I love summer, it’s my favourite season. Beautiful warm evenings and magical sunsets which remind me of being a kid. My favourite thing to do these days is taking my cheeky toddler on little adventures and capturing those moments that I will treasure for years to come.

So, what are the best summer photography locations close to Melbourne? Here’s my top five. Hope it’ll inspire you to take some photos of your own family this summer.

1. Cairn Bay, Flinders

A little off the beaten track, this is one of those special, must-see places. It has breathtaking views over the ocean and surrounding cliffs tops – the ideal place for taking photos in summer. You reach the ocean after an easy 15-minute walk. You can then hike up the little hill near the paddocks filled with cows or head down to the rugged beach. It’s perfect if you want to do some exploring with the kids. It can be a bit windy so make sure you’re wearing the right gear

Cairn Bay is around 1.5 hours from Melbourne, located on Boneo Rd, between Punchbowl Rd and Myers Rd. Location details are here. And if you’re after a little more adventure when you get there, check out this blog.

2. Hanging Rock, Woodend

As you meander up the path to the top of Hanging Rock, you’re surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of rock formations and the sun peaking through the gum trees. There are countless opportunities to stop for photos on the way up to the summit in this magical place.

It’s great for bushwalking with the kids and there are several picnic spots and a playground for the kids when they are done walking.

Everything you need to know about visiting Hanging Rock can be found here. There is easy parking and it’s around an hour from Melbourne

3. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

These beautiful gardens are such a magical place to visit, especially around sunset. You could spend hours exploring the woodlands and secret little gardens, and of course taking great photos. Bring a picnic basket or grab one ready-made at their little cafe. The botanic gardens are an idyllic spot to enjoy your picnic under the shady trees, surrounded by stunning views over Daylesford.

There is plenty of room for the kids to run around and explore while you take some photos.

Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. It’s open 24 hours a day. Check out the Wombat Hill House website for more information.

Magic woodlands at Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

4. Wye River Beach

If you’re wanting a weekend away, I love this beach for its beauty and family friendly facilities. Ideal for swimming, the Wye River joins the sea here which creates shallows for the littlies splashing around. You can explore its impressive rockpools or build sandcastles by the sea. Once you park the car, everything you need is within walking distance including the Wye River General Store and Beach Hotel (perfect spot to enjoy the beach from above) and a small playground for the kids. This is the most beautiful spot on a warm summer’s evening to have a picnic on the beach –just don’t forget to bring your camera!

Wye River is 2.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, just past Lorne on The Great Ocean Road.

Check out Wye River General Store and Wye River Beach Hotel.

5. Your backyard

Your own backyard is another great option to get some beautiful photos in summer, especially if you get some pretty light at the right time of day. It’s a simple but perfect place for capturing those everyday moments you will one day miss the kids on their bikes, swimming in the pool, under the sprinkler, painting, enjoying a picnic, blowing bubbles or any other activity they love to do.

Some final thoughts

I saw something the other day about how we only get 18 summer seasons with our kids. If you’re like me and you have a toddler, it’s only 16. That’s just 16 summers left to enjoy seeing her splash in the waves, having a backyard BBQ or running through the sprinkler on a warm day.

It’s not that far away that one day my little sidekick will be all grown up and no longer want to join me on summer adventures. So here’s to soaking up every single one of them!

I hope this inspires you to get out there this summer and do some exploring of your own. There are so many great photography spots not far from Melbourne. Just don’t forget your camera! If you do, you can always use your phone.

Book your beach sunset session

If you are looking for a Family Photographer in Melbourne. I’ll be offering a limited number of Beach Sunset Sessions in January 2020 which focus on being in the water. I’d love to hear from you if this is something you are interested in.

Details and pricing can be found here.

Simply contact me if you have any questions!

5 of the best summer photography locations close to Melbourne