Embark on a journey of exploration and delight as we unveil the 10 best things to do in Bayside, Brighton, Melbourne. Nestled along the stunning shores of Port Phillip Bay, this picturesque coastal enclave is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, culinary delights to outdoor adventures, join us on a curated tour of Bayside’s vibrant and diverse offerings. Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a visitor eager to explore, let this guide be your gateway to the unforgettable experiences that define the essence of Bayside, Brighton, Melbourne.
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1. The Bayside Tourist Map
From the iconic bathing boxes to our beautiful, safe beaches, fishing spots, farmers markets, retail, arts and culture, explore all that Bayside has to offer with our helpful and easy to use map.
2. Coffee, Dining or Shopping in Church Street, Brighton
Church Street has it all; the premier retail shopping and leisure street in Bayside is home to more than 80 specialty shops within its’ arcades and side streets. There you will find cafés, restaurants, fashion boutiques and a multi-screen cinema.
RIght in the heart of Church Street is Middle Brighton Train Station. Located on the Sandringham line, it provides easy access to Melbourne’s Central Business District, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground adn the home of the Australian Open tennis, Melbourne Park. The Brighton Savoy is only a short walk to this exciting and vibrant shopping street. Join the Brighton trader’s VIP list to receive exclusive local offers.
3. Explore the Brighton Bathing Boxes
Over 80 unique and colourful European-style wooden bathing boxes line the white sands of Brighton Beach. Dating from the 1860s, there were once as many as 200 boxes lining the shore. This kaleidoscope of colour feautres in television shows and advertisements, providing the backdrop for your Bayside memories. Look right for views of the city and left towards Green Point, , inviting blue water and endless skies abound, Brighton Beach is an unmatched location for wedding and special occasion photos. The Brighton Bathing Boxes are locaed just a few moments walk, across the Esplanade.
4. Swim at the Middle Brighton Baths
A diverse and passionate community of dedicated local swimmers, known as the Icebergers, welcome newcomers. They are notorious for swimming in Port Phillip Bay all year round. This social group swims meets Tuesdays and Thursdaya at 4:00pm and Saturdays at 8:00am. Join their Facebook group for daily water temperatures and more information. Alternatively, for some warmer indoor activities, try the Brighton Baths Health Club‘s gym and steamroom.
5. View the latest Exhibition at the Brighton art gallery
The Bayside Gallery invites visitors from all over the world to engage with renowned local and international artists. Located only a short walk from the Brighton Savoy,the Bayside Gallery is open Wednesday to Friday between 11am–5pm and Saturday–Sunday between 1pm–5pm.
The Brighton Historical Society is also located nearby and is open every Thursday between 12 noon and 5pm
View the current Gallery Exhibitions
6. Historic Buildings
Bayside has many historically significant buildings to visit and enjoy, Below, are some of the most popular.
Kamesburgh House and Garden Constructed as a private estate in 1874, this grand Italianate building was later used as a residence for war veterans. It remains one of Bayside’s most precious heritage buildings. Kamesburgh’s garden is open daily.
Billilla Historic Mansion is one of Melbourne’s most significant homesteads. It retains much of its original 19th century layout. The gardens open to the public daily.
Black Rock House was the first house constructed in the area and gave its name to the suburb. It is open between one the first Sunday of every month betwee 1pm and 4pm, February through December.
7. Explore on two wheels
Visit our Friends at Brighton Cycles, hire a bicycle for the day and explore all that Bayside has to offer. Bayside Cycling Map highlights trails suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Each route includes opportunities to stops at parks, cafes and points of interest. All the trails include a section of the attractive foreshore with views of Port Phillip Bay.
8. The Sandbelt Golf Courses
Bayside is home to some of the world’s best golf courses. The Sandbelt is blessed with idyllic golf courses built on a magnificent sandy base, allowing for instant drainage and perfect playing surfaces all year round. Check out our Golfing blog for some of the best private and public courses Bayside and the surroudning areas have to offer.
9. Walking tours- Coastal trails
From Brighton to Beaumaris, there are 17km of foreshore, cliff tops and beaches to explore by foot. With over 90 informative signs, the foreshore coastal trail has walks and experiences that celebrate Bayside’s indigenous, historical, artistic and environmental heritage. The trails created by Bayside council celebrate the life and work of famous Australian artists who were inspired by the beauty of Bayside. They also tell the stories of the Boon Wurrung people who lived here for thousands of years,
Four coastal trails celebrate and explore
Art
The Art Trail includes work by famous Heidelberg School founders Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin. Completed during summer camps between 1886 and 1907, many artists such as Arthur Boyd, Clarice Beckett, CA Wilson and Jesse Trail followed in the footsteps of Heidelberg School painters in painting en plein-air. The trail signs are located as close as possible to where the artists stood over 100 years ago. Download the Art trail booklet here.
History
The coastal area of Bayside has played host to many historical events of regional and local importance. Explore the shipwreck of HMVS Cerberus, Half Moon Bay and Sandringham Rotunda are just some of the many historical sites Bayside has to offer. . Downlaod the History trail booklet here.
Indigenous
The Indigenous trail includes works of contemporary Indigenous artists, based on stories authored by Boon Wurrung Elder Carolyn Briggs. This trail outlines the close relationship between the Boon Wurrung culture and the coastal environment. Bayside’s rich coastal history and the significant local flora and fauna are also prominent. Download the Indigenous trail booklet here.
Environment
The environment trail showcases a wide range of flora, fauna and ecology, highlighting the marine environment and coastal vegetation. Download the Environment trail Booklet here.
Download the Coastal trails in the Apple App store
10. Visit the Block Houses 
Five period homes from the 1910s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, all in a dire state, have been uprooted and transported to a block of land in the heart of sunny Brighton.
Welcome to The Block 2020. The 2020 Block series is within walking distance of the beach and minutes from the Brighton Savoy .
The house are located at 360A – 360E New Street Brighton.
Brighton Accommodation – Check out this page to view accommodation in the Brighton Area