Sitting as it does wrapped around Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's dog owners are spoiled for choice when it comes to taking their canine friend for a splash in the sea. While many beaches have restricted hours for daylight access during the 'peak' summer months (usually 1st November and 31st March, but check the signs on each beach or with the local council), there are a number of beaches which are 'open all year' for off-leash doggy fun.
Our dog's favourite by far is West Beach in St Kilda, which not only has extensive wide sand for her to go crazy on, but shallow sandbars to wade out on for reluctant swimmers or puppies having their first paddle. A bonus for owners is the extremely dog-friendly West Beach
Pavillion cafe which is right on the sand and good parking all along the foreshore (though it is ticketed and not cheap!). Other great all-year round beaches for you and your dog to explore include:
St Kilda Beach (Along Pier Road to the channel at the NW end of the road, and between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the carpark near St Kilda Marina)
Sandridge Beach (between Barak and Cumberland Roads,Port Melbourne)
Port Melbourne Beach (between Lagoon Pier and Bay Street)
Sandown Street Beach (Brighton)
Sandringham Harbour (Hampton)
Cyril Curtain Reserve (Williamstown)
The east side spit of 'The Warmies' (Newport)
Werribee South Foreshore (from the jetski ramp to Cunningham Road)
A bit further afield, the Mornington Peninsula is well provided for year-round, off-leash romping grounds:
Royal Beach (Mornington)
Fosters Beach (Mornington)
Hawker Beach (Mt Martha)
Safety Beach/Tassells Cove (between Marina and Bruce Road)
Flinders Beach
Somers Beach
There are lots and lots of other beaches in Melbourne where dogs are allowed, though it may be for limited hours (usually after 730pm and before 930am) in the peak season, or only on-leash - just check with your local council and comply with any signage.
Do remember, off-leash doesn't mean out of control - your dog must not behave aggressively towards other dogs or people, and must be under effective voice control at all times when off leash. Please ensure you clean up after your dog just as you would anywhere else - none of us fancy swimming in the bay with left-behind 'floaters'! Remember too that not all beach users are dog lovers and can take fright if a dog you know to be friendly (but they don't) runs up to say 'hello'! Having said that, there are always lots of very friendly dogs and their owners for them to play with instead.
Do you have a favourite dog beach in Melbourne? If you do, please leave a comment - we would love to hear from you.
