10 Best Off-Leash Dog Beaches in Melbourne

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.

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. 

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.

2. Port Melbourne Dog Beach, Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne dog beach is a strip of beach between Station Pier and Lagoon piers.

The southern half is a designated off-leash zone all year round, with the northern half is open to off-leash dogs from 1 April through 31 October. The beach is an easy walk to Bay Street's shops and cafes. 

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 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 between 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.

Related: Take away fish and chips in St Kilda at pooch (and kid) friendly Paper Fish

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 are only allowed on the Northern end of the beach, near Point Ormond and they can be off-leash from 5.30–9.30am each day. From November to March the southern end of the beach is prohibited for dogs at all times. 

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 at all times from 1 April to 31 October while between November to March it’s off-leash for dogs only after 7:30pm and before 10am.

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

Further down the Bay Trail is one of the most popular dog friendly beaches Melbourne has to offer – Mentone Dog Beach.

It's accessible 24 hours and facilities include bins and taps outside the Mentone Life Saving Club.

Related: Best bike trails in Melbourne for families

7. Keast Park, Seaford

Frankston City Council is creating 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 will be allowed to freely roam within the allocated markers at Keast Park foreshore and new dog waste bins and bag dispensers will also be installed at the Keast Park dog beach as part of the initiative to give them the very best!

Off-Leash Dog Beach Melbourne West

8. 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. 

Related: Best beach playgrounds in Melbourne

9. 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!

10. 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

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