Campbell’s Cove Boathouses

Colourful and quirky – these heritage-listed boatsheds have brightened the foreshore since the 1920s.

Compared with Brighton’s pristine bathing boxes, the Campbell Cove boathouses and rugged patch of coastline are relatively untouched; providing a rare glimpse into the history of Melbourne’s beach culture.

Only a few years ago Campbell’s Cove was better known as Melbourne’s closest nudist beach. The nudist beach closed in 2015 and Campbell’s Cove can now move away from its sordid past and welcome visitors – clothes on please.

The Campbell’s Cove Boathouses vary in shape, size and colour. While some have been creatively built using materials at hand, others have been re-built with modern amenities. Take a walk along the shoreline and pick out your favourite.

The views across Port Phillip Bay extend all the way to ‘The Heads’ on a clear day. The beach is in a natural state with an off-lead dog area at one end. Most people come for a walk, but you can do all the normal beach activities here, just don’t expect a manicured beach. Campbell’s Cove is also known as an excellent fishing spot.

Getting to Campbell’s Cove is part of the adventure. You will need a car to travel through the market gardens of Werribee South and along the farm road – until you can see the waters of the Bay.