Rye beach is at the south end of Port Phillip Bay. While the bay gets pretty choppy, the water is very shallow at Rye and keeps the chops to only a foot or two high. Crystal clear water, shallow sandy bottom and plenty of room. Waist deep water for 300m out.
The beach is very narrow, so it is not the easiest launch site for beginners. There is grass between the beach and the car park, although not a large area.
The temperature in Melbourne ranges from 15°C or lower in winter (and rarely much below 10°C) to well into the 30's°C during summer, and occasionally over 40°C. The water temperature in the bay ranges from a low of 10°C in winter to a high of 22°C in summer. No wetsuit is required in summer, but most wear a full steamer in winter.
The beach faces north, and is best in a anything from the NW around to NE. During winter it blows from the North more often than not, although it can be gusty. During summer you get strengthening northerlies before southerly changes. Topography to the North it is relatively flat and therefore wind is not gusty.
The nearest city is Melbourne, and Rye is about 80-90 minutes drive south of the city. Rye Beach is at the south end of Port Phillip Bay. About 80kms from CBD Melbourne. Follow the Nepean Highway down.
