Altona Beach

Altona Beach is a sandy foreshore beach on Port Phillip Bay in the suburb of Altona, within the City of Hobsons Bay, about 13 kilometres southwest of central Melbourne, Victoria. Known for its shallow, calm waters, long pier and views across the bay to the Melbourne city skyline, it is a popular family swimming and recreation area. The beach is backed by a foreshore reserve, promenade and Altona Coastal Park with wetlands and walking trails.

Visitors can expect a wide, sandy beach with very shallow, calm waters ideal for wading and swimming, a long timber pier extending into Port Phillip Bay, and a flat foreshore reserve with lawns, palm trees and a shared walking and cycling promenade. The setting offers open views to the Melbourne city skyline and Williamstown, with nearby wetlands, picnic areas and cafes along the Esplanade. The area is popular for leisurely walks, family picnics and sunset viewing.

The Altona area is part of the traditional lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation. European settlement began in the 1840s, with Altona developed as a seaside suburb in the early 20th century. Altona Pier was originally built in 1888 to serve local industry and recreation and has been rebuilt and restored, remaining a landmark of the foreshore.

Altona Beach is a long-standing community recreation area for western Melbourne, valued as a safe family swimming beach and social gathering place. It hosts local leisure activities, community events and is part of the Hobsons Bay coastal cultural landscape linking Altona, Williamstown and Point Cook.