Brighton Bathing Boxes, Melbourne - a row of colorful beach huts sitting on top of a sandy beach
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Brighton Bathing Boxes Melbourne

4.4
·11k reviews·Brighton, Australia

Iconic & much-photographed group of 96 brightly coloured wooden beach huts from the early 1900s.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon/Sunset

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Brighton Bathing Boxes, Melbourne - a row of colorful beach huts sitting on top of a sandy beach

Brighton Bathing Boxes Melbourne

Best Time

Late afternoon/Sunset

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic & much-photographed group of 96 brightly coloured wooden beach huts from the early 1900s.

4.4
(11k reviews)

"An iconic Melbourne landmark that’s as colourful in person as it is in photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.

🚶‍♀️ Explore by Foot

Walk along the beach to appreciate each unique box and enjoy the coastal views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Colorful Row

The Colorful Row

Dendy Street Beach

A vibrant spectacle of 96 unique, brightly painted wooden beach huts lining the shore.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Brighton Beach

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with color, reflecting beautifully on the water.

Unique Beach Huts

Unique Beach Huts

Along the Esplanade

Each box boasts its own distinct design and artwork, offering endless photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Photos

Visit during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light and fewer crowds. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more relaxed experience for capturing those iconic shots.

Access & Amenities

While the boxes themselves are private, the beach is public. Public toilets and changing facilities are available nearby, though some Redditors suggest changing behind the boxes if needed. Public transport is an option, but can be a bit of a walk.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon/Sunset
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Finally saw whats inside a these Brighton Boxes!! And literally #imkompyused 😂 I didn’t realise how expensive it is to own one if these houses - a quarter of a million 🥲 But most of these are handed down from generations so its rare to go on sale!! Sana all! Anyways the owners of this Australian beach hut were so patient and kind to let us all tourists to take photos and even come inside! So nice...
@themommyroves
1K likes • 74.2K views

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore by Foot

Walk along the beach to appreciate each unique box and enjoy the coastal views. Reddit

Replying to @Ria Biel whats inside the Beach Boxes at Brighton #brightonbeachboxes #brightonbeachmelbourne #beachbathingbox #colourfulbeachbathingbox #visitmelbourne #whatsinside #ivewonderedthatmyself
@augustnumbat
957 likes • 48.3K views
One of the most iconic landmarks in Melbourne - the Brighton Bathing boxes situated on Brighton Beach 🧡 Just a 45 min drive from the CBD or a 40 min tram ride on the sandringham line from flinders station will take you to Melbournes Brighton district. We visited for the sunset and we were not disappointed- definitely one of the best sunsets we’ve seen in a while ✨ Bring your camera and capture so...
thefancybackpackers
40 likes • 2.5K views

🚗 Consider Transport

Public transport is an option, but can involve a walk. Taxis or ride-sharing might be easier. TikTokReddit

💰 Private Ownership

Boxes are privately owned and not accessible inside. TikTok

Nothing is more iconic than the bathing boxes in Brighton Beach, Melbourne! Been to this beach for a few times now, but I’d say this time I visited in quite decent time when no one was really around. Last time I came was during summer and it wasn’t very ideal because obviously more people come down to the beach and the owners of the bathing boxes are there so you can’t really take photos in fron...
tika_andhini
875 likes • 15.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore by Foot

Walk along the beach to appreciate each unique box and enjoy the coastal views. Reddit

🚗 Consider Transport

Public transport is an option, but can involve a walk. Taxis or ride-sharing might be easier. TikTokReddit

💰 Private Ownership

Boxes are privately owned and not accessible inside. TikTok

☀️ Sunny Day Essential

A sunny day enhances the vibrant colors and overall experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Brighton Bathing Boxes, calling them an iconic and photogenic Melbourne landmark. The vibrant colors and unique designs are a major draw, creating a cheerful and inspiring atmosphere. While some find public transport a bit challenging, the overall experience is described as clean, peaceful, and a must-see for its unique charm.

"I recently visited the Brighton Bath Box on a day with a beautiful clear blue sky, and it was an amazing experience. The vibrant colors of the beach boxes looked even more striking against the bright sky and sparkling water. Walking along the shoreline, I felt relaxed and inspired by the peaceful atmosphere and the gentle sound of the waves.

The area was easy to access, and there was plenty of space to enjoy a stroll or just sit and take in the views. I couldn’t resist taking lots of photos—the combination of the colorful boxes, golden sand, and blue sky made every shot look incredible.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Brighton Bath Box, especially on a sunny day. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day out, capturing great photos, and enjoying the unique charm of Melbourne’s coastline."

Sujinda Jarubhat (CuteCuteChannel)

"I recently visited this amazing place in Melbourne, and I absolutely loved it! It has a unique charm that's distinct to the city, making it a standout destination. The environment was impeccably clean, which added to the overall pleasant experience.

The only downside was that it's a bit challenging to access using public transportation. If you're planning a visit, consider alternative transport options for a smoother journey.

Overall, it's definitely worth checking out for its unique Melbourne vibe and cleanliness!"

Bayu Putra Dananjaya

"An iconic Melbourne landmark that’s as colourful in person as it is in photos. The Brighton Bathing Boxes line the beach with unique designs, making it a perfect spot for photography. The beach itself is clean, peaceful, and offers a great view of the city skyline in the distance. Best visited on a sunny day for those postcard-perfect shots. A must-see for visitors and locals alike."

