Last Updated on 18 January 2026 by Vanessa
Will you be visiting Brighton Beach in Melbourne, Australia? Chances are you’ll meet King, the beach cat.
But don’t expect to be the only one to want to pet him, because this champagne-colored tabby has become a bit of a legend around this coastal suburb of Melbourne.
You see, King needs his daily dose of “vitamin sea.” He can often be seen lounging on the benches overlooking Brighton Beach or brushing along the legs of alfresco diners on Jetty Road.
Meet King, the feline monarch of Brighton Beach in Melbourne, Australia
Brighton Beach sits along Port Phillip Bay, one of Melbourne’s most popular coastal destinations. People come here for the relaxed atmosphere and its postcard-perfect views.
The beach’s biggest draw has long been its 82 brightly colored bathing boxes. They line the shore and rank among the most photographed landmarks in the city.
But lately, something else has earned the top spot as Melbourne’s most photographed attraction: a beach cat named King.
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King, the beach cat
King belongs to eight-year-old Milly, who lives on Bindarra Road. She says he sometimes disappears for days, then shows up at home hungry and ready to eat. If his family wants to spend time with him, they know exactly where to go: the beach.
From sunrise to sunset, King walks the Brighton Beach shoreline. It’s his daily route. He slips between beach towels, explores the dunes, and naps in the shade near the pier. In the evening, he often sits on a bench, watching everything around him.
King loves people and takes his time with them. He plays, accepts pats, and greets tourists without rushing. When hunger hits, he heads to Jetty Road and approaches diners, hoping someone might share a bite.
“Normally, if we’re with King, people come up and ask if they can pat him — it’s so funny,” Milly says. “If he doesn’t feel like it, he just moves on.”
King wears a tag that explains his routine. He goes to the beach during the day and heads home at night. Even so, people often call the number on his collar to say they’ve found him. “At first, it annoyed me,” Milly says. “Now I think it’s kind of sweet.”
No one needs to worry about King. He’s exactly where he wants to be — at Brighton Beach.
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How to get to Brighton Beach in Melbourne?
Want to meet King for yourself?
Brighton Beach sits in Melbourne, Victoria, just a short trip (40 to 45 minutes) from the city.
Several bus routes stop near the beach, including the 600, 922, and 923, all of which run along the bay and drop you close to the shoreline.
Brighton Beach a simple day trip — or an excuse to stay a little longer and see if King shows up.
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Final thoughts
Have you ever met a cat that loves the beach just as much as King? Share your stories in the comments.
And if you loved King’s adventures, pass them along to your friends so they can meet him too!
🐱 Want to meet even more cats? Check out our ultimate guide to cat cafes in Australia.
