Half Moon Bay
LOCATION GUIDEHalf Moon Bay
LOCATION GUIDEHalf Moon Bay in Black Rock is one of our favourite spots in all of Melbourne. The beach is long, clean and for most of the year, relatively empty. For photos, the red bluff at the end of the beach is definitely worth the walk, and if conditions are right, the pier can be great too.
We’ve put this guide together to help you find the bay, feel at home and really enjoy your family portrait experience.
Below, you’ll find a map, weather forecast, suggestions in the area and lots more. We’re constantly adding to these guides too, so if you have a question it doesn’t cover, let us know.
Getting there
(Click the map to enlarge)
costs and access Restrictions
This location is free, and there are no photography permits required for domestic portrait photography (which is us).
There are permits required for Commercial photography here though, so it’s possible we could be asked whether it’s a commercial shoot or even that a council staff member gets confused about the definition. To be clear, the definition in the Victorian Filming Approval Act 2014 is that the images must be “intended for broadcast or public exhibition for commercial purposes” so no permit is required.
The beach is open year-round.
What to bring
These pictures should be all about your family relationships, so there’s no need to bring props or additional clothing changes.
Here are a few things we suggest you bring:
- Water
- Snacks (TIP: try to choose substantial foods rather than grazing at small things like sultanas. That way each kid can take a break, fill their tummy and then rejoin the family)
- Any medicines your family might need
- Mosquito repellant (not usually required, but they can be a problem occasionally)
Will it rain?
You might prefer to keep an eye on the weather yourself too though, so we’ve put together a few resources for you.
“What a great morning it was! The photos turned out beautifully and the grandparents were very, very happy with their Christmas present. Thanks Hugster for making our first family photo shoot something we’ll cherish for many years to come”
Can we bring our dog?
From April to October, dogs are permitted off leash at all times.
From November to March, the rules are a bit complicated:
- Sunrise until 10am, dogs can be off lead
- 10am to 7.30pm, dogs are not permitted
- 7.30pm until sunrise, dogs must be on lead
- Every 2nd Thursday between 10:42am and 11:03am, if you’re left-handed and your firstname starts with a K … just kidding (the rest are real though)
If your shoot is in the evening in Summer, there is an off-lead beach nearby. Please ask us about it.
As with any natural environment, we can’t guarantee that there won’t be snakes, other dogs or other dangers for your dog, so please take good care of your fur-baby. Please also ensure that your dog isn’t a danger to other visitors.
Can we bring our dog?
From April to October, dogs are permitted off leash at all times.
From November to March, the rules are a bit complicated:
- Sunrise until 10am, dogs can be off lead
- 10am to 7.30pm, dogs are not permitted
- 7.30pm until sunrise, dogs must be on lead
- Every 2nd Thursday between 10:42am and 11:03am, if you’re left-handed and your firstname starts with a K … just kidding (the rest are real though)
If your shoot is in the evening in Summer, there is an off-lead beach nearby. Please ask us about it.
As with any natural environment, we can’t guarantee that there won’t be snakes, other dogs or other dangers for your dog, so please take good care of your fur-baby. Please also ensure that your dog isn’t a danger to other visitors.
What to wear
For lots of tips and ideas, check out our what-to-wear guide here.
If it helps, email a photo of some outfit ideas to hello@hugster.com.au or call us on 0489 912 602 and we’ll help you.
Family-friendly food nearby
The Black Rock shops are very nearby if you need something before or after your session. Here are a few of our favourite options for kid-friendly food in the area.
For a meal
True South is a pub and restaurant across the road from the beach (and playground), so if you’re spending the day in the area, it’s a great place to finish up. If you’re eating dinner, make sure you book in advance as it can book out. The Cape Grim Beef Empanadas are delicious and our kids love the chips! Here’s a map link and here’s their website
Lunch
For lunch, our kids vote for Fish and Chips whenever we’re anywhere near a beach! At Black Rock, they’d tell you the best way is to set them up playing in the playground while dad walks down to collect lunch. Here’s a map link to the Black Rock Fish and Chippery.
For everything else
There’s a small Woolworths in Black Rock and parking nearby, about 50 metres away on Bluff Rd. Here’s a map link to the Woolworths.