Melbourne is my home town, so I’m a little biased when it comes to swimming spots in my local area. We can’t compete with Bondi or Manly in Sydney, and we’re not trying to. We do, however, have some very unique beaches, and Half Moon Bay Beach in Black Rock is one of them.
The rugged outface and natural setting makes you feel like you’re not in a city at all.
The rugged beauty of Half Moon Bay has inspired many painters, writers, and photoshoots.
Choose your piece of beach, set up your beach shack, and leave your worries behind you.
My all-time favorite beaches have easy access and retain their raw beauty. Half moon bay beach is one of them. I’m usually hauling plenty of gear, so finding beaches where I don’t have to scramble over rough terrain when I’m loaded up like a little pack donkey is a huge bonus.
The bay is protected from north wind making it an ideal place to anchor your boat and perfect for kids who can play safely in the calm water.
the cerberus beach house kiosk
This is the Cerberus Beach House kiosk, it has the delicious fish and chips and bacon and egg breakfast burgers. Take a dip in the morning, it’s the best way to start the day.
Best lunch recommend in town-fish and chips
My pick for lunch in Melbourne on a summer day is always going to be the fish and chips from Cerberus kiosk. Sit at one of the tables dotted about, or choose a spot on the cliff or beach.
If you prefer a more formal affair…
Reserve a table at Cerberus beach house restaurant, it’s located above the kiosk and has delicious fresh seafood. Book a window table for the best sea views in town.
THINGS TO DO
- Claim your piece of sand beneath the majestic red cliff face.
- Take a walking trail to Beaumaris and stop at Rickets Point cafe.
- Plan a romantic beach dinner date.
- Gather your friends, claim a rock, and turn up your music boom.
- Eat fish and chips and watch the sunset.
- Kids bring your buckets and explore the rock pools
- Throw a boat party
- Crash a boat party
- Close your eyes, enjoy the salty air, and let the healing sea wash over you.
VIEW A SUNKEN BATTLESHIP
The HMVS Cerberus 1870s battleship was scuttled in the bay in 1926 to create a breakwater for the Black Rock Yacht Club. Due to years of erosion swimming out to it is no longer permitted, although some of us still do it anyway.
TAKE ME TO HALF MOON BAY BEACH, BLACK ROCK
- Access- is a short walk from 3 car parks.
- If you don’t want to pay the $16 for all-day parking, head across the beach road to a side street where it’s free.
- Kid friendly-Yes
- Facilities-
- The kiosk is closed on Monday. (03) 9598 4230
- The kiosk opening hours are seasonal. Check hours here
- Cerberus Beach House restaurant
