to take a break or check out nearby cafes for snacks.

Accessibility features:

• Beach matting down to the water, seven days a week.
• Accessible change facility with a change table and hoist available at Weaver Reserve (across the road from Altona Beach).
• Free hire of beach wheelchair and beach walking frames. Book via Hobsons Bay City Council on 300 179 944, 8am-5pm weekdays or email [email protected].

More information here

3. Mordialloc Beach

A beautiful spot to chill out and take a swim in the bay with a wide sandy beach and wooden pier. BBQs, cafes and restaurants are all close by if you want to grab a bite to eat and there are some nice green park spaces.

Accessibility features:

• 60 metres of beach matting
• Beach wheelchair available for hire via the Mordialloc Surf Life Saving Club. Details here (https://mlsc.com.au/).
• Accessible toilets

More information here

4. St Kilda Beach

Melbourne’s iconic St Kilda Beach is super convenient and close to public transport. It is also a great place for some people watching while enjoying some salt water therapy at the same time.

Accessibility features:

• Beach matting in front of the St Kilda Life Saving Club daily during the summer patrol season.
• Modi beach wheelchair for hire between the flags on weekends (12-5pm from November to April). Booking information available here.
• Changing Places facility at St Kilda Saving Club. Includes larger-than-standard accessible toilets, height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system (hoist users must bring their own sling). A Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is required to access the facility.
• Public transport connections and accessible tram stops are located along the St Kilda foreshore. Only tram routes 16, 96 and 109 are partly serviced by low floor trams.

More information here

5. Port Melbourne

Just a few kilometres from the south-western end of CBD, stop in at Port Melbourne Beach for some chill out time. A nice sandy beach, calm water and a great spot to take in the sunset.

Accessibility features:

• Mobi beach wheelchair is available seven days a week from 12 to 5 pm, during summer from the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club. Bookings are required on weekends, but 'rock up' appointments from Monday to Friday. Booking details here.
• Beach matting in front of the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club daily during summer patrol season

More information here

6. Hampton Beach:

Located south of Melbourne between Brighton and Sandringham, this spot features great coastal views, particularly southwards to Picnic Point in Sandringham. There is also a boat harbour and pier. However, the ramp to get down to the beach can be a little steep (about an eight degree slope), so wheelchair users may need assistance.

Accessibility features:

• 40m beach access matting to the water
• Beach wheelchairs for hire Saturdays and Sundays, midday-4.30pm during life saver patrol season (typically December to early April). Bookings must be submitted before 4pm on the Friday before the weekend you plan to use the beach wheelchair. Bookings here: https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au...
• Accessible toilet attached to Life Saving Club

More information here