Best Dog Beaches Near Melbourne

Werribee South Beach is a serene, natural coastline in Victoria, Australia, offering stunning views across Port Phillip Bay. Known for its shallow waters, it is ideal for wading rather than swimming. The beach is surrounded by the vibrant Werribee South area, recognized as the broad leaf vegetable capital of Australia, adding to its rustic charm. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets, go for leisurely walks, and engage in activities like fishing and boating.
The beach's unspoiled state and peaceful atmosphere make it a great spot for picnics and family outings. There are nearby amenities like shaded BBQs, picnic areas, and playgrounds. During peak seasons, lifeguards are available for safety. It's also a popular area for birdwatching with species like pelicans and seagulls.
Werribee South Beach is not far from Wyndham Harbour, which offers more recreational activities and dining options, making the area perfect for day trips or longer stays.

Mentone Beach, located 21 kilometers south of Melbourne, is acclaimed for its picturesque views and relaxed atmosphere. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers, the beach features sandy shores and generally shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families and those looking to engage in water sports like swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
The beach is also recognized for its vibrant dog-friendly areas, allowing pets to roam freely at specific times throughout the year. It has a rich history, being one of Melbourne's first summer resort areas, and it's surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic walking paths that enhance its natural beauty.
Mentone Beach is well-equipped with essentials such as restrooms, picnic facilities, and lifeguard services, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The Mentone Life Saving Club, established in 1920, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the beach, contributing to its popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Middle Brighton Baths is a vibrant beach destination located in Brighton, Victoria, Australia, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and recreational options. The beach is renowned for its scenic views of Port Phillip Bay and the iconic Brighton bathing boxes, creating a picturesque setting for both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, attracting a diverse crowd eager to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The beach is also a part of a historic site, housing one of the last remaining caged open water sea baths in the country, enhancing its charm and appeal.
Visitors can partake in a variety of activities such as swimming, picnicking, and exploring nearby attractions, making it an ideal locale for a day out. The area is well-equipped with amenities and is easily accessible, contributing to its popularity as a weekend getaway. The beach's proximity to several dining options and hotels adds to its allure, ensuring that visitors have a wide range of choices for relaxation and entertainment.

St Kilda Pier, located in St Kilda, Victoria, offers breathtaking views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay. This historic pier, originally built in 1853, has been renovated to enhance its functionality and charm. It is popular among tourists and locals alike for activities such as strolling, cycling, fishing, and observing wildlife like Little Penguins. The pier's vicinity is enriched with cultural events and festivals, adding to its appeal as a vibrant social hub.
Besides its recreational value, St Kilda Pier holds significant historical importance. It was rebuilt in recent years, reopening in late 2024, and now features improvements such as enhanced accessibility and amenities for visitors.
St Kilda's proximity to Melbourne CBD makes it a conveniently accessible destination by public transport or car, with ample parking options nearby.

Altona Beach, located in Melbourne's west, is renowned for its calm and clean waters, making it ideal for swimming and water sports like paddleboarding and kite surfing. The beach is lined by a picturesque Esplanade shaded by Norfolk Pines, which also serves as a shared bike and walking trail connecting to the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. The nearby village offers cafes and shops, with Altona Village hosting a local market on Pier Street every Tuesday.
Visitors can enjoy the historic Altona Pier, a popular spot for fishing and recreational activities. The beach is family-friendly and includes a dog-friendly area, Altona Dog Beach, where pets can play freely. Facilities like barbecues and public restrooms are readily available.
Altona Beach is approximately a 19-minute drive from Melbourne's CBD, providing easy access to a tranquil coastal experience.

Sandridge Beach, located in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is a tranquil and accessible urban beach stretching about 500 meters along the south-south-east facing shoreline. Once a crucial colonial port area, the beach today is surrounded by piers and port facilities, yet has undergone redevelopment that enhanced its appeal, adding landscaped amenities and a promenade along a seawall backing the beach. Despite its proximity to shipping channels, it provides reasonably clean and calm waters ideal for families and relaxation, with shallow water and generally low wave activity except during strong southerly winds which can stir gentle surf. The quiet residential vibe, combined with picturesque city and pier views, creates a serene, laid-back atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors seeking an urban beach experience with convenience and charm.
Sandridge Beach is well-known for its safety and accessibility, featuring good parking and easy access via car, foot, and public transport. The Sandridge Life Saving Club, established in 1927, supports beachgoers with a modern clubhouse containing changing rooms and a kiosk. The beach's natural sand flats and channels add to its unique coastal character, making it a pleasant spot for beach strolls and recreational activities, all set within a revitalized maritime setting blending natural and urban elements.
Visitors respect the balance of a peaceful environment with practical facilities, making Sandridge Beach a hidden gem along Melbourne’s coastline where history, nature, and community meet harmoniously.

Campbells Cove Beach is a stunning beach located in Werribee South, Victoria, Australia, renowned for its serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Stretching approximately 300 meters, this beach features pristine golden sands that invite visitors to relax and enjoy the coastal ambiance. The beach is nestled within the Point Cook Coastal Park, providing a natural haven for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visitors to Campbells Cove Beach can revel in its unique charm, as it is dog-friendly and offers a vibrant community scene. The beach's landscape is complemented by gentle waves, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. The accessibility to nearby attractions, including Flinders Pier, enhances the beach's appeal, offering additional activities like fishing and scenic coastal walks.
With a welcoming vibe, Campbells Cove Beach serves as a popular destination for both locals and tourists, ensuring that each visit leaves lasting memories of tranquility and natural beauty.

Port Melbourne Beach is located in the bustling suburb of Port Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. It is just a few kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and is known for its picturesque views of the city skyline and Port Philip Bay. The beach offers a mix of white sand and activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. It is popular among locals and visitors alike, providing a tranquil seaside escape with nearby shopping and dining options along Bay Street.

The area is historically significant, having been a major arrival point for European migrants post-world war and a key area during the Australian Gold Rush. Today, it is an evolving residential and recreational hub, offering a charming blend of modern and historic architecture.

The beach is easily accessible via a short drive or public transport, making it a convenient day trip from the city. With its playgrounds and parks nearby, it's also a favorite among families.