17 Best Off-Leash Dog Beaches in Melbourne (2026)

Q: What should I bring to a dog beach in Melbourne?

Essential items include: fresh water and a collapsible bowl, waste bags (although many beaches provide dispensers), a leash for areas requiring on-leash control, towels for drying your dog, and sun protection for yourself. Some beaches also have wash stations to rinse your dog before leaving.

Last updated: 12 February 2026

Did you know that Melbourne boasts amazing beaches for dogs where they can go off-leash? A frolic near or in water is generally good for your dog’s health and wellbeing and it makes a pleasant change from a walk around the block.

Here are the best dog beaches in Melbourne where your best friend can enjoy exercise, play and socialisation off-lead, all of which are important for your dog’s health and happiness.

To ensure you stay comfortable and dry on long walks with your pooch, check out Merry People‘s range of stylish and practical gumboots. These are 100% waterproof ankle boots, with built in arch support, perfect for dog-walking in any weather.

Not sure if you have the time to take your dogs to these dog-friendly beaches? PetsOnMe offers dog walking and pet sitting services to help you deal with your busy schedule while making sure your fur babies get their time under the sun. Your dog walkers would probably appreciate the view and the environment as well, as they let your dogs run around in the sand.

* Double‑check precise time restrictions and any recent changes on your council’s website or on the beach signs before you go. Note: Beach access times and rules may change seasonally or without notice.

Quick Beach Finder

Best for nervous dogs/puppies: Carrum Dog Beach (shallow sandbars), Port Melbourne Zone 1 (calm water)
Best for large active dogs: Altona Dog Beach (wide tidal flats), Flinders Beach (long sandy stretch)
Only fully fenced beach: Brighton Dog Beach
Closest to CBD: Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne (10-15 min drive)
Year-round 24/7 access: 14 beaches including Brighton, Altona, Keast Park

Beach Location	Status	Specific Summer Rules (Check Signage)
1. Sandridge Beach Port Melbourne	24/7 Off-Leash	Allowed between rock groynes (Opp. Barak Rd).
2. Port Melbourne (Zone 1) Lagoon Pier to Yacht Club	24/7 Off-Leash	Year-round off-leash access.
3. St Kilda West / Harbour West Beach	24/7 Off-Leash	Excellent shallow water. Year-round access.
4. Elwood Beach Elwood	Restricted	1 Nov – 31 Mar: Prohibited 10am–7:30pm. Off-leash 7:30pm–10am.
5. Brighton Dog Beach Sandown St	24/7 Off-Leash	Fully fenced. High fences prevent escapes.
6. Sandringham Harbour Sandringham	24/7 Off-Leash	Access via Jetty Rd or Edward St.
7. Ricketts Point Beaumaris	Mixed Zones	Summer (1 Nov–31 Mar): PROHIBITED 10am–7:30pm, ON-LEASH 7:30pm–10am. Winter (1 Apr–31 Oct): Off-leash 24/7. Warning: No dogs on rock platforms (Marine Sanctuary).
8. Mentone Dog Beach Mentone	Mixed Zones	West End: 24/7 Off-Leash. Main Beach: Prohibited 10am–7:30pm. Note: On-leash only after 7:30pm (1 Nov–31 Mar).
9. Carrum Dog Beach Carrum	Restricted	1 Nov – 31 Mar: Prohibited 10am–7:30pm. Allowed off-leash before 10am & after 7:30pm.
10. Keast Park Seaford	24/7 Off-Leash	200m zone between markers (FCC14 to water outlet). Only Frankston beach with year-round 24/7 access.
11. Tassells Cove Safety Beach	24/7 Off-Leash	Small, sheltered cove. Very popular.
12. Hawker Beach Mt Martha	24/7 Off-Leash	Access via steep fire track.
13. Royal Beach Mornington	24/7 Off-Leash	Rocky and small, access via stairs.
14. Fossil Beach Mornington	24/7 Off-Leash	Rocky fossil area. Hard to access but quiet.
15. Flinders Beach Flinders	24/7 Off-Leash	Long sandy stretch. Check tides.
16. Altona Dog Beach Burns Reserve	24/7 Off-Leash	Low tide flats. Year-round access.
17. Campbell Cove Werribee South	24/7 Off-Leash	Eastern end only (Campbells Cove Rd).

