If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne, you’re in luck! Melbourne has a treasure trove of dog-friendly beach locations. Some of them are well-known but require your dog to stay on a leash, while others are hidden gems with quiet off-leash areas. Here is a list of 15 amazing dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne!
Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia
1. South Melbourne Beach (Albert Park Beach)
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍74 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, between April 1 and October 31 |
- It is located near Melbourne’s café scene.
- There’s a long, straight, sandy beach.
- Dogs are allowed off-leash between April 1 and October 31.
- Dogs are prohibited from November 1 to March 31.
- There’s easy parking.
2. Middle Park Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | At certain times during the summer, at all times between November 1 and March 31 |
- It is a central Melbourne location.
- It is connected to a scenic walk through downtown Melbourne.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times between April 1 and October 31.
- From November 1 to March 31, dogs are only allowed off-leash between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Dogs are allowed on-leash year-round.
3. West Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- It’s located right next to Middle Park Beach, in Bayside Melbourne.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times, year-round.
- It’s a popular beach for dog owners.
- The West Beach pavilion offers dog-friendly outdoor dining.
- The restaurant offers dog water bowls.
4. Albert Park Lake
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍30 Aughtie Dr. |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Off-leash designated areas |
- It’s a lakeside rather than an ocean-side beach.
- There are two off-leash areas within the park.
- There’s an on-leash walking track around the lake.
- Dogs are not permitted in the water.
- There’s plenty of available parking.
5. Kilda Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍20 Jacka Blvd. |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, between April 1 and October 31 |
- No dogs are permitted between November 1 and March 31.
- There’s a wide, flat running area.
- The beach is shallow enough for dogs that aren’t expert swimmers.
6. Elwood Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍67 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | At all times during the winter season, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. during the summer |
- It’s located between Point Ormond and Brighton.
- There’s a clean, sandy beachfront with great views.
- The water is shallow.
- There is low algae growth.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times between April 1 and October 31; off-leash hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. the rest of the year.
7. Brighton Dog Beach/Sandown Street Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Beach Rd &, South Rd, Brighton VIC 3186 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, year-round |
- It’s located in Bayside.
- It’s a fully fenced dog park.
- There are multiple walkways.
- It has a great view of Brighton’s pier and marina.
8. Mentone Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Mentone Parade |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, in the western section |
- Dogs are allowed off-leash on the western section of the beach.
- Dogs must be on leashes on pathways.
- Check rules for dogs carefully, as they change throughout the year.
- Toilets and coffee shops are on the beach area on the north side.
- Dogs are allowed off-leash on the south side from sunrise to 10 a.m.
- Dogs are prohibited on the south side from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
9. Keast Park, Seaford
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Nepean Hwy, Seaford, VIC |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, on the sand |
- There’s an open park space.
- Chairs, tables, barbeques, and drinking fountains are available.
- Grassy areas and trees are around for shade.
- The only year-round off-leash beach is near Frankston.
- There’s a 200-meter section of sand for dogs.
10. Fossil Beach, Mornington
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Mornington 3931 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- It’s a 10-minute walk off the main road.
- Dogs must be on-leash until arrival at the beach.
- It’s secluded and quiet.
- It’s a rocky beach.
- The water is shallow.
11. Royal Beach, Mornington
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Mornington, VIC |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, year-round |
- It’s a short walk from Mornington’s center.
- It’s a year-round off-leash beach.
- There’s a view of Melbourne.
- There are rugged off-path sections.
12. Sandringham Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Victoria |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes, at certain times |
- It’s quiet and doesn’t get overcrowded.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash from sunrise to 10 a.m. on the north side and at all times on the south side during the winter months. Off-leash hours on the south side during the summer are 7:30 p.m. to 10 am.
13. Tassells Cove Dog-Friendly Walk, Safety Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Marine Dr, Safety Beach |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- It’s located at the north end of Safety Beach.
- There’s a small cove for dogs surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
- It’s separated from the main beach and dog-friendly year round.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times.
14. Altona Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍Altona Rd., Altona |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Any time |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- The water is shallow.
- It’s best at low tide.
- There are expansive city views of Williamstown and Port Phillip Bay.
- There’s a long pier to walk out on.
- It’s patrolled by surf lifesavers.
- It’s off-leash year round, but watch for reserve areas where dogs are not permitted.
Conclusion
Not all beaches are dog-friendly, but Melbourne is a hot spot for off-leash dog beaches. Be sure to check the off-leash hours and areas before going, though, and don’t stray out of dog-friendly areas, or you’ll risk a fine. Hopefully, this list gives you a few options for a fun day at the beach with your four-legged friend!
See also:
- Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney, Australia: Off- and On-Leash Places to Visit
- 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Gold Coast, Australia
Featured Image Credit: alexgo.photography, Shutterstock
Contents
- Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia
- 1. South Melbourne Beach (Albert Park Beach)
- 2. Middle Park Beach
- 3. West Beach
- 4. Albert Park Lake
- 5. Kilda Dog Beach
- 6. Elwood Dog Beach
- 7. Brighton Dog Beach/Sandown Street Beach
- 8. Mentone Dog Beach
- 9. Keast Park, Seaford
- 10. Fossil Beach, Mornington
- 11. Royal Beach, Mornington
- 12. Sandringham Beach
- 13. Tassells Cove Dog-Friendly Walk, Safety Beach
- 14. Altona Dog Beach
- Conclusion