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What People Like

Iconic colorful landmark
Unique box designs
Beautiful beach setting

What People Dislike

Public transport access
Parking can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a train from Flinders Street Station to Brighton Beach station, which is about a 25-30 minute ride, followed by a short walk to the beach. TikTok Alternatively, a tram ride is also an option, though it might take longer. Instagram

While accessible by train, some visitors find it a bit of a walk from the station. Consider ride-sharing or cycling for a potentially smoother journey. TikTokReddit

Yes, driving is possible, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak times. Reddit

Yes, there are shared paths along the beach that are great for cycling or scootering. Reddit

You can walk, cycle, or use public transport. Consider walking to Elwood or St Kilda and catching a tram back, or walking to Sandringham for a train. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Brighton Bathing Boxes are a public attraction and free to view from the beach. TikTok

The boxes themselves are privately owned and generally not accessible inside. However, the beach area is open to everyone. TikTok

As they are privately owned structures on a public beach, there are no set opening hours. You can visit them anytime. Instagram

Renting a Brighton Bathing Box is not typically an option as they are privately owned and passed down through generations. TikTok

Owning a Brighton Bathing Box is very expensive, with prices often exceeding $300,000, and they rarely go on sale. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere. Instagram Weekdays also tend to be less crowded. Instagram

Their vibrant, unique colors and designs, set against the backdrop of the ocean and sky, make them incredibly photogenic. InstagramReddit

No, the boxes are privately owned and you cannot go inside them. TikTok

Walking along the entire stretch of boxes allows you to find your favorite designs and angles. The beach provides a great foreground. Instagram

A camera or smartphone with good photo capabilities is essential. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the full row of boxes. Instagram

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beach, have a picnic, swim (weather permitting), and enjoy the coastal views. Reddit

Yes, there are public toilets and changing facilities available, possibly within the lifesaving club building or elsewhere along the beach. Reddit

Originally built in the 1860s to uphold Victorian modesty standards, they allowed women to change and bathe without being seen. TikTok+1

They are typically used for storing beach gear like chairs and toys. Some historical listings mentioned a bed and bath, but they are not residences. TikTok

Yes, reviews consistently mention the beach being clean and well-maintained. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Brighton Bathing Boxes offer a fun and colorful outing for families. Kids will be delighted by the rainbow of huts and the opportunity to play on the sandy beach. Pack a picnic and beach toys for a perfect day out. Reddit Public toilets and changing facilities are available nearby, making it convenient for families. Reddit Consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger children, as there's a bit of a walk from the train station. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Brighton Bathing Boxes are a dream. Aim for the 'golden hours' around sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. Instagram+1 Weekdays are also ideal for capturing unobstructed shots. Instagram Experiment with different angles and compositions to showcase the unique designs of each box against the beautiful coastal backdrop. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse Inside: What's in a Bathing Box?

While the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes are a feast for the eyes from the outside, curiosity often leads to questions about what lies within. These charming structures are privately owned and primarily serve as storage for beach essentials. Think chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and other recreational gear. TikTok Some historical records and online discussions suggest that older listings might have mentioned basic amenities like a bed or even a rudimentary bath, though these are not typical features of modern boxes and certainly not indicative of them being habitable spaces. TikTok The primary purpose today is convenience for beachgoers who want to keep their equipment close by without transporting it to and from their homes each visit.

It's important to remember that these boxes are not houses or permanent dwellings. They are simple wooden structures, often passed down through generations, and their value lies in their historical significance and prime beachfront location. TikTok While you can't step inside to see the contents, their colorful exteriors and the stories they represent are what draw visitors from around the world. The owners take pride in their unique designs, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Brighton Beach. TikTok

The Historical Roots of Modesty and Morality

The Brighton Bathing Boxes, far from being just colorful beach decorations, have a fascinating history rooted in Victorian-era social norms. Built as early as the 1860s, their original purpose was to uphold strict modesty standards, particularly for women. TikTok+1 During this period, public bathing was a growing trend, but societal expectations dictated that women should change into their swimwear and bathe discreetly, away from the prying eyes of men. These small, private enclosures provided the necessary sanctuary for this.

These structures evolved from earlier 'bathing machines' – horse-drawn carts that would roll into the water, allowing bathers to enter and exit unseen. The bathing boxes offered a more permanent and accessible solution along the coastline. While their original function related to modesty, today they stand as a testament to Melbourne's enduring connection with its beaches and a symbol of the city's vibrant, creative spirit. TikTok Each box, with its unique paintwork and design, tells a story of its owners and their personal connection to this iconic stretch of coastline. Instagram

Getting There: Navigating to Brighton Beach

Reaching the Brighton Bathing Boxes is a straightforward journey, with several options available for visitors. For those coming from the Melbourne CBD, the most common method is to take a train from Flinders Street Station towards Sandringham. Alighting at Brighton Beach station places you within a short walking distance of the iconic beach huts. TikTok This train journey typically takes around 25-30 minutes, offering scenic views as you approach the coast. Instagram

While public transport is convenient, some travelers note that the walk from the station can be a bit further than expected, especially if carrying beach gear. Reddit For a potentially more direct route, consider using ride-sharing services or taxis, which can drop you closer to the beach. Cycling is also a popular option, with dedicated paths along the coastline providing a pleasant way to arrive and explore the area. Reddit Parking is available but can be competitive, so arriving early or opting for public transport is often recommended, particularly on weekends or during peak seasons. Reddit

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