Victoria’s Best Coastal Suburbs to Live In, According to Lifestyle and Logic

There’s a reason Victoria’s coastline continues to lure people out of the city. Not for the fantasy of permanent holiday living, but for something more grounded: space, rhythm, light, and a sense that life might move at a more humane pace.

In 2025, coastal living has entered a more measured era. The boom years have softened. Markets have recalibrated. And with that has come clarity. Buyers are no longer chasing anything with a sea view. They’re looking for places that work year-round, hold their value, and feel good to live in long after summer fades.

From established surf towns and bayside favourites to quieter pockets flying under the radar, these are Victoria’s coastal suburbs worth your attention now — chosen for lifestyle appeal, current property performance, and long-term liveability.

Torquay

A complete coastal town, not just a surf postcode

Torquay remains one of Victoria’s most functional seaside towns. Surf culture runs deep here, but it’s supported by strong infrastructure: schools, medical services, employment access via Geelong, and a hospitality scene that doesn’t hibernate.

As of December 2025, Torquay’s median house price sits around $1.18 million, with the market largely flat after years of rapid growth. Units have softened more noticeably, offering improved entry points for downsizers and professionals.

It suits families, commuters and lifestyle-driven buyers who want a coastal address without sacrificing everyday convenience.

Why it works: A real town with long-term stability, not a seasonal surge.

Blind Bight & Tooradin

Calm coastlines, considered buyers, lasting appeal

Quiet waters and recalibrated expectations define this pocket of Western Port. Blind Bight offers direct bay access, generous blocks and a pace shaped by tides rather than trends. Prices sit around the mid $700,000s, supported by low turnover and steady interest.

Nearby Tooradin adds village structure and boating culture, with values settling into more sustainable territory after earlier swings. Together, they appeal to buyers prioritising space, water proximity and long-term calm over cafe density.

Why it works: Limited stock and lifestyle clarity support stability without peninsula premiums.

Lorne

Iconic scenery, selective buying

Lorne’s dramatic setting hasn’t changed — but its market has matured. After sharp pandemic-era growth, prices stabilised before ticking upward again in 2025.

Houses now sit around a $1.9 million median, while units have shown renewed strength, reflecting demand for lower-maintenance coastal living. This is a market driven by lifestyle rather than necessity.

Lorne suits buyers seeking a refined retreat, retirees, or long-term holders willing to trade convenience for atmosphere.

Why it works: Scarcity, scenery and renewed buyer confidence — if expectations are realistic.

St Leonards

Quiet Bellarine value with room to breathe

St Leonards remains one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s quieter achievers. With a 2025 median house price around $702,500, it offers relative affordability compared to nearby hotspots.

Prices dipped slightly over the past year, but buyer interest remains steady, particularly among families and downsizers seeking calm, space, and proximity to Geelong without premium pricing.

Amenities are modest, but the community is strong and the beaches are generous.

Why it works: Lifestyle-led demand without speculative pressure.

Blairgowrie

Peninsula polish with a settled pace

Blairgowrie carries itself with restful assurance. Calm bay beaches meet rugged ocean shores, while the village centre remains purposeful rather than performative. Houses sit in the low-to-mid $1.4 million range, drawing families and downsizers who value permanence and routine. Days revolve around coastal walks, local dining and a pace that feels settled rather than seasonal.

Why it works: A strong owner-occupied base and dual-coast access support long-term appeal.

Port Melbourne 

Where the city meets the sea

Port Melbourne balances shoreline living with genuine CBD proximity. Houses sit around the mid-$1.5 million range, reflecting demand from buyers unwilling to choose between city access and water views. Bay Street anchors daily life, while the foreshore and surrounding parks soften the urban rhythm. It suits those who want coastal atmosphere without stepping away from metropolitan momentum.

Why it works: Walkability, transport links and limited beachfront supply keep demand consistent.

Mentone 

Bayside ease with everyday appeal

Mentone provides a grounded take on bayside living. Houses sit around the low $1.3 million range, positioning it as more attainable than nearby suburbs. A relaxed beach culture, respected schools and a steadily maturing cafe scene shape everyday life. It feels lived-in and practical, with a strong sense of local continuity.

Brighton

An established standard-bearer

Brighton remains Melbourne’s most established bayside address. Grand homes, manicured streets and a refined retail strip define the suburb, with houses well beyond $3 million and units around the $1 million mark. Its appeal rests on longevity rather than novelty, attracting buyers focused on security and status.

Why it works: Prestige, scarcity and consistent buyer confidence protect value over time.

