Sandridge Beach (Port Melbourne)

Sandridge Beach is surrounded by piers and port facilities. However, recent redevelopment of the surrounding area, including new beach amenities and landscaping, have produced a reasonably attractive beach.

A relatively shallow and safe beach. However, seaweed accumulation on the beach and shipping pollution can be a problem when present.

The beach is very accessible, with good parking. It is a quiet residential beach with views to the city, the piers, fantastic playground and BBQ areas.

A seawall backs the beach with a promenade running the length of the beach. Construction of Webb Dock to the west has resulted in realignment of the beach. It has been built out at the western end, but eroded toward the east. Today the beach is 500 m long, and faces the south-south-east. It is a relatively protected location, however strong southerly winds generate enough wave activity to build a shallow, 50 m wide sand flat, which is cut by some channels. Surf currents are usually inactive, unless a strong southerly wind and resulting waves are present.

The beach is patrolled by the Sandridge Life Saving Club, that houses dressing rooms and a kiosk, during the season.

Review:

The beach is nice even though it is set in an industrial landscape with views of Webb Dock's cranes for handling shipping containers and Spirit of Tasmania when it is docked in Station Pier. Pollution and seaweed can be an issue at times though.

There is a decent amount of free parking in the area.

The beach has a dunes area with vegetation which has boardwalks running through it on the west side. This area now has a wonderful playground. The beach on the west side is narrow and the sand has a lot of broken shells. There is also a drain at the south end of the this part of the beach.

The beach then sweeps around to the east-west direction and widens out where the Sandridge Life Saving Club is located. This area has a large shelter with four tables, toilets, unshaded BBQ and water tap. This part of the beach is patrolled and the best area for swimming. The beach is patrolled when the red and yellow flags are displayed by life savers on weekends and public holidays from the last weekend in November to Easter Monday.

Caps Cafe is located about 50m from this area and overlooks the beach.

A promenade and a separate bike path run beside the beach in the easterly direction. There are more picnic tables, water tap, unshaded seats and BBQs on the foreshore to the east.

There are three rock walls projecting out into the water as the beach continues to the east to reach New Beach and then Princes Pier. 150m away near the second rock wall is a small playground.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach between the rock groyne opposite Barak Road (2nd groyne from Sandridge Beach) and the rock groyne opposite Cumberland Road (3rd groyne from Sandridge Beach) at all times of the year.

For the remainder of the beach the regulations are:
1 April - 31 October: Dogs permitted at all times on the beach
1 November - 31 March: Dogs prohibited at all times on the beach

Dogs and cats are prohibited in the environmentally sensitive area of Perce White Reserve, Port Melbourne all year. This reserve is at the back of the western end of the beach.

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