Elwood Beach
A scenic Melbourne beach known for its stunning sunsets, family-friendly waters, and active foreshore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best sunset views
Elwood Beach
Best Time
Best sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic Melbourne beach known for its stunning sunsets, family-friendly waters, and active foreshore.
"This beautiful beach has become part of my weekend routine. I visit almost every week, and it never loses its charm."
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Popular sunset spot! Get there early to snag the best views and photo ops. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Great for skating, cycling, and walking. Bring your gear for active fun! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Point Ormond Lookout Sunset
Point Ormond Lookout
Catch breathtaking sunsets over the Melbourne skyline. A popular, vibrant spot for photos and relaxation.
Elwood Beach Promenade
Elwood Beach Foreshore
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, skate, or cycle along the scenic foreshore with ocean breezes and city views.
Accessible Beach Program
Elwood Beach
Enjoy summer days with accessible beach matting and Mobi-Chairs for easier access to the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Spectacle: Arrive Early!
Beach Conditions & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Popular sunset spot! Get there early to snag the best views and photo ops.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Great for skating, cycling, and walking. Bring your gear for active fun! :athletic_shoe:
☕ Coffee by the Sea
Many nearby cafes offer a perfect spot to enjoy coffee with ocean views. :coffee:
🌊 Gentle Waves for Swimmers
Water is generally shallow and waves are calm, ideal for families and beginner swimmers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Popular sunset spot! Get there early to snag the best views and photo ops.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Great for skating, cycling, and walking. Bring your gear for active fun! :athletic_shoe:
☕ Coffee by the Sea
Many nearby cafes offer a perfect spot to enjoy coffee with ocean views. :coffee:
🌊 Gentle Waves for Swimmers
Water is generally shallow and waves are calm, ideal for families and beginner swimmers.
🚗 Parking Availability
Paid parking is available nearby, so factor that into your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elwood Beach is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, family-friendly shallow waters, and vibrant sunset views from Point Ormond Lookout. Visitors appreciate the accessible facilities and the variety of activities available along the foreshore, from skating to enjoying nearby cafes. Some note the sand is coarser than other beaches, and parking is paid.
"🌊☕ A Peaceful and Welcoming Beach for Everyone 🛼🏖️
This beautiful beach has become part of my weekend routine. I visit almost every week, and it never loses its charm. The area is well-equipped with plenty of facilities to suit all kinds of needs, and it stays calm and peaceful during many parts of the day, making it ideal for relaxing or simply taking in the view.
As someone who loves to skate, I really appreciate how friendly the space is for people who enjoy being active. Whether I go alone or with friends, I always feel at ease skating around the area. I usually treat myself to a coffee at one of the many nearby cafés — there’s something special about sipping coffee by the sea.
Another thing I really value is the sense of safety here. I’ve never had any issues, and I always feel comfortable, no matter the time of day. It’s the kind of place that truly welcomes everyone with open arms. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!"
Jean Paul Andrade Gonzalez
"Decent beach. Sand is coarse, bigger grains compared to say Altona or Rye beach, but not too many seashells so still very much enjoyable. Visited on a pretty windy day so didn't go into the water as the waves were strong enough to be uncomfortable for my toddler and I, but the kid very much enjoyed playing with the sand and mentioned preferring this sand over the fine sand which I found interesting. Big parking lot right next to beach which is handy - $2.60 per hour, $9.80 max (16 hours allowed). Sunset location is along the water horizon.
*as of April 2025"
sventek
"Wonderful summer temperature, nice atmosphere, plenty sand, grass, parks, boats, bicycles, skates, rollerblades, walking tracks, one of Melbournes prime beach spots"
Rob the Nomad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elwood Beach is easily accessible from Melbourne CBD. You can take a tram (e.g., Tram 96 towards St Kilda Beach) and then a short bus ride or walk. Driving is also an option, with paid parking available nearby.
Yes, public transport options are available. You can take a tram towards St Kilda and then transfer to a bus or enjoy a scenic walk to reach Point Ormond Lookout.
Taking a tram or driving is often easiest with children. The beach is family-friendly with shallow waters and plenty of space to play.
Paid parking is available near Elwood Beach. It's advisable to check signage for hourly rates and maximum stay limits.
Absolutely! Elwood Beach has a lovely foreshore path perfect for cycling, and it's well-connected to Melbourne's cycling network.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Elwood Beach is a public beach and entry is free for everyone.
