On the eastern coast of Port Phillip, Brighton Beach has three calm, sandy beaches: Dendy Street, Middle Brighton and Brighton. The beaches' placid waves make swimming, yachting and windsurfing popular. Out of the water, families can enjoy barbecue and playground facilities. While no food concessions exist on the beach, busy Hampton Street has many restaurants. This street, about 1.3 miles from Dendy Street Beach, is just a few city blocks from the main beach, Brighton.
Popular among residents of Melbourne's east neighborhoods, Williamstown Beach is ideal for swimming; boating is prohibited. In addition to wading in the waves, beachgoers can frequent nearby cafes, set up their own lunch on the picnic facilities or use the playground. Public restrooms are also available. The Rotunda, a restaurant and bar on the Williamstown esplanade, offers a full menu paired with extraordinary ocean views.
A thriving esplanade replete with restaurants, bars and venues, and close proximity to the central business district (approximately 3.7 miles) have made St. Kilda Melbourne's most famous beach. When not enjoying the harbor, pier, sea baths or esplanade attractions, beachgoers can participate in water activities including kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding. Boating and personal watercrafting are also popular. Swimmers are advised to stay between the red and yellow flags on the beach, which are lifeguard-patrolled areas.
The Art Deco-style Eastern Beach, on Geelong waterfront in Corio Bay, is home to fountains, manicured lawns, a Spanish-style white staircase and a painted red and blue promenade. The playgrounds and the Promenade Restaurant bring visitors to the beach year-round, but during hot summer days beachgoers enjoy a reprieve from the heat in the swimming enclosure, which has a shark gate. Novice swimmers can use the shallow children's pool. While all swimmers should use caution, lifeguards are on duty at both swimming options.
