Melbourne is not usually sold as a beach city, which is slightly unfair. The city might be better known for coffee, laneways and sport, but follow the bay and you’ll find long coastal paths, sea air, sunset views and easy trails that work just as well for walking as they do for a relaxed run.

The best part is that many of these routes are simple to reach. You don’t need to disappear into the wilderness or hire a car for every option. Some of Melbourne’s most enjoyable coastal walks and runs sit close to public transport, cafes and places to stop afterwards.

Start With The Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is the obvious backbone for beachside exploring around Melbourne. It follows sections of Port Phillip Bay and links suburbs, beaches, piers, parks and shared paths along the coast.

You can choose a short section rather than trying to do too much. St Kilda to Elwood is a popular and easy option, with wide paths, beach views and plenty of places to stop. Keep going further south and you can extend toward Brighton, Sandringham and beyond.

St Kilda To Elwood

This is one of the easiest coastal stretches for visitors. Start near St Kilda Pier, follow the foreshore and continue toward Elwood at a comfortable pace. It is flat, social and very Melbourne on a sunny day.

You’ll pass open beach, palm-lined sections, cyclists, runners, walkers, dogs and plenty of people treating the path as part of their weekend routine. It is not remote, but that is the point. This is Melbourne’s bay life in motion.

Brighton And The Bathing Boxes

Brighton is one of the better-known coastal stops, mainly because of the colourful bathing boxes. They are popular with visitors, so expect company, especially on clear days.

The walk around Brighton works well if you want photos, bay views and a simple out-and-back route. It also gives you a different angle on Melbourne, with the city skyline visible across the water on the right day.

Sandringham And The Southern Bay

Further south, the coast starts to feel a little quieter in parts. Around Sandringham, you can find cliff-top sections, beach access and longer stretches that suit walkers and recreational runners who want more space.

This area is a good reminder that Melbourne’s coast is not one single experience. Some sections are busy and built up. Others feel calmer, more residential and more local.

Make It Active, Not Complicated

You don’t need a hardcore training session to enjoy Melbourne’s coastal trails. A 30-minute walk, an easy jog or a relaxed morning run can be enough. The best routes are the ones that leave you with time for coffee afterwards.

Check the weather before you go. Wind can make a big difference along the bay, and summer weekends can get busy with bikes, prams, dogs and beachgoers. Stay left, be patient and treat shared paths as shared spaces.

Want A Guided Running Experience In Melbourne?

If you like staying active while travelling, our Yarra Sunrise Running Tour is a relaxed 7km run through the Yarra River, sporting precinct, The Tan, Anderson Street and the Shrine.

For a more central city route, our Laneways Discovery Running Tour covers around 8km through Melbourne’s laneways, street art, Chinatown, the Old Melbourne Gaol and post-tour coffee.