Melbourne's iconic Brighton beach boxes: What they're used for, who owns them – and how much they cost

The row of brightly coloured wooden boxes dotting the foreshore is an iconic Melbourne attraction, delighting Aussies and luring international tourists to the Bayside.

Their uniform design and structure – classic Victorian architectural features with weatherboards and corrugated iron roofs – provide a postcard-worthy backdrop, cherished for generations and protected under heritage overlay.

Bathing boxes in the Bayside area date back to the 1860s and were first found at the end of Bay Street and between Park and Wellington Streets.

According to the Brighton Bathing Box Association, the number of beach boxes peaked around 1910 but fell following the Great Depression and a series of unfortunate weather and storm events. 

In 1934, the remaining bathing boxes were either removed or relocated to Dendy Street Beach. At one point, numbers had dwindled to 82; however, the Bayside City Council built and sold 14 new boxes, bringing the current total to 96.

What are the Brighton beach boxes used for?

The bathing boxes were initially built to preserve the modesty and privacy of women changing into swimwear at the beach.

In the modern era, they are mainly used to securely store beach equipment and accessories, tables, chairs and toys. But they also become a place for family and friends to congregate.

Brighton real estate Nick Johnstone bought a beach box about 10 years ago and says it’s an asset enjoyed by his family and neighbourhood.

“I’ve had a 50th birthday party there,” Johnstone says. “I’ve hosted staff events and had a couple of great parties. We have a little barbie and can take an esky down there. My kids go down with their friends. We’ve got a couple of stand up paddle boards in there.”

While the size of the boxes can vary to small degrees, they typically measure 2.4 metres long by 2 metres wide, smaller than a standard car park.

Under the licence conditions of the Bayside City Council, owners are not allowed to rent out the bathing boxes. However, visitors can use the boxes as a picturesque backdrop for photos.

How much are the Brighton bathing boxes worth?

Considering their tiny footprint, the Brighton bathing boxes represent some of Victoria’s most expensive real estate.

The postcard-worthy shacks have recently sold for around $400,000 each. Brighton insiders say one beach box transacted for a whopping $450,000 in late 2023.

It’s often the case that bathing boxes are passed down through generations of families. Occasionally, they will go up for auction, with previous buyers known to bid barefoot from the comfort of a deck chair on the sand.

Brighton’s bathing boxes can only be purchased by local Bayside residents, who buy a lease in perpetuity rather than a title and have to pay rates of about $1000 a year.

Are beach boxes a good investment?

Bathing boxes are marketed as a “lifestyle investment” and a chance to own a beloved piece of Melbourne history.

While the primary reason driving buyers is almost certainly not investment returns, agents say they have proven to be a savvy purchase because of their capital growth.

Their value has rarely dipped in price over the years. Back in 2000, one bathing box sold for $58,000. By 2008, the same box sold for $200,000.

With sales now soaring beyond $400,000, the price of a beach box has increased seven-fold since the turn of the century.

In recent years, there have been serious concerns that erosion and severe weather events threaten the beach boxes. In the past, some boxes have been damaged or partially washed away in high tides and rough seas. The local council has imported sand to the beach to prevent erosion.

Do beach boxes have electricity?

There is no electricity or running water in the bathing boxes. The licence conditions imposed on bathing box owners also prohibit sleeping or residing in the beachside shacks.

There are also strict decoration guidelines in place.

How to get to the Brighton Bathing Boxes

Head to Dendy Street Beach in Brighton, 13 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD. The beach can be accessed via road, train and sea.

If travelling by train, take the Sandringham line to Brighton Beach Railway Station and walk about 500 metres. From Melbourne’s CBD,  the 216 or 219 buses will also stop at Brighton Beach.

There are metered car parks near the bathing boxes for those driving.

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Traditionally, Brighton’s bathing boxes are very tightly held. Usually only one or two hit the market each year, however the council’s decision to build and sell off a string of new boxes last decade boosted recent sales.

“The council have come out and said they’re not building anymore,” says Johnstone. “That means they’re scarce as anything. People just hang on to them.”

The veteran Brighton agent says they are in high demand among wealthy locals.

“I would get a call once a week from someone who wants to buy a beach box.”

And he is confident their prices will only continue to grow.

“I think they’re still really good value. Further south in Sorrento and Portsea, they’re paying $900,000 to $1 million.” 

Johnstone says it’s conceivable to think their prices could double in the next few years.

“I could be wrong, but I think they’re a fantastic investment.”