Above: Beautiful, dog-friendly Point Addis Beach near Geelong.
Few things bring more bliss than seeing the look of pure joy on your furry friend’s face as they splash around in the water on a bright sunny day. From playing catch with a tennis ball or frisbee to simply lazing on the sand as the waves roll in, some of our favourite memories as pet owners are from those days we’ve spent with our dogs at the beach. 😊🐶
And with Victoria having just enjoyed a long run of golden Summer weather (perhaps a little too hot on occasion), what better time to share some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches near Melbourne and Geelong. We’re blessed in this state to have some truly beautiful stretches of sand that welcome our four-legged friends year-round. So sit back, slather on some sunscreen, enjoy the sunshine and take a dive into our top picks! 😎
Dog-friendly beaches near Melbourne
Altona Dog Beach
Address: Altona Road, Altona VIC 3018 https://maps.app.goo.gl/b6bXiJgMXm35huNQ9
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 17.4km (28-minute drive)
Why we like it: One of the most popular dedicated off-leash beaches in Metropolitan Melbourne, Altona Dog Beach features clear, shallow water and a wide stretch of sand, especially at low tide. It also enjoys expansive views of Melbourne’s skyline, Williamstown and the eastern side of the bay for you to enjoy while your furry friend is splashing around! 😊
Brighton Dog Beach
Address: Sandown Street, Brighton VIC 3186
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 12.5km (25-minute drive)
Why we like it: Another hugely popular dog-friendly beach in Melbourne, Brighton Dog Beach (also known as Sandown Street Beach) is nestled amongst a calm stretch of water adjacent to the ritzy Royal Brighton Yacht Club and marina. Even better, it’s fully fenced and dogs are allowed off-leash all year round!
St Kilda Harbour
Address: Pier Road, St Kilda VIC 3182
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 7.5km (21-minute drive)
Why we like it: No list would be complete without including what is arguably Melbourne’s most famous beach of all – St Kilda! Whilst the busy Esplanade section is bustling on a warm day, just north of St Kilda Pier lies a long stretch of sand facing shallow St Kilda Harbour, which doubles as a dedicated off-leash area from April 1 – October 31.
Tassell’s Cove, Safety Beach
Address: Marine Drive, Safety Beach VIC 3936
Distance from Melbourne CBD: 82km (1 hour, 4 mins drive)
Why we like it: Moving much further down the bay, Tassell’s Cove is a popular dog-friendly beach on the Mornington Peninsula, framed by pretty sandstone cliffs, clear water and soft sand. On a sunny day here, you could almost picture yourself on holiday along the azure waters of the Mediterranean. It’s also a designated off-leash area year-round!
Dog-friendly beaches near Geelong
Eastern Beach, Geelong
Address: Eastern Beach Road, Geelong VIC 3220
Distance from Geelong CBD: 1.5km (6 minute-drive)
Why we like it: Close to the heart of Geelong, Eastern Beach on the city’s bustling waterfront is a family favourite, with its calm waters, giant ferris wheel, stately palms and its swimming enclosure. It’s also a great spot to bring your furry friend for a paddle, keeping in mind they must be on a leash. 😊
Point Addis Beach
Address: Point Addis Road, Bells Beach VIC 3228
Distance from Geelong CBD: 32.1km (34 minute-drive)
Why we like it: A personal favourite, Point Addis Beach (also known as Addiscot Beach) is a stunning location along the Surf Coast between Torquay and Anglesea. Reached via a set of stairs, it’s a long stretch of sand with relatively calm waters thanks to its gentle crescent shape and the sheltering effect of the Point that give it its name, making it ideal for dogs who are new to the surf.
Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads
Address: Thirteenth Beach Road, Barwon Heads VIC 3227
Distance from Geelong CBD: 18.9km (22-minute drive)
Why we like it: Raw and rugged, Thirteenth Beach is a wonderful stretch of coastline on the Bellarine Peninsula that’s also one of the best dog-friendly beaches near Geelong, especially if you’d prefer to stay away from the crowds. Just be wary, the surf here can be quite rough so keep your furry friends close by! 🌊
Whites Beach, Torquay
Address: The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228
Distance from Geelong CBD: 21.5km (26-minute drive)
Why we like it: And finishing our list with a fine dog-friendly beach that’s off-leash all year, Whites Beach just north of Torquay’s bustling Esplanade is a glorious and long stretch of golden sand. A perfect place where your furry friend can let off some steam, it’s also relatively uncrowded for those precious moments of solitude. 😎🐾
Feel like a quiet moment at the beach all to yourself? Contact our friendly team at Pets Country Club Lara on (03) 5282 1286 to learn more about our Doggy Day Care service.