- Duration
- ~2 km along the bay, ~2.5 h (≈ 1 h 38 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk
- Start
- Station Pier
- Finish
- Sandridge Beach
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- later in the day, for sunset on Princes Pier
- Budget per adult
- a tram fare, the shore is freePrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
Tram to Station Pier. The tram back is on Beach Street. A full-fare bank card works.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Station Pier~15 min at the stop
The Port Melbourne ferry pier. Tram 109 arrives from the city. The walk stays on the public promenade, off the ferry compound.
Tip: If the Tasmania ferry is alongside, the view of it is from the promenade. Princes Pier is a few minutes along the water.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 8 min · 0.4 km
2. Princes Pier~25 min at the stop
The long restored pier. Locals walk out for sunset, once the Brighton boxes are crowded.
Worth knowing: The 580 m pier was built in 1912–1915; until 1969 it was a main arrival point for migrants, especially after the war. The restored section reopened in 2011, and beyond the first 196 m only the original piles were kept.
Tip: The pier is always windy. Take a warm layer even in summer.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 20 min · 1.5 km
3. Sandridge Beach~30 min at the stop
The city beach past the piers. The bay path keeps going toward St Kilda if the day is still long.
Worth knowing: Sandridge is the old name of Port Melbourne. The beach sits by the piers where the immigrant and mail steamers arrived.
Tip: Swim when the flags are up. The tram back is on Beach Street.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.