Elwood Beach is only 11kms from the Melbourne CBD. A beautiful sandy beach where many stride along the walking track which runs alongside the beach. For those not into walking there is a cycling track which is very popular with cyclists of all fitness levels. These tracks are also used by skate boarders, scooters and roller blade lovers.
As you walk or cycle along the tracks, or perhaps you’ll be on your skate board or scooter heading towards the Melbourne CBD you’ll witness amazing views of the city skyline. A photographers dream.
A beach which is also popular for the sailing enthusiasts. You will see many boats of all different sizes out at sea. From small sailing boats which you can watch take off from Elwood Beach to the big container ships which leave from Port Melbourne and make their way across Port Phillip Bay out to sea. This makes for an interesting horizon especially on a sunny day when many sails are out.
On a hot summers day locals and tourists flock to the beach which is often crowded. It’s then you’ll see a completely different vision of the beach we witnessed today where there was barely a sole laying on the sand.
Touch of History
As you explore Elwood beach you will be reminded of when the first Quarantine Station was established in 1840. How when the government ship called the “Glenhuntly” arrived in the Port District. To think that the area was once a burial ground for the early colonists until 1898.
Our Experience
We walked to Elwood beach from the nearby Elsternwick Park. Once we arrived at the beach we strolled along the walking track until we reached Point Ormond where there is a lookout point. It’s here where you get a gorgeous view of Port Phillip Bay with the Melbourne CBD in the background. On a sunny day the sky and sea blues are a stunning sight.
As the previous night there had been heavy rain the bay was not at its clearest but still a delight to see. It was also recommended the bay was not safe to swim in. The day was a sunny 17 degrees and perfect conditions to take a stroll. With many dog walkers and cyclists using the designated tracks.
Our favourite spot would have to be walking to Point Ormond where the sandy beach is replaced with rock boulders. A place where you can sit and take in the beauty of the Melbourne city skyline and watch the boats.
Elwood Life Saving Club
There is a Life Saving Club to offer swimmers a peace of mind when swimming in the designated areas. Depending on the weather conditions there are times and areas of Port Phillip Bay which are not suitable for swimming. Outside the Elwood Life Saving Club you will find a notice board which advises the bay conditions and if the water is safe to swim in.
Elwood Beach Facilities
Not only is it a lovely beach to walk/cycle alongside but also a great place to meet family/friends for a day out. With a restaurant and cafe for those wanting to recharge their batteries whilst looking out at the beautiful scenery.
- Picnic/BBQ areas
- Playground
- Cycling Track
- Walking Track
- Beautiful Beach
- Restaurant with awesome views of the beach
- Cafe
- Public Toilets
- Beach shower
- Lookout point
- Sail boat ramp
- Life Saving Club
- Sail Club
BBQ/Picnic Areas
For us we loved the BBQ and picnic tables that were situated so whilst you cooked you got a beautiful view of the Port Phillip Bay. Once you’d finished cooking you could sit at the nearby picnic table and continue to take in the ambience. Perhaps watch the kids or big kids kick a ball or throw a Frisbee on the grassed area. What a perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
If you’d prefer to be in a more sheltered area close to a children’s playground then Elwood beach has you sorted. There are BBQ’s and picnic tables situated near the children’s playground. Here you will find a large area where you can kick a footy around or throw a Frisbee. For others a place to throw down a picnic blanket and soak up the sunshine.
Playground
For those wanting to escape the beach and burn off some of the kids energy there is a playground which looks like loads of fun. Covered by shade sails to assist protecting you from the hot sun on a summers day.
Dog Friendly
Dogs are welcome to Elwood Beach, however there are restricted areas and times when dogs are allowed. Dogs are generally required on a leash. Ensure you check the signs that are scattered all along the tracks. Depending on what part of the beach you are the restrictions change.
Nearby Attractions
There are too many attractions nearby to mention, however please click on the below links to see places we have explored nearby. Elsternwick Park and the Brighton Bathing Boxes within an easy walking distance.
- Rippon Lea Estate
- Brighton Bathing Boxes
- St Kilda Esplanade Market – Sundays only
- Polly Woodside
- Street Art Melbourne
- National Gallery Victoria
- South Melbourne Market
- State Library Victoria
Elwood Beach Location
- 63 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, VIC 3184
- Approximately 11km, 32mins from Melbourne CBD
Feedback/Comments
There are so many beautiful beaches around. We love exploring beaches near and far. Do you have any beaches that you’ve explored that you’d like to share with us? We’d love to hear about your adventure.
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