The best dog beaches in Melbourne

When one of Melbourne’s relentless heat waves falls on the weekend, you’d be lucky to find a decent spot on the sand anywhere on the bayside – east or west. 

Along with the sweaty bodies and pitched beach domes, there are some strips of beach where you’ll also have to contend with salty four-legged fur balls, bounding through the sand like they’ve won the dog lottery.

Altona Dog Beach is one such strip. Best at low tide – so puppers can walk all the way out onto the sand and catch the break – this western suburb is just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.

Daphne the Frenchie ponders the meaning of life at Altona Dog Beach. Picture: Alex Cusworth

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The dog crowd is a vibrant mix – you’ll find all manner of breeds from Great Danes to Labradoodles, and lots of rescue dogs in between.

“For a hot day or a beautiful day… especially at low tide – with dogs everywhere, happy dogs running through the water – it’s a great sight,” says one local.

Others say their dogs just come to “sniff butt”.

Sometimes all your pup fancies is a dip in the big blue. Picture: Getty

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Sniffing butt, isn’t that what every dog loves?

When first-time two-year-old French bulldog puppy, Daphne, went to Altona Dog Beach, she was “absolutely terrified”, says owner, Alex Cusworth.

“Now you can’t keep her away.”

Best dog beaches in Melbourne

Not all beaches allow dogs off leash (or even allow dogs at all) – so it’s best to check any council restrictions during the peak summer season.

There are some areas where your dog can catch a break year round, though. These are our picks for the best dog beaches in Melbourne.

A sunny day at Altona Dog Beach is pure heaven for sprightly dogs. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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1. Brighton Dog Beach

Family friendly:

Yes but limited toilet facilities.

Parking area:

Very limited free parking on Sandown Street area. Paid parking is available around Middle Brighton Baths 7 days a week. 

Dining and entertainment:

Check out the Middle Brighton Baths for great food and drink options.

Other useful tips:

Also known as Sandown Dog Beach, this little spot between Elwood Beach and Middle Brighton Baths is a dog haven in the warmer months.

Drive time from CBD:

30 minutes

Brighton dog beach is a great place for the doggo to get some sun. Picture: Getty

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2. West Beach in St Kilda

Family friendly:

Yes

Parking area:

Limited paid street parking on Beaconsfield Parade – check local signs.

Dining and entertainment:

The West Beach Bathers Pavilion is a great place to get a coffee or snack after running around with your beloved furball.

Other useful info:

The entire beach is off leash at this inner-city summer wonderland. It’s big and wide with plenty of room for cautious pooches to test the waters.

Drive time from CBD:

20 minutes

St Kilda has been a favourite spot to take dogs for ages. Picture: Getty

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3. Altona Dog Beach

Family friendly:

Yes but limited amenities.

Parking area:

Plenty of free parking opposite the beach.

Dining and entertainment:

Limited spots for dining but you’ll be able to find plenty of local cafes and eateries just a short drive in all directions.

Other useful info:

Bounded by Altona Coastal Park, Altona Road and Altona Sports Club, this pooch-friendly hotspot attracts dog owners from all over to the western suburbs.

Drive time from CBD:

30 minutes

A slice of dog heaven just 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD – Altona Dog Beach. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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4. Middle Park Beach

Family friendly:

Yes

Parking area:

Limited paid street parking on Beaconsfield Parade – check local signs.

Dining and entertainment:

The Sandbar Beach Cafe is a great place to grab a coffee and a snack.

Other useful info:

Dog owners can let their four-legged friends run and play without a leash in the area between Langridge St and 140m past Fraser St. Restrictions apply from November to March.

Drive time from CBD:

20 minutes 

The Middle Park area is a popular spot for dog-owners. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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5. Lorne Surf Beach

Family Friendly:

Yes

Parking area:

Plenty of parking at the main area on Lorne beach.

Dining and entertainment:

Plenty of cafes and dining spots for the whole family.

Other useful info:

If you’re prepared to make a day of it, Lorne has a section for dogs which is pretty great. Take your swimmers and go for a surf yourself – if your pooch will let you.

Drive time from CBD:

2 hours in good traffic

Lorne is a stunning spot just a few hours outside Melbourne. Picture: Getty

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6. Hawker Beach, Mout Martha

Family Friendly:

Yes

Parking area:

Street parking on the Esplanade.

Dining and entertainment:

Lots of lovely places for some snacks and entertainment in the local Mount Marth shops.

Other useful info:

There are plenty of spots on the Mornington Peninsula for some leash-free fun, but if you’re looking for somewhere that’s free of restrictions year-round, try Safety Beach. Dogs own the sand between Tassells Creek and Bruce Road.

Drive time from the CBD:

1 hour and 15 minutes in good traffic

Hawker Beach in Mount Martha is a doggie heaven. Picture: Krzysztof Dydynski

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7. Elwood Beach

Family Friendly:

Yes, toilet facilities and showers conveniently-located close by.

Parking area:

Right on the beach.

Dining and entertainment:

Food and drink on Ormond Rd is less than a five-minute drive away.

Other useful info

Though many of the beaches near the city sadly forbid doggos during summer, the stretch of sand between the rock wall south of Point Ormond and the beach access ramp near Normandy Road in Elwood is open for access in the morning.

Just bring your pooch between the hours of 5.30am and 9.30am, from November 1 to March 31 for a lovely run along the beach.

Drive time from the CBD:

30 minutes

Dogs can grace the sand at Elwood in the mornings. Picture: Kylie Mclaughlin

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8. Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove

Family Friendly:

Yes

Parking area:

Dining and entertainment:

Other useful info:

This popular summer holiday spot has tons of glorious beaches but many are closed during the warmer months. Dogs, however, are permitted on parts of 13th Beach but be sure to follow the signs.

Drive time from the CBD:

1 hour and 30 minutes

Doggies are welcome on 13th beach in Ocean Grove. Picture: Getty

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