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The pleasures of Bayside are only minutes from Melbourne's CBD

A couple walking together along the beachBayside
Among the city's most popular sites are picturesque shopping villages, historic mansions, great dining venues, wonderful coastline, waterfront bathing boxes and stress free leisure activities minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.

Bayside beauty
Only 15 minutes south of Melbourne’s CBD, Bayside boasts 17 kilometres of stunning foreshore and beaches fronting Port Phillip Bay. It is characterised by the picturesque coastline from Brighton to Beaumaris, water-based activities and quality residential areas featuring stylish homes and traditional shopping villages. There are substantial parks and reserves as well as numerous golf and yacht clubs which emphasis the area’s visual splendour. Also adding to Bayside’s appeal are heritage buildings and sites, cultural facilities, art galleries and local festivals, excellent sporting and recreational facilities and significant areas of native vegetation.

Getting here
The Nepean Highway is the major arterial road linking Bayside to the centre of Melbourne, although Beach Road from St Kilda is a more scenic route. A short train trip on either the Sandringham or the Frankston lines provides easy access.

Villages with character
Bayside is blessed with picturesque villages boasting a diversity of quality shops, great restaurants and art galleries. They include one of Victoria's most renowned shopping strips, Church Street in Brighton, which features fine food and elegant entertainment. Still in Brighton, the alternative and eclectic Martin Street caters well for the younger market while fashion boutiques feature heavily in Bay Street.


Bustling and trendy Hampton Street, Hampton, has an array of restaurants, antique shops and art galleries. The relaxed seaside appeal of Black Rock and Sandringham provide pleasant outlooks to the bay. Exceptional dining can be found in all of the villages and many other locations, including nearby the internationally acclaimed Marine Sanctuary in Beaumaris.

 

Attractions and activities
Among Bayside’s wide range of highlights are the stately historic mansions and gardens of Billilla and Kamesburgh, both dating from the 1870s. Green Point lookout at Brighton Beach provides a spectacular view of the city skyline and West Gate Bridge while the yacht clubs and boat harbours are always alive with water activities.

Experience the spectacular views from Middle Brighton Sea Baths, with contemporary restaurants and cafés in an historical setting dating back to the 1930's. One of the most recognised aspects of Bayside’s character are the colourful bathing boxes in Brighton which are more than 100 years old.

Bayside offers a select range of accommodation from Hotel/Motel  to Serviced Apartments and Bed and Breakfasts .

Historic Homesteads and art
Some of the earliest European settlements in Victoria are located in Bayside and many of the original and magnificent buildings survive today. Historic homes such as Billilla, Black Rock House and Kamesburgh are available for the public to experience. Each of the properties offers a unique insight into Bayside's colourful history and its earlier communities. Bayside has long been associated with the arts and has a rich cultural heritage. Names such as Arthur Streeton, Charles Conder, and Tom Roberts conjure up enduring images synonymous with the Bayside coast. The Bayside Coastal Arts Trail celebrates the work of famous Australian painters who depicted the area during the 19th and 20th centuries. It features more than 50 pieces along coastline and is Australia’s biggest outdoor art gallery.  There are a more than twenty art galleries throughout Bayside .

Bayside offers clean beaches, spectacular views, excellent boating facilities and interesting local culture / history.  The area offers exceptional potential for walking, cycling and family beach outings.



 

Events

Bayside boasts a range of festivals and events throughout the year including cultural and sporting events, the Bright 'n' Sandy Food and Wine Festival, Carols in the Park and many others.

Chef demonstrationMore than 10,000 people attended the 2008 Bright 'n' Sandy Food and Wine Festival.   The 200-seat demonstration area was full to capacity throughout the day with celebrity chefs and wine experts sampling their delights.  Local restaurants, cafes, bistros and boutique wine retailers enjoyed Melbourne's most picturesque location to display their wares in the unique style bathing box facades.

If your business fits this criteria and you would like to be involved in this showcase opportunity as an exhibitor contact the Event Officer on 9599 4444 or email events@bayside.vic.gov.au  We have 'early bird packages' and discounted rates for local businesses.

The 2009 Bright 'n' Sandy Food and Wine Festival will be held Sunday 22 March 2009, 11am to 6pm at beautiful Green Point in Brighton, Melway map reference 76 C3.

HMVS Cerberus

Bayside's battleship

At Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, are the remains of the battleship, HMVS Cerberus. Launched in 1868, she was the pride of the Victorian navy.  She was the prototype of the modern steam-powered battleship and has four massive 10-inch guns that are still visible above the waterline today. Cerberus served for 53 years within the confines of the bay, taking part in mock battles and mine laying exercises until 1924 when she was scuttled as a breakwater.

 


Bayside - So close to Melbourne, yet so distinctly different.

More visitor information and attraction details in Bayside is available from the GoBayside site. 

For a copy of the Bayside Tourism Strategy, click the link. 


15-Jul-2008


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