The top 7 beaches to go to for the best kiteboarding experience in Melbourne
When the wind starts creeping in Melbourne, it only means one thing to beach adventurers: it’s time to hit the water and cut through the wind for some thrilling fun.
Kiteboarding in Melbourne is a popular water sport. Although it requires knowledge and skills, it’s the fun and freeing experience that many crave for.
And honestly, it’s easy to get hooked once you get the hang of the foundations.
So, if you’re interested in learning the basics, perfect your control, or have fun; these spots in Melbourne will take care of you!
1. St Kilda
Media credit: Walking Perspective
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q357FDttsqjjuima6
Address: St Kilda, Victoria, Australia
Operating hours: 24 hours
If we talk about accessibility, St Kilda is the go-to spot for many since it’s only 6 km away from the CBD. It’s easy to reach at any time of the day, even after work. However, this also means that it gets crowded easily.
The water at St Kilda is shallow most of the time and mostly flat, so it’s ideal for all skill levels. Experts often steer in the areas around the pier and marina since there are obstacles like moorings, jetties, and boats.
If you’re a beginner, it’s highly advised to stay on the West Beach and launch with assistance. You’ll just need to know how to swim, as it’s one of the non-negotiable requirements.
For gear and lessons, St Kilda has multiple options. The Kite Republic offers gear rentals and coaching, including a 6-hour beginner package to get you on the right foot. Several other operators on the site offer a range of private and group lessons as well.
| Pro tip: Kiteboarding lessons are best taken on any “windy day,” which are usually from mid-October to the end of April. |
2. Altona Beach
Media credit: AUSWatersports
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5R5UBP7ato3mo1uG7
Address: Victoria, Australia
Operating hours: 24 hours
Being considered one of Melbourne’s premier spots for kiteboarding, Altona Beach’s conditions are more ideal for intermediate to advanced riders because of the choppy waters. Plus, the beach has more wind than most places on the bay.
The best time to visit Altona Beach for kiteboarding is from January to March and from October to December.
Beginners are welcome as well, as long as there’s assistance from an experienced kiter, since the launching and landing zone has nearby obstacles, like power lines and trees.
For advanced riders, Altona is a great option when the wind lines up because you’ll get longer runs, flatter stretches, and fewer hazards.
Operators onsite, like AUSWatersports, offer beginner to advanced lessons, equipment rentals, and packaged trips.
| Pro tip: If launching seems tight, carry your kite a little further down the marked zone and walk a little before inflation. It gives a better buffer from the obstacles. |
3. Brighton Beach
Media credit: Shani Stuart
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bFTdFM7rpLUE5PoZA
Address: Victoria, Australia
Operating hours: 24 hours
Brighton Beach is generally best for advanced riders due to the mixed conditions of the water.
Heavy surf and strong currents can be a challenge even for intermediate riders. Plus, the launching and landing areas are narrower and have obstacles like jetties and groynes.
Due to the hazards (rocks and proximity to the road) and difficulty in carrying gear, the beach is not recommended for beginners.
Kiteboarding at Brighton Beach works well with the South, Southwest, and West winds, specifically an excellent spot for freestyling during strong Southern winds.
Operators like The Zu Kite Club offer private and group lessons for all levels. This particular operator usually provides real-time feedback during lessons via radio headsets.
| Pro tip: Brighton Beach usually has heavy water traffic, most especially downwind of the launching spot. Maintain discipline in sharing the water by following the right-of-way rule and maintaining distance from other beachgoers. |
4. Sandridge Beach
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gq6EVPsue3h8anfL8
Address: Victoria, Australia
Operating hours: 24 hours
Sandridge, popularly known as Port Melbourne, is a kiteboarding spot for intermediate riders and above, especially when the winds come from South, Southwest, and Southeast.
It’s because Sandridge is close to the bay entry, so it’s less protected and has more chop and sometimes stronger gusts. On days like this, it becomes less ideal for first-timers.
For launching and landing, there’s ample space, but it’s still important to be aware of general kiteboarding guidelines, such as maintaining a safe distance from other swimmers.
| Pro tip: Side shore/side-on wind directions are safer and easier for learning and riding, and can help return you safely to shore if needed. |
5. Rosebud
Media credit: Peninsula Sports Photography
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UFcYPYNy24AwR9KB8
Address: Rosebud, VIC
Phone: +61359501000
Operating hours: 24 hours
Though a little further from the city center, Rosebud at the Mornington Peninsula is a very popular kiteboarding spot suitable for all levels. It gets especially popular, particularly during the summer, since it offers the best wind conditions for kiteboarding.
Rosebud features kilometers of flat and shallow waters with a clear bottom, plus the water rarely gets deeper than waist-deep, making it ideal for learning and practicing tricks.
The Rosebud Yacht Club is one of the popular launch points since it offers direct access to the beach and the bay, plus it offers amenities like warm showers and barbecue areas.
| Pro tip: It’s more recommended to launch and land on the sandy beach than the grassy area behind the trees for more ample space and fewer obstructions. |
6. Rye
Media credit: PeekMyPics Melbuorne
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FfAQ7FhMruH9DZpC7
Address: Bay Trail, Rye VIC 3941, Australia
Operating hours: 24 hours
Rye front beach just sits around the corner from Rosebud and offers almost the same kiteboarding experience. It’s usually the go-to when Rosebud is crowded.
The only difference is that Rye’s shore is straighter and more open, so there’s a minimal chop on the water — though it’s still manageable for beginners learning the basics.
The only hazard at Rye is the sand bars, especially when it’s low tide, so riders need to be cautious in these areas even at high tide. For safety, it’s advised to always be mindful of swimmers and boats, even when they’re not visible.
Rye is popular during the winter, when the winds are stronger and more consistent.
| Pro tip: The best wind directions for Rye are Northerly, Northwesterly, Northeasterly, and Easterly. |
7. Inverloch
Media credit: Ewan Jaspan
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NcZezjXC6fpvVmPy7
Address: 22 The Esplanade, Inverloch VIC
Operating hours: 24 hours
Just about one hour southeast of Melbourne, Inverloch is a great spot for kiteboarding due to its excellent conditions. More particularly at Anderson’s Inlet, a shallow inlet separated by a sand bar, which offers flat water at low tide and is great for beginners.
The best time for kiteboarding in Inverloch is around the warmer months (November to March).
When the tide rises, it’s when the water gets choppier, making it an ideal setting for some tricks. The wind directions that work well for kiteboarding include SW, SE, and S, since they aligns with the Inlet’s orientation.
The Inverloch Anglers club is one of the best spots to kiteboard due to its ample rigging and launching space on the sandy beach, especially at low tide.
| Pro tip: Anderson Inlet is indeed popular, but if you prefer waves and more suitable wind conditions, consider the surf beach nearby. |