Tucked along the golden sands of Dendy Street Beach in Melbourne’s affluent Brighton suburb lies one of the city’s most photographed and iconic treasures, the Brighton Bathing Boxes. With their vibrant hues, classic Victorian design, and postcard-perfect backdrop of the Melbourne skyline, these charming wooden huts have captivated both locals and visitors for over a century.

It’s not just the vivid colours that draw the eye. Each box tells its own story, painted with quirky patterns, national flags, animals, and even famous faces. No two are alike, and that's exactly the magic of it. They feel personal, like they belong not just to the beach but to the people who built and maintained them through generations.

Walking along the beach, there’s a certain stillness in the air—soft waves rolling in, the scent of saltwater, the occasional laughter of children playing nearby. The bathing boxes line up proudly, facing the ocean, as if keeping watch over the beachgoers. These 82 heritage-listed boxes may no longer serve their original function of modest seaside changing rooms, but they remain a proud symbol of Victorian-era beach culture. Locals jog past on the sand, tourists pose for perfect Instagram shots, and artists find inspiration in the interplay of colour and light. It’s a scene that seems frozen in time, yet always alive.

The beauty of the Brighton Bathing Boxes lies not just in their aesthetic charm, but in their endurance. Built in the early 1900s, they’ve withstood the elements, council debates, and rising tides of change, still standing strong, as quintessentially Melbourne as coffee and laneway art.

So whether you're chasing the perfect sunset photo, planning a quiet seaside picnic, or just want to breathe in a little history with the sea breeze, the Brighton Bathing Boxes offer something simple yet unforgettable. A touch of nostalgia, a splash of colour, and a whole lot of charm.

Train: Catch the Sandringham Line from Flinders Street Station. Travel to Middle Brighton or Brighton Beach Station. From Brighton Beach Station, walk 1200 m (10 min) along the Esplanade.

From Middle Brighton Station, walk 1000m (10 min) south along the coast to the boxes.