swimming
In Melbourne, swimming is equally about style and stroke. Port Melbourne, Middle Park and St Kilda are good places to start – metropolitan beaches with just enough sand to fulfil your coastal cravings. Spot the locals wearing every model of designer shades, brief or bikini imaginable. A little further on you’ll find more bathing spots, like Elwood and nudie favourite Half Moon Bay.
For protected sea swimming, the Brighton Beach Baths offer a glimpse of seaside relaxation of days gone by. Relaxing on the wooden decking, sipping a cool drink with the occasional quick dip brings on thoughts of regal times in the other, UK, Brighton.
Brighton Beach is a little less crowded than inner-city sandy stretches, and also popular with windsport fanatics. Or try heading a little further up the Frankston/Sandringham train line if you really want to get away from the St Kilda bustle. Sandringham and Chelsea beaches both offer great swimming spots and are perfect for relaxed sunbathing.
If you don’t like the feel of sand between your toes, make for one of Melbourne’s outdoor pools or recreation centres:
- Breast-stroke to The Strokes piped underwater in the seasonally operated Prahran Aquatic Centre
- Catch a summer movie while toe-dipping at the North Melbourne Pool
- Ride the ‘tunnel of darkness’ at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
- For a seawater alternative, visit the St Kilda Sea Baths – the stunning bayside views are an added bonus
- Fitzroy Pool on Alexandra Parade is 50 metres and outdoors, with a great community vibe.
Other outdoor pools include the Carlton Baths on Rathdowne Street and the Harold Holt Swim Centre in Glen Iris.
Around the state, you’ll find surf lifesavers patrolling Victoria’s most popular beaches in the warmer months (always swim between the red and yellow striped flags). Favourite destinations include Lorne and Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road, and the Portsea and Rye back beaches on Mornington Peninsula are good for surfing and host regular ironman/woman competitions.
