Dogs share the love of water just as much as we do, often chasing and catching the streams of water from garden hose and sprinklers or splashing around like a kid in shallow pool. Watching your four-legged friends romp around the dunes and frolicking in the waters of MelbourneNaarm’s best dog-friendly beaches is sheer joy.
But, not all beaches in the state welcome furry friends, so we’ve curated a list of the best stretches of coastline in Victoria for you and your best mate. Here are Urban List's picks for the best dog beaches in Victoria for 2024:
St Kilda Harbour
St Kilda
Image credit: Visit Victoria | Ain Raadik
Thriving with tourists, pups, cyclists and beach-goers, St Kilda Harbour, located in the middle of the foreshore, offers a dog-friendly fusion of urban and seaside environments. This option on the best dog-friendly beaches stands out as one of the most sociable beaches, well-suited to outgoing pups.
Sandridge Beach
Port Melbourne
Sandridge Beach stands out as the superior choice among the two options in Port Melbourne. Situated on the west side of the suburb, this stretch of water is renowned as one of the best dog beaches in Victoria for your pooch.
Additionally, it offers amenities for the entire family, including barbeques and playgrounds just off the sand, meaning your family beach outings cater to all members, including furry ones.
Brighton Dog Beach
Brighton
Image credit: Visit Victoria | Jim Zapsalis
The small beach inlet of Brighton Dog Beach is thriving with paw-related activity year-round as doggies romp around freely. Protected by the main marina, the waves remain small, even in windy conditions, providing less-confident dogs an opportunity to explore water-play. The fully fenced area is teeming with all walks of dog life, from labs to miniature poodles, so if you want to expose your pup to some serious socialising, this is the spot for you.
Mentone Beach
Mentone
Located in Mentone Beach’s western stretch, spanning Charman Road to Plummer Road, doggos are permitted off-leash at all times. The Bay Trail—one of Melbourne’s most popular dog beaches—is comprised of a surf club, playground, picnic tables and seating, so it’s an ideal summer destination to take a dip alongside your doggy paddling guest.
Tassell’s Cove
Safety Beach
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Dogs thoroughly love exploring beaches outside their usual haunts, so with Tassell’s Cove being a less frequented beach from the nearby Safety Beach, this one should be a priority if you happen to be down at the Mornington Peninsula. Situated at the juncture where the coastline bends towards Mount Martha, this canine-friendly beach is a cherished spot for all breeds of woofers.
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Burn’s Reserve
Altona
Burn’s Reserve in Altona ranks among Victoria’s top dog beaches, particularly for pups still learning the ropes of navigating deeper waters. During low tide, this beach transforms into a shallow aquatic paradise for furry friends and with a plethora of other dogs on the scene, it's a popular spot for dogs to socialise and frolic.
Beaumaris Beach, Rickett’s Point
Beaumaris
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The dog beach commences from the wooden ramp at the southern end of Beaumaris Beach, towards the yacht club end and tends to be quiet compared to other spots, making for an ideal spot to have a relaxing play with its human counterpart. While the stretch of beach wraps to the point may be short, it boasts pristine views and rock pools for your dog to explore and splash around in.
Sandringham Beach, Edward Street
Sandringham
Located in the bayside neighbourhood, Edward Street Dog Beach offers a pleasant stretch of dog-friendly coastline. Heads up though, this one is swarming with active dogs and their owners, particularly on one of Melbourne’s warmer days. So here’s a tip: for added seclusion and protection from the wind, plant yourself near the cliff on the point.
Cameron’s Bight
Blairgowrie
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The Mornington Peninsula is heaving with dog-friendly beaches and Cameron’s Bight in Blairgowrie is no different, offering a stunning location to bring your pooch for a paddle. The waters at the southern tip of the peninsula are clear and shimmering, making for a perfect spot for your doggo to make tracks in the dunes or splash in the refreshing waters.
Thirteenth Beach
Barwon Heads
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Nestled along one stretch of Victoria’s coastline lies Thirteenth Beach, a prime destination for dog owners seeking solitude away from crowds. The untamed and rugged beach situated on the Bellarine Peninsula provides ample space for your dog to run, dig and splash to their heart's content. Warning though—be cautious on days with big swells.
Check out more of the best around town:
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Leading Image credit: Unsplash | Supplied
Editors Note: Councils and beaches change their regulations throughout the year, please always consult their websites for the current information before taking your woofer on the road.
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