There’s nothing like travelling around the country with your best mate – even better if it’s a four-legged buddy with a wagging tail. If you are a dog parent who wouldn’t dream of touring the country without your furry baby, you’re in luck! Melbourne is a dream destination with plenty of dog-friendly places and no shortage of indoor and outdoor activities. Whether looking for beaches with off-lead freedom or parks for sniff-filled strolls, the city has everything your pooch will love.
When looking for activities and places to look around with your dog in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of options for recreation and adventure. From dog friendly beaches in Melbourne to the stunning scenic beauty of the national parks, here are a host of places you can visit with your pooch.
Melbourne Beaches
Brighton Beach
Add Brighton Beach to your list if you want to take cute Instagram shots with your dog with the famous colourful, vibrant bathing boxes as background. It is a popular dog-friendly spot where dogs are allowed off-leash all day from April to October and before 10 am or after 7:30 pm between November and March.
Altona Dog Beach
Altona Dog Beach is a gem for pet parents because it allows dogs to run, swim, and frolic leash-free all year. When the tide is in, the beach creates a narrow, sandy strip for dogs to play and enjoy themselves. The PA Burns Reserve is adjacent to the beach, providing additional space for your pets to relax and socialize.
St Kilda Dog Beach
St Kilda is another popular beach for locals and visitors to cool off with their dogs, but some restrictions exist.
- Dogs are allowed off leash on the beach from April 1 to October 31.
- Dogs are permitted off-leash in specific areas between Brooks Jetty and the northern end towards St Kilda Marina.
- Dogs are generally prohibited on the beach from November 1 to March 31.
- Dogs are prohibited in the West Beach dune between West Beach Pavilion and Fraser Street.
The local authorities change the regulations and update the dog restrictions occasionally. As a dog owner, it’s your legal responsibility to check with the official sources before planning a beach day, maintain cleanliness on the beach and prevent disturbances for other visitors.
Leisure & Recreation
Your visit to Melbourne with your pet is incomplete without exploring the vibrant street art. The inner city suburbs are great examples of creativity on walls, but the most popular street is Hosier Lane, close to Federation Square. You will see new works created with spray paint, mesmerizing you and your pet. However, the roads can get easily crowded, which can be inconvenient for your dog, so move a few blocks east for less overcrowded lanes.
Furthermore, Melbourne hosts a variety of dog-friendly events throughout the year. Puppy pub crawls are common in the city, creating opportunities for dogs to socialize and make friends. You can join such groups and participate in fun activities so your dog has the best time in Melbourne.
Dog-Friendly Parks
When we think of easy day trips in Melbourne, Luna Park, the Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island come to mind. Fortunately, Melbourne is home to picturesque national parks, reserves, and designated dog parks where you can take your pup for a stroll and stretch their legs.
Carlton Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens in the northern part of the city make an excellent destination for charming walks with your furry mate. Clayton Reserve, Martin Reserve, Gilpin Park, Farm Road Reserve in Cheltenham, Tirhatuan Park in Dandenong, Tatterson Park in Keysborough, and Aranga Reserve in Donvale are other great choices for parks. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria welcomes furry babies as long as they are on a leash. Additionally, a punt tour on the lake is complimentary for well-behaved dogs.
Although dogs are not allowed off-leash inside these gardens, you can head to Victoria Park, Moran Reserve, Barkly Gardens, and Armadale Reserve for off-leash areas, so your dog can wander freely.
Paw-Friendly Markets
Most Melbourne shops don’t encourage pets into their shops. However, things are more relaxed at Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran, Melbourne’s first dog-friendly shopping area. The Paw-on-the-Door stickers indicate pet-friendly businesses. You will find pet stores with the latest accessories and pyjama designs.
Burwood Brickworks is another pet-friendly shopping destination. You can shop, wine, and dine in the same place with your pet. Keep an eye out for green paw print and orange paw print stickers. The green ones indicate pet-friendly shops, while the orange ones indicate pet-friendly restaurants.
As a city of dog lovers, Melbourne is a haven of dog-friendly attractions. Melbourne has much to offer, whether you want to experience something new or take your dog on an adventurous ride. So, book your tickets today and let the fun begin!
