Choosing the right location for your family photos can make all the difference. The setting shapes the mood, the light, and how relaxed everyone feels on the day.

If you’re planning an outdoor family photoshoot in Melbourne, the bayside area leaves you spoiled for choice. From soft sandy beaches to leafy green parklands, here are some of the best spots for natural, relaxed family photography.

My Favourite Locations in for Family Photos

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a classic for a reason. The open space, soft sand and wide horizon create a light, airy feel that works beautifully for families — with the iconic Brighton Beach Boxes and Melbourne’s city skyline adding a uniquely local backdrop.

For younger children, the beach offers room to move. Walking along the shoreline, collecting shells or simply playing in the sand creates natural, candid moments rather than stiff, posed shots.

Sunset is ideal here. The golden light softens everything and creates a warm, flattering glow for all skin tones —and on clear evenings you can often catch the skyline in the distance as the light fades.

This location is perfect if you:

Love coastal scenery
Want relaxed, candid moments
Prefer a timeless, neutral backdrop

Sandringham Beach & Red Bluff

If you’re looking for something slightly more textured, Sandringham Beach and the Red Bluff cliffs offer beautiful variety.

The mix of sand, rock formations and soft coastal grasses creates depth in your images without feeling busy. It’s a lovely option for families who want something scenic but still natural and relaxed.

The slightly elevated areas also provide stunning sunset views, while still keeping access easy for little legs.

Parks & Gardens in Melbourne

If you prefer greenery over sand, there are plenty of beautiful park and garden locations to choose from — from leafy parks around Brighton, to green spaces in St Kilda, and the Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

These locations feel calm and spacious, and they’re often ideal for younger children who are more comfortable on grass than sand. The filtered afternoon light through the trees creates a gentle, intimate atmosphere that photographs beautifully.

Aspendale Beach

If you’re after dunes, clean sand, and a real sense of openness, Aspendale is the spot I’d suggest. It offers wide, uncluttered stretches of shoreline with soft dunes that create a simple, classic backdrop.

This is a beautiful choice for families who want clean, timeless images with plenty of breathing space in the frame — and it’s especially lovely on quieter days when you can really lean into that relaxed, natural feel.

Choosing What Suits Your Family

When selecting a location, think about your children’s ages and personalities.

Do they love running and exploring?
Are they happiest near water or on open grass?
Would a quieter location help them feel more relaxed?

The goal of family photography isn’t perfection, it’s connection. The more comfortable your children feel, the more natural the images will be.

If you’re welcoming a baby soon, keep in mind these outdoor locations are best suited to older babies and kids. They’re ideal for relaxed family sessions once your little one is a bit older and happy to be out and about. For newborns in those first few months, a studio session is usually the better option — warm, calm, and perfectly set up for them.

The Importance of Timing

As with all outdoor sessions, light matters. The hour before sunset is ideal for family photos. The light is softer, less harsh on young skin, and far more flattering than midday sun.

Planning around nap times and keeping sessions relaxed and flexible also makes a big difference in how the experience feels for everyone.

Location is Only Part of the Story

While choosing the right park or beach helps create beautiful images, what matters most is the connection between you.

Family photos are about documenting this stage of life – the chaos, the laughter, the closeness. If you’ve ever wondered why family photography matters, it’s because these seasons pass quickly. Children grow. Dynamics change. What feels ordinary now becomes incredibly meaningful later.

The location simply provides the backdrop for those moments.

Let’s Find the Perfect Spot for Your Family Photos

As an experienced family and baby photographer in Melbourne, I understand how important it is to choose a location that feels relaxed and manageable – especially with little ones.

Melbourne’s bayside parks and beaches offer an incredible variety, all within easy reach. Whether you’re drawn to coastal sunsets, open grassy spaces or something simple and minimal, there’s a setting that will suit your family.

If you’re unsure which location feels right, we’ll talk it through. Together, we’ll choose somewhere that feels comfortable, relaxed and natural – so your images reflect your family exactly as you are right now.

Best Melbourne Parks and Beaches for Family Photos