Making every trip to the beach more accessible

Published on 03 August 2026

Whether it's watching the grandkids build sandcastles, taking a stroll along the shoreline, dipping your toes in the bay or simply sitting back and enjoying the view, more people can now enjoy everything Kingston's beautiful beaches have to offer.

Getting across soft sand can be one of the biggest barriers to enjoying a day at the beach. New accessible beach paths installed at Mentone, Chelsea, Aspendale and Mordialloc are helping more people reach the water's edge and experience everything Kingston's beautiful foreshore has to offer.

While Kingston's foreshore already features accessible promenades and beach access ramps, the beach itself has often remained out of reach for many people. These new paths bridge that final stretch across the sand, making it easier for people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, older people, families with prams, people recovering from injury and anyone who finds walking on soft sand challenging to enjoy the beach with greater independence.

Mayor Georgina Oxley said the project is about removing barriers so more people can enjoy one of Kingston's greatest natural assets.

"Our beaches are where so many special memories are made. They're places where families come together, friends catch up, people exercise, relax and simply enjoy being outdoors," Cr Oxley said.

"Something as simple as crossing soft sand shouldn't stop someone from being part of those moments. These paths mean more people can make it across the sand, dip their toes in the water, watch the kids play, enjoy a picnic or simply spend time with family and friends by the bay. Those are the moments that matter, and as many people as possible should have the opportunity to experience them.

"It's about dignity, inclusion and removing barriers so more people can experience the simple joy of a day at the beach.

"Kingston's beaches are one of the things people love most about living here and visiting our city. We know there's always more work to do, but every barrier we remove means more people can enjoy our beautiful foreshore and create lasting memories with the people they love."

The accessible beach paths are part of Council's ongoing commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive public spaces for people of all ages and abilities. They build on Council's broader work to improve accessibility across Kingston and help ensure more people can experience the beauty of our 13 kilometres of Port Phillip Bay coastline. Two beach wheelchair lockers are set to be installed too.

Together, these improvements are helping create a foreshore that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible and making Kingston's coastline a destination that more people can enjoy.

To find out more visit kingston.vic.gov.au/accessible-paths.