Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia 2026: Off- & On-Leash Places to Go

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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