Discover Dog-Friendly Beaches In Melbourne

Melbourne is home to many beaches and offers dog owners the perfect opportunity to explore new locations on daily walks or longer weekend trips. Many of Melbourne’s beaches are on-leash, which still allows you to take in beautiful scenery, but there are plenty of beaches in and around the city that allow your dog to cut loose, have fun, and enjoy a dip - particularly on a warm summer’s day!

We’ll be exploring some of our favourite off-leash dog beaches in Melbourne for you to explore with your pet, as well as sharing some tips for visiting dog-friendly beaches to keep your pup safe.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne

​Sandridge Beach

Located in Port Melbourne, Sandridge Beach is a great option for dog owners who want to go for a walk by the water without having to travel too far. The beach has a dedicated off-leash area that extends 220 metres, allowing your dog to stretch their legs and cool off in the summer. Further down on the rest of the beach, dogs are permitted between April and October, but between November and March, they are prohibited on the beach.

St Kilda Dog Beach

St Kilda Dog Beach is a popular spot for local dog owners to grab a coffee and let their pups run freely. It’s perfect to let your dog have a splash, make new friends, and run around on the beach. However, it’s worth noting that on some parts of the beach, dogs are allowed to roam free at all times, and in others, dogs are restricted to being off-leash between certain hours and in certain months of the year, so be sure to check the latest information to not spoil the fun.

​Brighton Dog Beach

Sandown Street Beach in Brighton is an off-leash beach where you can let your dog roam free at all year round. Completely fenced off with a quick-shutting gate, you can let your dog run off leash knowing that they're in a secure environment. The beach is very popular with dog owners, so you and your pup will always be in good company.

Altona Dog Beach

Altona Dog Beach is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne, as it has great views as well as amenities including dog bag dispensers, a water station, and a dog shower to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Its shallow waters make it ideal for dogs who like to swim, however, there are restrictions on when your dog can be off-leash. Hours are restricted from 9:30 pm to 10 am between May and October, making it suitable for late-night owls and early risers to leave their dogs free on the beach. At all other times, you must keep your dog on a leash, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the beach!

Mentone Dog Beach

Mentone Beach stretches for 1.6km, giving your dog the perfect opportunity to run around and race other dogs. On the western side of the beach between Charman Road and Plummer Road, dogs can roam free on the sand 24 hours a day, however on other parts of the beach, they are prohibited on the sand between 10 am and 7:30 pm from November to March. If you happen to be there during this time, there’s always plenty of room to explore on the western side of the beach, which is why it’s one of our favourite off-leash dog beaches in Melbourne.

Tips For Visiting Dog-Friendly Beaches In Melbourne

Beaches are a great place to have your daily walk with your dog, but there are some key considerations you should have to ensure every visit goes smoothly. As mentioned, different Melbourne dog beaches have different rules and regulations, so if you’re visiting a new beach for the first time, do some research, or ask any dog owners you come across for further clarification. Regardless of when you visit, always pack your dog’s bowl, fresh water, waste bags, towels, and toys—and don’t forget sunscreen for yourself! 

Beaches are a happy place for dogs, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see your dog allowed to roam free on the beach, but you should always keep an eye on your dog to ensure they stay safe around other dogs and people. During warmer months, dogs can overheat in the sun, so you should be mindful of your dog's comfort, and take regular breaks in the shade. Finally, don’t forget to clean up after your pet. Off-leash areas offer dog owners the opportunity to let their dogs enjoy the beach, and by keeping the beach clean, you ensure that these havens will remain accessible to dogs for years to come.

At Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital we understand that your pet is like family, which is why we offer the very best care in Melbourne. From general checkups and advice to specialised treatments, our team can help. Whether your pet is young or old, big or small, schedule an appointment with us to ensure your pet has the best quality of life!