Brighton Bathing Boxes was last updated on March 4th, 2024.
Melbourne is one of the most popular cities in Australia, and it is easy to see why. Located in Australia but with a very European feel, the city feels special. There are countless ways to fill your days in Melbourne, and one place you should see is the stretch of beach that is home to the Brighton Bathing Boxes.
When I lived in Melbourne, I loved taking transit to explore one of the city’s 15 or so beaches. While I didn’t often swim at Dendy Street Beach, I loved hanging out in front of the Brighton Bathing boxes, admiring the small colourful boxes, and taking photos of them.
Bring a book and a blanket and lounge by the water, go for a swim, or just walk the coast, you’re sure to find something to do by the beach!
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What is special about the Brighton Bathing Boxes?
Prepare to be charmed by the Brighton bathing boxes when you see them as they remain the same as they were 100 years ago, with corrugated iron roofs, weatherboards, and timber framing!
These historic bathing boxes give the city a Victorian feel, which to me makes Melbourne that much more special.
There are 82 Brighton bathing boxes that overlook Port Phillip Bay, with views of Melbourne’s CBD district in the background.
It is incredible to me that these boxes were first built between 1862-1874, yet due to regulations to maintain the heritage of the boxes, they will remain unchanged. To own one means you must follow regulations, and use the box for no more than storage or a change room.
Even the owners are not allowed to rent them out, paint them, or sleep inside them!
Where did the Brighton Bathing Boxes Come From?
These bathing boxes were introduced to the beach to protect the residents’ Victorian morals, giving the people a place to change in private.
Just as they were 100 years ago, these bathing boxes have no water or electricity inside, and are really just a place to change into your swimsuits.
Nowadays, getting your hands on one of these bathing boxes is nearly impossible. They are usually passed down through generations, as it is extremely hard to become the owner of one of these bathing boxes.
In 2019 one lucky person managed to buy one, for a small price of $340,000!
How To Get To The Brighton Bathing Boxes
Accessible by driving, bus, rail or sea, the address to the Brighton Bathing Boxes is Dendy Street Beach, Dendy Street and the Esplanade, Brighton, Victoria, 3186.
To get here I would simply use Melbourne’s Public Transit system, MYKI, to get to the Brighton Bathing Boxes from wherever you are. The public transit in Melbourne is very easy to use, so I wouldn’t hesitate to hop on.
Many people go through Flinders Street Station as part of their journey, so if you are going from here, take the Sandringham line for about 20 minutes, then it’s just a 500 m walk to the Brighton Bathing Boxes.
Which of the Brighton Bathing Boxes would you most want to see?
11 Responses
In New York these are known as
a Cabana
These are so cute! I love all of the colors! 🙂
x Kenzie
Kenzieblogslife.blogspot.com
I love how colorful they are as well 🙂
wow thats quite a pricey box!! haha this is crazy!!
Isn’t it crazy?!?!
Oh wow! These look amazing – so colourful and summery! Great photos xx
Thank you!
I used to live right around from Brighton, some of the boxes are really nicely decorated! Oh my gosh I didn’t know they were that expensive. I learnt that the boxes were all moved except for a couple that are more distanced that the rest because a huge wave came in and damaged quite a few of them.
Sally – DiagonSally
They are crazy expensive! I knew many were moved but I didn’t know why ?
The Brighton Bathing Boxes are certainly a stunning sight. The images on them are amazing. It is crazy how much money they sell for.
They are so beautiful to see!