Dogs love water just as much as we do, from chasing garden hose streams to splashing in shallow pools. Watching your pup frolic in the waves at Melbourne’s best dog-friendly beaches is pure joy. However, not all beaches welcome furry friends.
We've curated the top dog beaches in Victoria for 2025 so you and your best mate can enjoy the coast together.
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Here are Urban List's picks for the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria.
St Kilda Harbour
St Kilda
Image credit: Visit Victoria | Ain Raadik
St Kilda Harbour, buzzing with tourists, pups, cyclists, and beachgoers, offers a perfect blend of urban and seaside vibes. The beach is always a pooch party, so expect your doggos to social.
Sandridge Beach
Port Melbourne
Sandridge Beach is the top pick for dog-friendly spots in Port Melbourne, located on the suburb's west side. The beach offers offers plenty of amenity for the whole family with barbecues and playgrounds just steps from the sand.
Brighton Dog Beach
Brighton
Image credit: Visit Victoria | Jim Zapsalis
Brighton Dog Beach is a year-round, off-leash haven where dogs can roam freely. The fenced beach and calm bay waters make it a safe spot for pups to explore. With no surf and plenty of visiting pups, it’s the perfect place for your dog to socialise and make new friends.
Mentone Beach
Mentone
The dog beach is on the west side of Mentone Beach, the eastern side reserved for bathers. Dogs can run off-leash here all year. Running parallel is the the Bay Trail with a surf club, playground, picnic tables, and seating.
Tassell’s Cove
Safety Beach
Image credit: Unsplash | Supplied
Tassell’s Cove, near Safety Beach, is a great place for dogs to explore without the usual crowds of dog-friendly spots. You can find the cove at the north end of the beach where the shore curves towards Mount Martha.
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Burn’s Reserve
Altona
Burn's Reserve in Altona is perfect for shy pooches who aren't good with deep water. The beach offers a great space at low-tide for dogs to run and play without getting too wet.
Beaumaris Beach, Rickett’s Point
Beaumaris
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The dog beach at Beaumaris starts at the wooden ramp on the southern end and stretches towards the yacht club. This beach is quieter than others, making it ideal for a relaxing visit. Though the beach stretch is short, it offers pristine views and rock pools for your dog to explore and enjoy.
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
Image credit: Unsplash | Supplied
Cameron’s Bight in Blairgowrie is another gem on the Mornington Peninsula’s dog-friendly beaches. Located at the southern tip, this beach features clear, shimmering waters perfect for a refreshing dip. Your dog will love exploring the dunes and splashing in the tranquil, scenic environment.
Thirteenth Beach
Barwon Heads
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Surfers are usually the biggest crowd on Thirteenth Beach, not pooches. But your furry friends can take advantage of the huge stretch of beach here, just be careful of the rockin' swell.
Check out more of the best around town:
- Best dog-friendly accommodation in Melbourne
- Best walks in Melbourne
- Best glamping spots in Victoria
Leading Image credit: Unsplash | Supplied
Editors Note: Councils change their rules throughout the year, please always consult their websites for up to date info before taking your woofer on the road.
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