Altona Beach is the unsung hero of Melbourne’s bay beaches in my view. A local, hidden gem that’s actually pretty amazing and well worth a special trip with the kids if you’re not lucky enough to be a local. It’s certainly my number 1 pick for things to do in Altona!
For me the perfect beach trip with kids has to contain three elements – a nice stretch of sand with calm, shallow and safe water, a cafe or kiosk for refreshments and toilets and a beachside playground.
Things to do at Altona Beach Melbourne
Altona Beach has all these things within short walking distance of each other, plus historical Altona pier, rock pools, a historical homestead and plenty of free parking.
The main beach around Pier Street is simply stunning – it’s long and wide, with only small waves on the azure blue water. When the tide is out, shallow sand flats can take you far out before you hit the sea. So if you want a deep water ocean swim then Altona is not really suitable, but for little kids who just want to frolic in the water it’s perfect.
The main beach is bisected by a 500m long historical pier which provides grand views back towards shore (especially at night). There is a large area of rock pools towards the Miller Road end of the beach where we’ve spotted starfish. At the other end at Apex Park there is a playground with BBQ and picnic facilities.
On the main beach there is a toilet block with beach showers and when you cross the road there is another block with toilets, change rooms.
Norfolk cafe Altona
Across from the esplanade is the popular Altona beach cafe Norfolk, named in homage to the huge Norfolk pines that hug the shoreline.
Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Altona Beach, Altona
Norfolk has a simple and bargain-priced all day menu, with a few seats and umbrellas in a courtyard overlooking the beach.
Baby 2.0 plonked himself down on the kiddie table and chairs and devoured a small milkshake ($4.50), a ham and cheese croissant ($5.50) and a corn cob ($4), while I had a substantial breakfast burrito ($9).
They also serve hot dogs, roast of the day rolls, ice creams and Clement coffee. There are also more cafes in the main shopping area around Pier Street but to be honest I’ve found the quality to be variable.
Logan Reserve Altona
If you still need to burn off energy then head to Logan Reserve. The Altona Beach park is across the road from the main beach and has a medium-sized playground.
The equipment is pretty standard but the Altona park setting is spectacular, with the beach on one side and vast Norfolk pines and Moreton Bay fig trees shading around the playground and dotted around the park. There are BBQs and picnic benches and it’s a popular place for picnics.
Altona Beach is a fantastic beachside destination that provides all the facilities for a fun day out. Every Tuesday there is the Altona Beach Market with fresh food stalls and local arts and crafts and Logan Reserve often hosts community events such as free outdoor films, musical entertainment, festivals and holiday celebrations.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]Tips for Altona Beach:
- Visit the beach when the tide is out so you can walk out along the sand flats;
- Foreshore has toilet block, beach shower;
- Norfolk is attached to change rooms and toilet block;
- Norfolk has pram access and menu suitable for kids;
- There’s no real shelter on the beach other than under Altona Beach pier, so slip, slop, slap;
- Logan Reserve playground is partially shaded;
- Logan Reserve playground is suitable for toddlers and the ground is soft fall;
- Logan Reserve has BBQ and picnic tables;
- Altona Beach Market runs every Tuesday with fresh food stalls and local arts and crafts; and
- Free parking, the best location is near corner of Esplanade and Pier Street. Altona train station is approx 500m from beach; and
- the Altona Beach Film Festival runs every year in August.
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