Best Dog Beaches Melbourne South / Bayside

1. Sandridge Dog Beach, Port Melbourne

This Melbourne dog beach is very accessible, with plenty of free parking, the excellent Maritime Cove playground and BBQ areas. It offers views across to the Port Melbourne pier where large ships dock.

Note you’ll need to pop a leash back on if you’re close to the playground and barbecues – follow the signs.

Altona Dog Beach dogs chasing through water

2. Port Melbourne Dog Beach, Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne Dog Beach is one of the longest stretches of sand for dogs in Melbourne, but it is split into two distinct zones with different rules. It is crucial to know which side of the Port Melbourne Yacht Club you are on to avoid a fine.

Zone 1 (Lagoon Pier to the Yacht Club): This section is off-leash 24 hours a day, all year round. It offers calm, shallow water that is perfect for dogs learning to swim.
Zone 2 (Yacht Club to Station Pier): This section has summer time restrictions. Between 1 November and 31 March, dogs are prohibited on the sand between 10 am and 7:30 pm. You can go off-leash here before 10 am and after 7:30 pm.

There are water fountains with dog bowls, plenty of bins, and parking along Beach Street (though it gets busy in summer).

3. St Kilda Dog Beach, St Kilda

There are actually three dog friendly beaches in St Kilda – West Beach, St Kilda Harbour and St Kilda Beach foreshore near St Kilda Marina.

If you approach West Beach during the Autumn and Winter months you can extend your visit to Middle Park Beach, where dogs are permitted off-leash at all times from 1 April to 31 October. From 1 November to 31 March dogs on Middle Park Beach are permitted off-leash only after 7.30pm and before 10am.

There is a sensitive dune conservation area (follow the signs) part way along the beach and this section is totally out of bounds for dogs.

4. Elwood Dog Beach, Elwood

Elwood Beach is a popular pet friendly beach for off-leash dogs. From 1 April to 31 October, dogs can be off-leash 24 hours a day.

From 1 November to 31 March, dogs can be off-leash from 7:30pm to 10am on the northern section between the rock groyne south of Point Ormond and the groyne in front of Elwood Angling Club. Dogs are prohibited on the sand from 10am to 7:30pm during summer.

Altona Dog Beach Seaholme dogs chasing through water

5. Brighton Dog Beach, Brighton

Brighton Dog Beach is otherwise known as Sandown Street Beach as it is approached via Sandown Street or Bay Street Brighton.

Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round at this fully fenced beach. Brighton Dog Beach (Sandown Street) is one of three Bayside beaches with 24/7 off-leash access.

Owners will enjoy the marina and city views. If you’ve got kids in tow they will enjoy tumbling down the sand dunes along with your pup!

If you want to extend your outing clip on the leash and stroll along the scenic Bay Trail, which extends all the way from Port Melbourne to Sandringham.

Related: Brighton Beach Boxes

6. Mentone Dog Beach, Mentone

Located in the City of Kingston, Mentone offers a beautiful stretch of coastline. While it is a fantastic spot for a run, the rules here are stricter than the Bayside beaches nearby.

Summer (1 November – 31 March): This is not a daytime beach. Dogs are strictly prohibited on the sand between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm. You can go off-leash between sunrise and 10:00 am. Note: After 7:30 pm, dogs are allowed but must be on-leash (unless you are in the 24/7 zone at the western end).

Winter (1 April – 31 October): The beach becomes a 24-hour off-leash zone.

The beach has a relaxed vibe with plenty of parking near the Life Saving Club and easy access to the Bay Trail.

7. Carrum Dog Beach

Carrum is often considered one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets for dog owners. Located near the Patterson River mouth, this beach is famous for its wide, shallow sandbars. At low tide, your dog can run hundreds of metres out into the bay while the water remains only knee-deep, making it a 5-star location for smaller dogs or hesitant swimmers.

