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)
It’s 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’s a central Melbourne location.
It’s 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
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
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
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
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
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!
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