Dog Friendly Beaches and Swimming Holes in Melbourne

THE BEST dog friendly beaches in Melbounre, VIC along with swimming holes, creeks, rivers and lakes can be found right here! Dogs on beaches are allowed and the list below will help you locate something that fits both you and your pooch! If you are looking for places to swim with your dog, look no further.

Trying to get the kids out of the house these school holidays? This is the way to do it!

Melbourne – a popular destination teaming with cafes, culture, sport and iconic locations. BUT Where can I go swimming with my dog? Are the beaches dog friendly in the area? Which dog friendly beaches are near me? If you are reluctant to leave your best four-legged friend at home then this list will help!

Pack up the car, grab some doggy treats and a picnic and lay that pet blanket down on the back seat. Check out our dog-friendly places to visit below.

‘Are there any swimming holes near me that allow dogs? – ABSOLUTELY! ‘What off leash beaches are near me? PLENTY! ‘best beaches for dogs and the closest dog beach to me?’ – SEE BELOW! Hopefully you will find your closest dog beach below!

Dog beach in Melbourne etiquette

Before venturing to an off leash dog beach, we have put together some simple rules of thumb. This will help to ensure that you are safe and respectful of others exploring the same area.

Are there any dog friendly beaches near me? you ask! Yes, but not everywhere allows you to let your dog off the leash. Rules apply for dog swimming places or just walking trails! Always check for signs, even if you have visited before, in case the rules have changed. The signs are there to help keep the area and local wildlife safe.

Remember that not all dogs are friendly to each other or humans. If venturing out with young children, remind them not to approach dogs without checking with owners first. This will ensure they are children friendly and enjoy being made a fuss of by strangers.

Not all dogs are friendly to each other either. Approach others with caution to eliminate any potential aggressive behaviour. If your dog shows signs of being uncomfortable, maybe take them to another area until the other dog has moved on.

Always dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided (including any rubbish that your dog has left behind). Always double check the area before leaving to ensure you have left the area safely and litter-free!

Ensure your pooch has taken all of the necessary tick/flea medication. A lot of outdoor venues will be home to a number of parasites. Checking they are up to date with preventative treatments will save a lot of heartache in the long run. Always check your pet for ticks once you return home.

Maybe start with small walks and adventures and build up – new sights, smells, etc maybe a bit too much for some!

Best dog friendly beaches in Melbourne

Melbourne Beaches…. Dogs? So what beach can I take my dog to? Where is the nearest dog beach to me? Melbourne is a beautiful location and blessed with beautiful beaches to explore, including beaches that allow dogs. Arguably the best beaches for dogs! The area is home to a vast number of pet friendly beaches. Some offer wide expanses of sand, others a lot smaller but offer an off-leash element. Some maybe close to dog friendly facilities so that you can enjoy a drink after all that thirst-quenching activity. Some are close to recreation parks so both the kids and dogs get to let off steam!. They are dotted around the area, so there should be a ‘dog beach near me’ – happy exploring!.

Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne

When looking for beaches that are dog friendly – the locals know best! This one is a favourite in the area. A very attractive place with piers and picnic benches to sit and relax. BBQ facilities are closeby and a playground but be sure to check the signs as pooches must be on leash when nearby.

Where to park: Car park off from The Blvd

RELATED: Looking for some dog free water fun? See Melbourne’s best water parks here

Port Melbourne Beach, Port Melbourne

This stretch of beach running between two piers is split into two. Dog off leash beach accessible all year around on one half, while the other is seasonal. Close to shops and cafes, this is a great place to walk your pooch!

Where to park: Car park off from The Blvd

St Kilda Dog Beach, St Kilda

Three for the price of one ….. yep, three dog beaches on offer at this lovely location. Cafes and restaurants run rife in this lovely destination and has a good vibe about it. There is a beautiful promenade that abuts the beach for you to walk along. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant and the beach is long and sandy!

Where to park: Blessington St

Elwood Beach, Elwood

The inner city suburb of Elwood boasts this beautiful stretch of sandy beach. Restrictions to apply at times throughout the year, so best check beforehand! There are plenty of areas to picnic and BBQ.

Where to park: Car park accross from 67 State Route 33

Mentone Dog Beach, Mentone

With approximately 1.4kms of sandy beach to explore, your four-legged friend will LOVE letting off steam here. It has been known for certain timeframes to be in place for your dog to be allowed off leash so please check any signs.

Where to park: Carpark opposite 47 State Route 33

Altona Dog Beach, Altona

Situated 13km south west of Melbourne CBD is this delightful area. The beach is restricted at times for dogs off leash. However with plenty of walking paths and trails to explore, the on leash idea is a good one here too.

Where to park: Pines Scout Camp Rd

Brighton Dog Beach, Brighton

This popular location is a must-see if you are in the area. It is approximately 1km long and off-leash at certain points (between Bay Street and Sandown Street). Close to shops, parking and picnic areas which makes this highly accessible.

Where to park: 7 Sandown St

Best dog friendly swimming holes & creeks in Melbourne

Are any swimming holes near me dog friendly? So many beaches are dog friendly in Melbourne but what else is on offer? We have chosen a series of dog friendly lakes to creeks. All are different with water in common. Some have designated doggy areas that are fenced off so they can let off steam. They are all beautiful locations with great views and a great place to go for a stroll.

Looking for some time away with your furry friend? Check out the best dog friendly camping sites in Victoria.

Warrandyte River Reserve

Located approximately half an hour drive from the city! This is a 24 hour dog park or you could say ‘theme park’ material for your dog! A lovely river location to explore. There are on leash and off leash areas. There are upgrades occurring which may affect this, so please check all signs on arrival. There are also playgrounds in the area so be mindful of young children (and dogs must be on leash within 15 metres of play areas).

Where to park: Stiggant St

Tassells Cove, Safety Beach

Bit of a drive (80km south of Melbourne) BUT rock pools galore for your dog to explore! This has the shelter of a rock wall surrounding it offering some protection from the elements. The beach is small in size but big on impact for your dog! This off leash venue is sure to impress!

Where to park: 188 Marine Drive

Yarra Bend Park, Kew

Situated in the suburb of Kew, is this fabulous (and huge) park. It is the largest natural bushland left in Melbourne and your doggy friends are welcome. The Yarra River flows through part of the park so there are water features for your dog to explore.

Where to park: Yarra Bend Rd

Dog friendly swimming in Melbourne

With so many beaches allowing dogs you should be able to identify your nearest dog friendly beach. Hopefully we have answered all your doggy questions ‘where to go swimming with my dog’, and ‘where the off leash beaches near me’ (and plenty more)!.

We have aimed to give you a variety that your doggy friends will love! Remember, rules on both on-leash and off-leash are ever changing, so please check the signs on arrival! There are plenty of dog parks with swimming and dog friendly pools to try out. If you know of more from your travels, and are happy to share your answer to ‘where are the best dog beaches near me?’ please get in touch! Happy adventuring!