Elwood Beach is accessible 24/7, but facilities like accessible beach matting operate during specific summer hours.
No booking is needed for the accessible beach matting. Mobi-Chairs may have specific availability, so it's best to check with the City of Port Phillip.
Yes, parking near Elwood Beach is paid. Expect to pay hourly rates with a daily maximum.
While Elwood Beach is a popular spot, specific dog off-leash areas might be designated. It's best to check local council regulations for current rules.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers stunning light for capturing the Melbourne skyline and beach scenes. Early mornings for sunrise are also beautiful.
Point Ormond Lookout provides panoramic views, while the foreshore path offers opportunities for capturing people enjoying activities. The beach itself is great for capturing waves and sunsets.
Drone usage is subject to CASA regulations and local council bylaws. Always check current rules before flying.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of privacy if photographing individuals.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the skyline. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details from the lookout.
🎫 🏊♀️ Swimming & Water Activities
Yes, Elwood Beach is generally safe for swimming, with shallow waters and typically calm waves, making it suitable for families and less experienced swimmers.
Lifeguard services are typically available during the summer months at patrolled beaches. It's advisable to check the City of Port Phillip website for current lifeguard schedules.
Elwood Beach is a popular spot for open water swimming, especially for those looking for calmer conditions than some other parts of the bay.
The water is usually calm and not very deep, which is great for swimming and wading. However, conditions can change, especially on windy days.
While not explicitly mentioned, the beach is popular for activities like swimming and wading. Rental options might be available nearby or at adjacent beaches.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants near Elwood Beach, including Elwood Bathers, offering delicious food with lovely views.
Elwood Bathers offers cost-friendly and efficient service with lovely views, suggesting a pleasant dining experience.
The beach area often has grass and park areas nearby, which are suitable for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy the scenery.
Absolutely! There are many nearby cafes where you can grab a coffee and enjoy it by the sea.
Food truck availability can vary. It's best to check local event listings or arrive prepared with your own snacks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby cafes offer convenient spots for snacks and coffee, and there are often grassy areas suitable for picnics.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
The foreshore path is also ideal for a solo walk or skate, providing a gentle way to exercise while enjoying the scenery.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+1 Arrive early to scout the best angles and capture the changing light. Early mornings also offer beautiful sunrise colors and softer light for landscape photography. Beyond the sunset, the foreshore provides diverse photographic subjects, from active people on the paths to the natural beauty of the coastline.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a telephoto lens to capture details from the lookout. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan on aerial photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Sunset at Point Ormond Lookout
+1 It's a popular spot, so arriving early is key to securing a prime viewing location and capturing those perfect, envy-inducing photos. The atmosphere is often vibrant, filled with people enjoying the moment, making it a memorable experience. The lookout offers a panoramic vista, allowing you to see the city's silhouette emerge as the sun dips below the horizon.
This makes it a fantastic location for both casual visitors and keen photographers. Remember to bring your camera or phone to capture the breathtaking views, as the changing light creates a dynamic and ever-evolving scene. Beyond the sunset, Point Ormond Lookout provides a great vantage point for appreciating the broader coastal scenery of Elwood and its surroundings. It's a place to relax, reflect, and soak in the beauty of Melbourne's coastline.
Active Pursuits Along the Elwood Foreshore
This stretch is ideal for those who enjoy a good workout or simply a leisurely ride or skate. The path is wide enough to accommodate different paces and skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy their chosen activity.
For open water swimmers, Elwood Beach also presents a good option. The bay waters here are generally calmer and shallower compared to some other Melbourne beaches, making it a more accessible and comfortable environment for both beginners and experienced swimmers looking for a refreshing dip.
Inclusive Beach Experiences
This initiative ensures that everyone can enjoy the beach environment, regardless of their physical abilities. In addition to the matting, the program often includes Mobi-Chairs, which are specialized floating beach wheelchairs. These chairs enable individuals with accessibility constraints to safely enter and enjoy the water, further enhancing the beach experience.
The City of Port Phillip actively promotes these services, making Elwood Beach a welcoming destination for people of all abilities. This focus on accessibility makes Elwood Beach a standout destination for families and individuals seeking a beach that caters to diverse needs. It fosters a sense of community and ensures that the joy of a day at the beach is accessible to everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit