Are you planning a trip to Melbourne with your pup? You’ll undoubtedly want to take advantage of the beautiful coastline in the area! Thankfully, plenty of dog-friendly beaches are available to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a popular destination or more of a hidden gem, there are so many great options!
The 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia
1. Altona Dog Beach
| Address: | Altona Rd, Altona VIC 3018 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- The low tide can provide plenty of uncovered beach to explore
- Shallow waters provide summer fun for dogs
- Parking may be difficult to find
- The beautiful Foreshore Trail offers spectacular views of nature
2. South Melbourne Beach
| ️Address: | 74 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC 3206 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Allowed from April 1 to October 31 |
- South Melbourne Beach is a safe beach
- One of the most vigilantly patrolled beaches in the area
- Parking may be hard to find
- Popular with the locals
- Volleyball areas available
3. Tassells Cove
| ️Address: | Marine Dr, Safety Beach VIC 3936 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Tassells Cove is a popular beach
- Adventurous, rocky walk available for you and your dog along the coast
- Watch your step while walking, as the rocks can be slippery
- Plenty of gorgeous views
4. Middle Park Beach
| ️Address: | Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park VIC 3206 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Allowed from November 1 to March 31 and select times in the summer |
- Parking is easy to find
- Regular dog access is seasonal only, from November to the end of March
- The beach is clean and wide, offering plenty of space for your dog to roam
- Walking and cycling paths are available for active visitors
5. Sandringham Beach
| ️Address: | Victoria |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | At specific times |
- Off-leash dogs are allowed from sunrise until 10.00 a.m. on the north portion of the beach
- During the winter season, off-leash dogs are allowed on the southern part of the beach at all times; during the summer season, off-leash dogs are permitted from 7.30 p.m. to 10.00 a.m.
- Small, beautiful beaches offer an escape from the more crowded locations
- Gorgeous views surround the area
6. West Beach
| ️Address: | 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West VIC 3182 |
| Open Times: | 10.00 a.m.–11.30 p.m. on weekdays, 9.00 a.m.–11.30 p.m. on weekends |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Located in the heart of Melbourne
- Provides access to St Kilda West Beach, which is a well-kept secret, as it is beautiful yet private
- Excellent food is available
7. Royal Beach
| ️Address: | Mornington VIC, Australia |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Small beach made of pebbles and sand that rests between two beautiful sandstone bluffs
- Limited parking
- Located to the south of Schnapper Point
- Low tide exposes a great view of a reef
- Offers plenty of places for your dog to explore
8. Albert Park Lake
| ️Address: | Albert Park VIC 3206 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Only in designated areas |
- Designated off-leash areas
- Track available to jog, walk, or cycle with your on-leash dog
- The park offers incredible views of the city skyline
- Conveniently located in the center of Melbourne
- Enjoy plenty of activities and leisure
9. Fossil Beach Dog Off Leash Area
| ️Address: | 630 Esplanade, Mornington VIC 3931, Australia |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Named for the multitude of ancient aquatic life fossils found in the area
- Beach is rocky rather than sandy
- Plenty of trails to walk
- Birdwatchers can observe lovely native birds
10. Keast Park
| ️Address: | Nepean Hwy, Seaford VIC 3198 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Only in designated areas |
- Designated section of the beach for off-leash dogs
- Prepare to pay for parking
- Limited shops in the area make this park a great place for privacy
- Excellent picnicking areas available
11. Brighton Dog Beach/Sandown Street Beach
| ️Address: | Beach Rd &, South Rd, Brighton VIC 3186 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Fenced-in beach allows your dog to wander
- Free parking is limited, so you will likely need to pay for parking
- Popular with dog owners
12. Mentone Beach Dog Off Leash Area
| ️Address: | 64 Beach Rd, Mentone VIC 3194, Australia |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Only on the west side |
- Popular with the locals
- Quieter than some other destinations in the area
- Area is patrolled for safety
- Pedestrian paths available for leisurely strolls
13. Elwood Dog Beach
| ️Address: | 67 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood VIC 3184 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Allowed only at specific times |
- Walking and cycling paths available
- Picnicking is a great way to spend the day and soak in the view
- Two dog-friendly zones available
- In one area, dogs are allowed off-leash from 5.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. during the winter but are allowed at all times in the summer
- For the rest of the beach, dogs are prohibited entirely in the winter but allowed in the summer
14. St. Kilda Dog Beach
| ️Address: | 20 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182 |
| Open Times: | Every day, 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Allowed from April 1 to October 31 |
- Beach is calm and safe
- Free parking is limited, so you may need to pay
- Shallow water along the shore
- Playground for children at the west end
Conclusion
Vacationing can be tricky when you’re bringing your dog, since there are several details to consider. We hope that this list has helped you narrow down your options for a Melbourne beach trip. Be sure to verify the off-leash rules for each location you visit, and don’t forget to have fun!
- See also: Do Cane Corsos Like Water and Swimming?
Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock
The 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia
