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, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a popular destination or more of a hidden gem, there are plenty of options.
The 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia
- Altona Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 사랑이♡ (@_sarangk804)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Altona Rd, Altona VIC 3018
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
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
- South Melbourne Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Albert Richard Panozzo (@greetings_from_albert)
🗺️ Address: 📍 74 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC 3206
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed from April 1–October 31
South Melbourne Beach is a safe beach
It is one of the most vigilantly patrolled beaches in the area
Parking may be difficult to find
This area is popular with the locals
There are volleyball areas for your entertainment
- Tassells Cove
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mr Darcy (@mrdarcycavoodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Marine Dr, Safety Beach VIC 3936
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Tassells Cove is a popular beach
Adventurous, rocky walk available for you and your dog along the coast
Watch your step while walking—the rocks can be slippery
Plenty of gorgeous views to take in
- Middle Park Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jimmy (@jimmypug2020)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park VIC 3206
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed from November 1–March 31 and select times in the summer
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
- Sandringham Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sammy (@goldendogsammy)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: At specific times
Off-leash dogs are allowed from sunrise until 10:00 AM 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 pm–10:00 am.
Small, beautiful beaches offer an escape from the more crowded locations
Gorgeous views surround the area
- West Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Clancy (@clancythefrenchton)
🗺️ Address: 📍 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West VIC 3182
🕐 Open Times: 10:00 am–11:30 pm on weekdays, 9:00 am–11:30 pm on weekends
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Located in the heart of Melbourne
This beach is considered a well-kept secret, as it is beautiful yet private
Excellent food is available
- Royal Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Purely Peninsula (@purely.peninsula)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mornington VIC 3931, Australia
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Small beach made of pebbles and sand and rests between two beautiful sandstone bluffs
Parking is limited
Located to the south of Schnapper Point
The low tide exposes a great view of a reef
Offers plenty of places for your dog to explore
- Albert Park Lake
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🅗🅔🅡🅢🅗🅔🅨🧸 (@hersheybear.labradoodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Albert Park VIC 3206
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only in designated areas
Off-leash areas are designated
There is a track available to jog, walk, or cycle with your on-leash dog
This park offers incredible views of the city skyline
Conveniently located in the center of Melbourne
Here, you can enjoy plenty of activities and leisure
- Fossil Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maple “Syrup” Johnson (@maplesyrupthebordercollie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mornington 3931
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Named for the multitude of ancient aquatic life fossils found in the area
This beach is rocky rather than sandy
There are plenty of trails to walk
Birdwatchers can observe lovely native birds
- Keast Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Norman (@nortynorman)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Nepean Hwy, Seaford VIC 3198
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only in designated areas
There is a designated section of the beach for off-leash dogs
Prepare to pay for parking
The limited shops in the area make this park a great place for privacy
Excellent picnicking areas are available
- Brighton Dog Beach/Sandown Street Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ✨ B I L L I E & T H E O ✨ (@billie.and.theo.cockers)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Beach Rd &, South Rd, Brighton VIC 3186
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Fenced-in beach allows your dog to wander
Free parking is limited, so you will likely need to pay for parking
It is popular with dog owners
- Mentone Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pepper 🐾 (@pepper.groodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only on the west side
Popular with the locals
It is quieter than some of the other destinations in the area
The area is patrolled for safety
Pedestrian paths are available for leisurely strolls
- Elwood Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Louis (@louis.patootie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 67 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood VIC 3184
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed only at specific times
Walking and cycling paths are available
Picnicking is a great way to spend the day and soak in the view
Two dog-friendly zones are available
In one area, dogs are allowed off-leash from 5:30 am–9:30 am 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 off-leash in the summer
- St. Kilda Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by SONNY WOO MOOGLE🐾 (@sonnywoo)
🗺️ Address: 📍 20 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed from April 1–October 31
This beach is calm and safe
Free parking is limited, so you may need to pay
Water is shallow along the shore
There is a playground for children at the west end
Conclusion Vacationing can be tricky when you’re bringing your dog since there are lots several details to consider. We hope 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! Sources
Burns Reserve (Altona Dog Beach) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go South Melbourne Beach (Albert Park) – Beaches – Water – Tassells Cove Dog Friendly Walk, Safety Beach – Walking Maps Middle Park Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Sandringham Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go West Beach Pavilion Royal Beach, Attraction, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Albert Park Fossil Beach, Attraction, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Keast Park (Seaford) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Brighton / Sandown Street Dog Beach (Brighton) – Bayside Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks – Mentone beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) Elwood Beach Dog Off Leash Area (Elwood) – Port Phillip Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks – St Kilda West Beach Dog Off Leash Area (St Kilda) – Port Phillip Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks –
Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock
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, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a popular destination or more of a hidden gem, there are plenty of options.
The 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, Australia
1. Altona Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 사랑이♡ (@_sarangk804)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Altona Rd, Altona VIC 3018
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
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
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Albert Richard Panozzo (@greetings_from_albert)
🗺️ Address: 📍 74 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park VIC 3206
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed from April 1–October 31
South Melbourne Beach is a safe beach
It is one of the most vigilantly patrolled beaches in the area
Parking may be difficult to find
This area is popular with the locals
There are volleyball areas for your entertainment
3. Tassells Cove
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mr Darcy (@mrdarcycavoodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Marine Dr, Safety Beach VIC 3936
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Tassells Cove is a popular beach
Adventurous, rocky walk available for you and your dog along the coast
Watch your step while walking—the rocks can be slippery
Plenty of gorgeous views to take in
4. Middle Park Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jimmy (@jimmypug2020)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park VIC 3206
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed from November 1–March 31 and select times in the summer
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
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sammy (@goldendogsammy)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Victoria
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: At specific times
Off-leash dogs are allowed from sunrise until 10:00 AM 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 pm–10:00 am.
Small, beautiful beaches offer an escape from the more crowded locations
Gorgeous views surround the area
6. West Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Clancy (@clancythefrenchton)
🗺️ Address: 📍 330A Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda West VIC 3182
🕐 Open Times: 10:00 am–11:30 pm on weekdays, 9:00 am–11:30 pm on weekends
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Located in the heart of Melbourne
This beach is considered a well-kept secret, as it is beautiful yet private
Excellent food is available
7. Royal Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Purely Peninsula (@purely.peninsula)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mornington VIC 3931, Australia
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Small beach made of pebbles and sand and rests between two beautiful sandstone bluffs
Parking is limited
Located to the south of Schnapper Point
The low tide exposes a great view of a reef
Offers plenty of places for your dog to explore
8. Albert Park Lake
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🅗🅔🅡🅢🅗🅔🅨🧸 (@hersheybear.labradoodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Albert Park VIC 3206
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only in designated areas
Off-leash areas are designated
There is a track available to jog, walk, or cycle with your on-leash dog
This park offers incredible views of the city skyline
Conveniently located in the center of Melbourne
Here, you can enjoy plenty of activities and leisure
9. Fossil Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maple “Syrup” Johnson (@maplesyrupthebordercollie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mornington 3931
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Named for the multitude of ancient aquatic life fossils found in the area
This beach is rocky rather than sandy
There are plenty of trails to walk
Birdwatchers can observe lovely native birds
10. Keast Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Norman (@nortynorman)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Nepean Hwy, Seaford VIC 3198
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only in designated areas
There is a designated section of the beach for off-leash dogs
Prepare to pay for parking
The limited shops in the area make this park a great place for privacy
Excellent picnicking areas are available
11. Brighton Dog Beach/Sandown Street Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ✨ B I L L I E & T H E O ✨ (@billie.and.theo.cockers)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Beach Rd &, South Rd, Brighton VIC 3186
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Fenced-in beach allows your dog to wander
Free parking is limited, so you will likely need to pay for parking
It is popular with dog owners
12. Mentone Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pepper 🐾 (@pepper.groodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mentone Parade, Mentone VIC 3194
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Only on the west side
Popular with the locals
It is quieter than some of the other destinations in the area
The area is patrolled for safety
Pedestrian paths are available for leisurely strolls
13. Elwood Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Louis (@louis.patootie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 67 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood VIC 3184
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed only at specific times
Walking and cycling paths are available
Picnicking is a great way to spend the day and soak in the view
Two dog-friendly zones are available
In one area, dogs are allowed off-leash from 5:30 am–9:30 am 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 off-leash in the summer
14. St. Kilda Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by SONNY WOO MOOGLE🐾 (@sonnywoo)
🗺️ Address: 📍 20 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182
🕐 Open Times: Every day, 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Allowed from April 1–October 31
This beach is calm and safe
Free parking is limited, so you may need to pay
Water is shallow along the shore
There is a playground for children at the west end
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 사랑이♡ (@_sarangk804)
A post shared by 사랑이♡ (@_sarangk804)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- 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
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Albert Richard Panozzo (@greetings_from_albert)
A post shared by Albert Richard Panozzo (@greetings_from_albert)
- South Melbourne Beach is a safe beach
- It is one of the most vigilantly patrolled beaches in the area
- Parking may be difficult to find
- This area is popular with the locals
- There are volleyball areas for your entertainment
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mr Darcy (@mrdarcycavoodle)
A post shared by Mr Darcy (@mrdarcycavoodle)
- Tassells Cove is a popular beach
- Adventurous, rocky walk available for you and your dog along the coast
- Watch your step while walking—the rocks can be slippery
- Plenty of gorgeous views to take in
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jimmy (@jimmypug2020)
A post shared by Jimmy (@jimmypug2020)
- 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
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sammy (@goldendogsammy)
A post shared by Sammy (@goldendogsammy)
- Off-leash dogs are allowed from sunrise until 10:00 AM 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 pm–10:00 am.
- Small, beautiful beaches offer an escape from the more crowded locations
- Gorgeous views surround the area
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Clancy (@clancythefrenchton)
A post shared by Clancy (@clancythefrenchton)
- Located in the heart of Melbourne
- This beach is considered a well-kept secret, as it is beautiful yet private
- Excellent food is available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Purely Peninsula (@purely.peninsula)
A post shared by Purely Peninsula (@purely.peninsula)
- Small beach made of pebbles and sand and rests between two beautiful sandstone bluffs
- Parking is limited
- Located to the south of Schnapper Point
- The low tide exposes a great view of a reef
- Offers plenty of places for your dog to explore
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🅗🅔🅡🅢🅗🅔🅨🧸 (@hersheybear.labradoodle)
A post shared by 🅗🅔🅡🅢🅗🅔🅨🧸 (@hersheybear.labradoodle)
- Off-leash areas are designated
- There is a track available to jog, walk, or cycle with your on-leash dog
- This park offers incredible views of the city skyline
- Conveniently located in the center of Melbourne
- Here, you can enjoy plenty of activities and leisure
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maple “Syrup” Johnson (@maplesyrupthebordercollie)
A post shared by Maple “Syrup” Johnson (@maplesyrupthebordercollie)
- Named for the multitude of ancient aquatic life fossils found in the area
- This beach is rocky rather than sandy
- There are plenty of trails to walk
- Birdwatchers can observe lovely native birds
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Norman (@nortynorman)
A post shared by Norman (@nortynorman)
- There is a designated section of the beach for off-leash dogs
- Prepare to pay for parking
- The limited shops in the area make this park a great place for privacy
- Excellent picnicking areas are available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ✨ B I L L I E & T H E O ✨ (@billie.and.theo.cockers)
A post shared by ✨ B I L L I E & T H E O ✨ (@billie.and.theo.cockers)
- Fenced-in beach allows your dog to wander
- Free parking is limited, so you will likely need to pay for parking
- It is popular with dog owners
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pepper 🐾 (@pepper.groodle)
A post shared by Pepper 🐾 (@pepper.groodle)
- Popular with the locals
- It is quieter than some of the other destinations in the area
- The area is patrolled for safety
- Pedestrian paths are available for leisurely strolls
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Louis (@louis.patootie)
A post shared by Louis (@louis.patootie)
- Walking and cycling paths are available
- Picnicking is a great way to spend the day and soak in the view
- Two dog-friendly zones are available
- In one area, dogs are allowed off-leash from 5:30 am–9:30 am 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 off-leash in the summer
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by SONNY WOO MOOGLE🐾 (@sonnywoo)
A post shared by SONNY WOO MOOGLE🐾 (@sonnywoo)
- This beach is calm and safe
- Free parking is limited, so you may need to pay
- Water is shallow along the shore
- There is a playground for children at the west end
Conclusion
Vacationing can be tricky when you’re bringing your dog since there are lots several details to consider. We hope 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!
Sources
Burns Reserve (Altona Dog Beach) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go South Melbourne Beach (Albert Park) – Beaches – Water – Tassells Cove Dog Friendly Walk, Safety Beach – Walking Maps Middle Park Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Sandringham Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go West Beach Pavilion Royal Beach, Attraction, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Albert Park Fossil Beach, Attraction, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Keast Park (Seaford) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Brighton / Sandown Street Dog Beach (Brighton) – Bayside Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks – Mentone beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) Elwood Beach Dog Off Leash Area (Elwood) – Port Phillip Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks – St Kilda West Beach Dog Off Leash Area (St Kilda) – Port Phillip Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks –
Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock
- Burns Reserve (Altona Dog Beach) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
- South Melbourne Beach (Albert Park) – Beaches – Water –
- Tassells Cove Dog Friendly Walk, Safety Beach – Walking Maps
- Middle Park Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
- Sandringham Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
- West Beach Pavilion
- Royal Beach, Attraction, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
- Albert Park
- Fossil Beach, Attraction, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
- Keast Park (Seaford) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
- Brighton / Sandown Street Dog Beach (Brighton) – Bayside Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks –
- Mentone beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
- Elwood Beach Dog Off Leash Area (Elwood) – Port Phillip Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks –
- St Kilda West Beach Dog Off Leash Area (St Kilda) – Port Phillip Council Dog Off Leash Areas – Dog Parks –
