HOT: Altona Dog Beach, P A Burns Reserve, Altona

Dog owners and dog lovers of Melbourne, have you visited Altona Dog Beach?

You’ll find Altona Dog Beach (which is technically in Seaholme) near PA Burns Reserve and the Altona Sports Club.

There the beach is very shallow and the tide goes out a long way – easily hundreds of metres at low tide.

The beach has spectacular views of the city, Williamstown and across Port Phillip Bay. It is also close to marine and bird sanctuaries (though you won't be able to take your dog off-leash directly into those areas).

The beach is a designated off-leash area at all times 24 hours 365 days a yea, so it’s a popular area for dog owners to bring their dogs for a frolic and a dip.

Even smaller dogs will be able to run through the water easily as it’s so shallow.

As you can see, the dogs love socialising with other dogs at the dog beach too!

It’s so joyful seeing all the dogs so carefree.

Note that it’s important that you are responsible for your dog (and children!) at all times. Your dog should obedient enough to be recalled and controlled on command if necessary because there are no fences and for the safety and enjoyment of other dogs and their owners.

What’s lovely about Altona Dog Beach is the very friendly atmosphere; you often get owners chatting to each other. There are locals who visit Altona Dog Beach regularly, but it’s such a unique spot that dog owners will often travel from all over Melbourne to visit the beach.

Even though we don’t own a dog ourselves we love visiting Altona Dog Beach – it’s all the fun of owning a dog without the responsibility! When we visit a kind dog owner lets the kids play fetch with his dog for over an hour.

Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Altona Dog Beach

When you’re done with the beach PA Burns Reserve has a large grassy oval where you can stay off-leash too.

Access to the beach is via a small car park and the Bay Trail foreshore shared path that’s popular with walkers and cyclists. There are taps for rinsing and watering and disposable dog-poo bags and a bin for disposal.

Note that at Altona’s main beach (and Williamstown Beach) dogs are not permitted on over summer, between 1 November to 30 April from 10am to 9.30pm. Dogs are permitted outside these hours but must be on a leash.

Check out the best dog beaches in Melbourne

Read my review of Altona Beach

Best Beaches in Melbourne for kids

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