Summer (1 November – 31 March): Off-leash access is allowed before 10:00 am and after 7:30 pm. Dogs are prohibited on the sand from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Winter: Off-leash 24 hours a day.

There is a convenient car park at the end of Old Post Office Lane, along with water taps and a wash-down area.

8. Keast Park Dog Beach, Seaford

Frankston City Council has created a dog beach at Keast Park, Seaford with 200 metres of sand for your beloved pet to run and play for as long as they want!

Dogs are allowed to freely roam within the allocated markers at Keast Park foreshore and new dog waste bins and bag dispensers have been installed at the Keast Park dog beach.

9. Sandringham Dog Beach, Sandringham

Located at a picturesque part of the bay, the northern part of Sandringham beach is an accessible and well-serviced area, where off-leash dog restrictions apply.

During peak season from 1 November – 31 March dogs are only permitted off leash between the hours of 7.30pm and 10am. For the remainder of the year from 1 April through to 31 October dogs are permitted off leash at all times to run free!

10. Flinders Dog Beach, Flinders

For a beautiful, family-friendly beach a little further down the peninsula, Flinders provides a great off-leash dog beach just a few minutes from the township.

You can explore the rockpools at low tide, so make sure you check the tide times before you go.

Close by is the barbeque and playground areas, so make a day of it with the whole family!

11. Ricketts Point – Beaumaris

Ricketts Point, is one of the most stunning pet-friendly beaches with plenty of rock pools for little adventurers.

While it’s an off-lead dog beach, navigating the rules around dogs going on the rock formations can be a tad tricky. However, there’s plenty of space for them to run and splash, ensuring a fun day out for all.

12. Royal Beach, Mornington

Royal Beach in Mornington is a pup paradise! This dedicated off lead dog beach boasts golden sands and crystal-clear waters, creating an ideal setting for your furry friends to frolic freely. And it’s leash-free, year-round.

With the waves as their playground and a welcoming community vibe, Royal Beach promises tail-wagging joy for both dogs and their owners.

13. Tassell’s Cove, Safety Beach

Safety Beach unveils Tassell’s Cove, a hidden gem for dog lovers. This off-leash paradise boasts serene shores and shallow waters, creating a tranquil haven for your four-legged friend to frolic.

With a friendly community vibe and endless play possibilities, Tassell’s Cove promises a delightful day of seaside adventures for both humans and their beloved canine companions.

14. Hawker Beach, Mt Martha

Experience the coastal allure of Mt Martha’s Hawker Beach, an expansive 600-metre stretch of dog-friendly delight.

A harmonious blend of sand and rocks, cradled by natural cliffs, creates a picturesque setting. These cliffs serve as both a visual spectacle and a protective barrier, ensuring your dog can explore freely in a secure environment.

The serene waters offer a tranquil spot for dogs of every size and temperament to revel in play.

Off-Leash Dog Beach Melbourne West

15. Altona Dog Beach, Altona

This is my favourite Melbourne dog beach! Altona Dog Beach offers wide tidal flats that are so much fun for frolicking dogs who love the shallow water and long stretches of sand.

For their owners, there are city views and friendly locals ready for a chat.

Facilities include bins, dog bags, taps and a water bowl at the entrance.

16. Campbell Cove Beach, Werribee

Tucked away in a rugged patch of coastline is Campbell Cove Beach. With heritage-listed boatsheds from the 1920s you will think you have stepped back in time!

The off-leash dog area provides a quiet place to have a stroll with your furry companion. Suited for lower-energy or smaller dogs, the secluded spot has no immediate amenities, but is close to Werribee South Beach and has a large carpark area down a gravel road for access.

Visit at sunset to see the myriad of colours across the fairyfloss sky!

17. Werribee South Foreshore, Werribee South

Located at the east end of the Werribee South Foreshore is a new designated off-leash area for dogs.