Mount Martha

Space, greenery and coastal calm

Mount Martha sits comfortably between bushland and bay, appealing to those seeking room to breathe without losing structure. Beaches, walking trails and strong local schools shape daily life, while house prices sit in the low-$1.4 million range. Its village feel and sense of space continue to attract families and retirees looking for a long-term coastal base rather than a weekend escape.

Why it works: Lifestyle depth and limited large-scale development support stability.

St Kilda

Density, diversity and constant motion

St Kilda remains one of Melbourne’s most animated coastal suburbs. Heritage apartments, nightlife, markets and the beach converge in a compact footprint that thrives on energy. Housing is predominantly apartment-based, with prices varying widely by size and position, while houses command a notable premium. It suits buyers who value proximity, rental appeal and cultural pulse over quietude.

Why it works: Rental demand and location sustain relevance across market cycles.

East Geelong

Green space with coastal proximity

East Geelong continues to draw attention for its balance of greenery and access. Anchored by Eastern Park and close to Eastern Beach, it offers a bayside-adjacent lifestyle with strong transport links into Melbourne. Houses sit around the high-$700,000s, appealing to families and professionals seeking value near the coast without stepping fully into premium seaside pricing.

Why it works: Proximity to water and city infrastructure supports steady interest.

Portland

History-led living at a gentler pace

Victoria’s oldest European settlement offers a slower coastal rhythm shaped by heritage and landscape. Portland’s harbour, nearby national parks and historic streets create a grounded sense of place. Houses remain around the low-$400,000 range, positioning the town as one of the state’s more accessible coastal options. It suits buyers prioritising space, calm and community over metropolitan convenience.

Why it works: Affordability and space attract buyers seeking longevity over pace.

Elwood

Local energy with a bayside backbone

Elwood pairs beachside living with inner-city ease. Leafy streets lined with Art Deco apartments give the suburb its identity, while the foreshore shapes daily routines. Houses sit around the high-$1.8 to $1.9 million range, with units offering broader entry points. It attracts buyers drawn to a distinctly local atmosphere, where cafes, coast and community intersect naturally.

Why it works: Strong local culture and limited supply maintain enduring appeal.

Mornington

Bayside living with big-town ease

Mornington’s enduring appeal lies in balance. It offers beaches and coastal walks alongside schools, healthcare, retail, and a well-established Main Street — all within commuting distance of Melbourne.

Median house prices sit at just over $1 million, with modest growth over the past year. Units remain in the mid-$700,000s and have shown resilience compared to more volatile coastal markets.

It attracts families, professionals splitting time between city and peninsula, and downsizers who still want walkability and services close by.

Why it works: Strong fundamentals and consistent demand underpin its value.

Seaford

Relaxed bayside living with room to grow

Seaford offers an approachable entry into Melbourne’s coastal strip. Direct beach access, parks and everyday amenities underpin its appeal, while prices vary widely depending on pocket and elevation. Buyers are encouraged to do due diligence, but for many, Seaford represents a genuine opportunity — a suburb where community, coastline, and future potential intersect.

Why it works: Accessibility and transport links create long-term potential.

Williamstown

Maritime character with city access

Williamstown’s seafaring past continues to shape its present. Waterfront walks, ferry connections and a strong dining scene define daily life, with houses around the mid-$1.6 million range and units offering more attainable alternatives. Its blend of heritage, water access and CBD proximity keeps demand steady among buyers seeking character without isolation.

Why it works: Water access combined with CBD proximity sustains buyer demand.

Queenscliff 

Seaside charm with depth

Queenscliff delivers coastal living layered with history and culture. Heritage streetscapes, galleries and bay views define the town, while house prices sit in the low-to-mid $1 million range. It appeals to families, retirees and lifestyle buyers seeking a coastal setting with substance — far enough from Melbourne to feel removed, yet close enough to stay connected.

Why it works: Cultural depth and limited housing stock support long-term value.

Port Fairy

Charm meets correction

Port Fairy remains visually enchanting — heritage buildings, a creative community, and coastal walks that draw visitors year-round. But its property market tells a more nuanced story.

As of late 2025, the median house price sits around $857,500, reflecting a clear cooling after earlier highs. This correction has improved value but also exposed challenges: limited rentals, a high proportion of holiday homes, and fewer employment opportunities.

It best suits retirees, lifestyle buyers, or those prioritising place over pace.

Why it works: Beauty and culture endure — but it’s no longer a blanket recommendation.

*Pricing reflects late-2025 market conditions and varies by housing type and street.

Doing your research on the best Victorian suburbs to live near the beach and looking for more helpful property advice? Head straight to your friend in property, The Sitch. From Home Design advice and Home Tour inspiration, to property advice, we’ve got you covered.