Live Colorfully-Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes

May 17, 2017
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

On my last day in Melbourne, I took a trip to see the famous Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, which are located about 25 minutes from my hostel.

Brighton is an affluent beachside suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, located approximately 11 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's Central Business District. The area is known for its beautiful waterfront homes, upscale neighborhoods, and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay.

However, Brighton's most famous attraction is undoubtedly Dendy Street Beach, home to the iconic row of brightly colored bathing boxes that have become one of Australia's most recognizable landmarks.

Ever since I can remember, I had seen photos of these colorful beach boxes online and in travel magazines. I always told myself that one day I would visit them in person, and on this trip, I finally made that happen.

The bathing boxes were originally built more than a century ago during the Victorian era, when strict social customs surrounded sea bathing and privacy. Despite being over 100 years old, the bathing boxes have remained remarkably unchanged.

Each box still features traditional Victorian-era architecture, including timber frames, weatherboard walls, and corrugated iron roofs. Over time, however, owners have added unique colors, patterns, and artwork, giving each bathing box its own personality and character.

The vibrant designs have transformed Brighton Beach into one of the most photographed locations in Australia. Depending on the time of day, the changing sunlight, weather, and colors create a completely different experience for visitors and photographers.

Walking along the beach and seeing the bathing boxes in person was definitely worth the trip. The colorful structures against the backdrop of the ocean and Melbourne skyline created a scene that was both beautiful and uniquely Australian.

Fun Facts About the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes

There are 82 bathing boxes in total along Brighton Beach.
The original bathing boxes sold for around $700 AUD when they were first available.
Today, some bathing boxes can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with prices reaching around $250,000 AUD or more depending on the market.
The bathing boxes are primarily used to store beach equipment and belongings. They cannot be used as permanent residences and generally do not have running water or electricity.
The bathing boxes are protected by heritage regulations, helping preserve their historic appearance and cultural significance.

For me, visiting the Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes was one of the highlights of my trip to Melbourne. It was one of those places that had been on my bucket list for years, and it felt surreal to finally see it in person. Between the colorful beach boxes, beautiful coastal scenery, and rich history, it was the perfect way to wrap up my Melbourne adventure.