Packed full of amenities, there is plenty of space for all of the family (four-legged ones included) to enjoy a fun day out. Facilities include toilets, barbeques and a children’s playground.

A popular spot for picnics, fishing, and recreational water sports, the water is shallow enough for you and your pooch to wade and splash around in.

For all dog off-lead areas in Wyndham click here

Looking for a stylish and practical pair of boots to walk your dog? Check out our review on Merry People Boots.

Tips for Visiting Dog Beaches in Melbourne

Before heading to one of these dog-friendly beaches Melbourne-wide, familiarise yourself with local regulations regarding off-leash areas, timings, and any specific rules for the beach you plan to visit.
To make the most of your pet-friendly beach visit, pack essentials like water, a collapsible bowl, and waste bags for your furry friend.
Be mindful of potential hazards such as strong currents, sharp rocks, or marine life. Whilst at dog-friendly beaches, keep a watchful eye on your dog to ensure their safety during play.
Invest in a comfortable harness and leash for your dog. This ensures you can easily manage them in different situations, such as uneven or slippery surfaces at a dog beach.
Dog beaches are great for socializing your pet. Ensure your dog is comfortable around other dogs and monitor their interactions to prevent any potential conflicts.
Melbourne’s beaches are home to various wildlife. Keep a safe distance and discourage your dog from approaching or disturbing local fauna.
Lastly, Melbourne dog beaches offer a unique opportunity for bonding and enjoyment – make the most of it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne Dog Beaches

Can dogs go on Melbourne beaches in summer?

Yes, but most Melbourne beaches have time restrictions between 1 November and 31 March. During summer, dogs are typically prohibited from 10am to 7:30pm at restricted beaches. However, 14 beaches offer 24/7 year-round access: Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne Zone 1, St Kilda West/Harbour, Brighton Dog Beach, Sandringham Harbour, Ricketts Point (north section), Keast Park, Tassells Cove, Hawker Beach, Royal Beach, Fossil Beach, Flinders Beach, Altona Dog Beach, and Campbell Cove.

What time can dogs be off-leash at Melbourne beaches?

This varies by beach and season. During winter (1 April – 31 October), most beaches allow 24-hour off-leash access. During summer (1 November – 31 March), restricted beaches allow off-leash from 7:30pm to 10am only. The 14 beaches with year-round 24/7 access have no time restrictions.

Which Melbourne beaches allow dogs off-leash all year?

Fourteen Melbourne beaches offer 24/7 year-round off-leash access: Sandridge Beach (Port Melbourne), Port Melbourne Zone 1, St Kilda West/Harbour, Brighton Dog Beach, Sandringham Harbour, Ricketts Point north section (Beaumaris), Keast Park (Seaford), Tassells Cove (Safety Beach), Hawker Beach (Mt Martha), Royal Beach (Mornington), Fossil Beach (Mornington), Flinders Beach, Altona Dog Beach, and Campbell Cove (Werribee South).

What is the best dog beach in Melbourne for nervous dogs or puppies?

Carrum Dog Beach is ideal for nervous dogs and puppies because of its wide, shallow sandbars. At low tide, dogs can run hundreds of metres into the bay while the water remains only knee-deep. Port Melbourne Zone 1 is also excellent, offering calm, shallow water perfect for dogs learning to swim.

Are there any fully fenced dog beaches in Melbourne?

Yes, Brighton Dog Beach (Sandown Street) is the only fully fenced dog beach in Melbourne with high fences that prevent escapes. It offers year-round 24/7 off-leash access and is accessed via Sandown Street or Bay Street Brighton.

Do I need to keep my dog on a leash near playgrounds at dog beaches?

Yes. Even at off-leash dog beaches, you must leash your dog within 20 metres of children’s playgrounds, barbecue areas, and sporting events. Always check signage and follow local council regulations.

What should I bring to a dog beach in Melbourne?

Essential items include: fresh water and a collapsable bowl, waste bags (although many beaches provide dispensers), a leash for areas requiring on-leash control, towels for drying your dog, and sun protection for yourself. Some beaches also have wash stations to rinse your dog before leaving.