Beaumaris: The seaside suburb that inspired Australia's impressionists

For a slice of coastal living in Melbourne, Beaumaris is an ideal place to be. The sleepy bayside ’burb is home to sun-soaked beaches, lush native greenery and beautiful mid-century modern architecture.

It’s the kind of picturesque scenery that inspired some of the most influential painters of Australia’s Heidelberg School, including Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton, who came to Beaumaris during the summer of 1886-87 to paint the cliffs, sea and boatsheds. These paintings are now held in the collections of the country’s biggest galleries.

Situated on a headland, the suburb’s coastline is made up of the sandstone Beaumaris Cliff – internationally known for its marine and terrestrial fossils – and Ricketts Point. There’s also the 115-hectare Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll find crystal clear shallow waters, rock pools and sea caves to explore. Snorkel around and find zebra fish and the Port Jackson shark. From late June to early July, you might even spot migrating humpback whales in the area – if you’re lucky.

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But Beaumaris’s bayside charm extends beyond the beach. Bright and airy coffee shops are everywhere, including the family-owned Saska Cafe and neighbourhood favourite The CNR along Beach Road. For brunch, locals head to Ginger Fox cafe – among other spots clustered around The Concourse – for Turkish omelettes and truffled mushrooms on toast. On the weekend, Ricketts Point Beaumaris restaurant is the spot for a slow morning with sprawling views. The beachside spot serves up classics like buttermilk pancakes with mixed berry compote and maple syrup, chilli crab scramble, and smashed avo on toast with feta and dukkah. Come lunchtime, it’s turning out spicy prawn pizza, oysters, smoked salmon bagels, Thai beef salad and seafood linguine with chilli garlic oil. End on homemade scones served with jam and cream. It’s right by the Marine Sanctuary, so diners often get to see dolphins, pelicans and black swans mid-meal.

While the neighbourhood is hardly known for its nightlife, there are several restaurants and bars where you can end the night on a high. There’s Le Bar Supper Club, a glitzy restaurant and cocktail bar inspired equally by jazz-age Paris and a 1920s New York speakeasy. Take a seat for caviar service, signature cocktails and steak frites. You can also expect regular burlesque nights and live music.

Nearby, find La Cucina serving home-style Italian fare, and seafood institution the Lobster Cave which has kept locals coming back for more than 30 years. The Gin Dispensary is a laid-back bar and cocktail lounge at the old Beaumaris Hotel site, offering seasonal cocktails made with three varieties of its own Port Phillip gin.

Living in Beaumaris means you also have easy access to neighbouring beachside ’burbs like Mentone and Cheltenham, so you’ll never be short of things to do. The former has a keen beach culture and one of the best pizzerias in town – the NYC-inspired Sunnyside Sliced.

And if you’re out for a morning run or evening stroll, there’s plenty of mid-century residential architecture to admire on the way (the local Beaumaris Modern group has two books on the subject and organises walking tours and annual open home events).

Agent insight

James Driver from Kay & Burton

What are your favourite luxury features in home design?

In today’s luxury market it’s commonplace for all the bells and whistles to be included, such as a theatre, sauna, spa, pool, gym, lift and home automation. There are, however, a few luxury features that instantly get my attention. For example, there is a luxury home that we currently have off-market fitted out completely with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. When you step up to that level of appliance, an oven alone can be $25,000 and the fridge $30,000. When you’re in a true luxury home that has been well executed, you can feel it.

For sale in Beaumaris

$6,500,000-$6,995,000

9 Point Avenue, Beaumaris VIC 3193

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This striking home near Ricketts Point seamlessly blends luxury with nature on a private 999 metre-squared block. Expansive living spaces, soaring ceilings and tall French doors create a seamless flow to lush gardens and a resort-style pool. A chef’s kitchen, luxe master suite, lofty rooms with treetop views and multiple living areas make it an entertainer’s dream.