Coastal Living: 9 of the Best Beachside Suburbs in Victoria to Call Home
Life in these pretty-as-a-picture Victorian suburbs is all about the sea and sand.
There’s no denying that life looks better by the water. Victoria’s coastline stretches almost 2,000 kilometres and is dotted with some of the state’s most picturesque neighbourhoods and villages. Here are nine of the best suburbs to soak up that idyllic seaside lifestyle.
Brighton
The affluent enclave of Brighton is home to some of the most sought-after property in Melbourne’s bayside. Here it’s all about enjoying the luxury lifestyle with a mix of Edwardian, Victorian and architecturally designed properties. Along Brighton’s tree-lined streets you’ll find buzzing cafes and restaurants, lovely parks and high-end shopping boutiques. Median house prices have tipped $3 million, while a unit will set you back roughly $980,000.
Mount Martha
The relaxed, quaint village of Mount Martha is just over an hours’ drive south of Melbourne. It’s a hot spot for nature lovers with a safe swimming beach – famed for its colourful bathing boxes – and abundant native bushland. The village is lined with boutiques, galleries and eateries offering a vibrant local community. House prices here have jumped 18% over the past 12 months, tipping the million-dollar mark.
St Kilda
A mix of tourists, students and young professionals, the suburb of St Kilda is renowned for its lively and social energy. St Kilda ticks all the boxes being close to both the city and beach, and offers vibrant bars, cafes and weekly markets. Property here is mainly a mix of art deco apartments or new developments, with units costing upwards of $560,000.
East Geelong
Sea changers looking to make the move from Melbourne have pushed prices in East Geelong up by a staggering 23% over the past year. The suburb’s lifestyle is hard to beat with Eastern Park running through its centre, home to the Botanic Gardens. It sits just on the cusp of city centre offering easy access to cafés, restaurants, shopping and family-friendly Eastern Beach. Hop on a train and be in Melbourne within the hour.
Portland
The oldest European settlement in Victoria, Portland sits at the far south-west of the state between Melbourne and Adelaide. The city is known for its pleasant beaches, heritage buildings and scenic walking trails through Cape Nelson State Park. Property prices in Portland have increased almost 30% over the last five years yet remain relatively affordable for seaside living with a median house price of just $295,000.
Elwood
With its sandy swimming beach, pretty foreshore reserve and village-like charm, the suburb of Elwood has become a coveted coastal pocket of Melbourne. It sits just 8km from the CBD and offers abundant parks, bike paths and a thriving café scene that lures bunch-goers far and wide. The neighbourhood is known for its classic art deco apartments, with a median unit price sitting at $645,000.
Mornington
The laidback village of Mornington boasts glistening beaches, an active sports scene and countless cafes and restaurants, attracting everyone from young families to empty nesters. Known as the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula, it’s a hotspot for holidaymakers, yet more and more citysiders are choosing to move in. House prices have increased almost 10% over the past year to just under $900K. An hour from Melbourne makes for an easy commute – but once here, why would you ever want to leave?
Seaford
Set against a pristine coastline with calm waters and soft sand, Seaford has become a haven for young families. There are shops, supermarkets and cafes, along with abundant nature activities such as bushwalking, canoeing and fishing off the Seaford Pier. You can be in the Melbourne CBD in under an hour and the suburb is well connected via public transport. Median house prices have risen 9% over the past year to $720,000.
Williamstown
The historic suburb of Williamstown is Melbourne’s first port settlement and today is a hot spot for sailing, swimming and sunbathing with a backdrop of the city skyline. The train station provides an effortless commute to the CBD or residents can hop on a ferry directly from Southbank. Williamstown is home to excellent seafront dining and rooftop bars with a view, along with the monthly Williamstown Farmer’s Market, which is one of the most popular in Melbourne. Unit prices are roughly $670,000, while houses have risen to $1,400,000.
*All statistics sourced from Core Logic, Realestate.com.au, and Domain.
Doing your research on the best Victorian suburbs to live near the beach and looking for more helpful property advice? Head straight to your friend in property, The Sitch. From Home Design advice and Home Tour inspo, to property advice, we've got you covered.
