Windsurfing at Altona on Port Phillip Bay

Altona Beach is an option for windsurfing when the wind blows from the E, SE, SW and S (onshore).

Due to a sand bar about 50m from shore it creates a shallow speed strip that works on a full tide.

Beyond the bar the water chops up for some classic Port Phillip Bay bump-and-jump sailing.

For beginners launch east of the boat ramp at low tide or west of the pier at high tide. The water is nice and shallow so you can easily get back on your board if you fall off.

The bottom is generally nice and sandy so standing up in the shallows is easy.

On the down-side this spot can get very busy with kitesurfing traffic although most of them tend to stick to the inside of the sand bar.

Access & Launching

Altona Beach is 18 km (15 – 30 mins depending on traffic) to the west of Melbourne on Port Phillip Bay.

There is a dedicated water sports area at the end of the Esplanade and start of the Bay Trail W. Here you will find a sealed car park,

There is a nice grassy rigging area and easy launch area.