Beaches

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What beaches can I walk my dog on?

During April 1 to October 31, dogs can play on all Port Phillip beaches off leash, except for the two environmentally sensitive areas of West Beach, St Kilda and Sandridge beach, Port Melbourne. Dogs are prohibited in these areas at all times.  (see heading below)

During 1 November to March 31, dogs are allowed on seven beaches only with two being early morning beaches (see heading below)

Map showing off-leash areas for dogs

As a result of an extensive public survey and review, Council has made changes to the existing dog off leash areas and Council Order No.3. The following link shows all designated Dog Off Leash Areas in Port Phillip, arranged on a neighbourhood basis. It includes parks, reserves and beaches.

There are also 18 off-leash parks and reserves throughout Port Phillip.

Summer season: November 1 - March 31

• St Kilda Beach
  Along Pier Road to the drainage channel at the northwest end of Pier Road. 
• St Kilda Beach
  Between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the car park towards St Kilda Marina. 
• West Beach, St Kilda West
• Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne
  Between the rock groyne opposite Barak Road & the rock groyne opposite Cumberland Road.

• Port Melbourne Beach
  Between Lagoon Pier & northwest to Bay Street

Two dog beaches during summer are early morning beaches

• Middle Park Beach
  Kerferd Road Pier to Langridge Street, (5:30am-9:30am).
• Elwood Beach
  Between the rock groyne south of Point Ormond and the beach access ramp 35 metres south east of Normandy Road, (5:30am-9:30am).

All other beaches are off limits to dogs during the summer.

Remember, dogs need to be under effective voice control and you still need to carry a leash. And don't forget to take carry plastic bags or an acceptable item so you can pick up any droppings.

For information about other off-leash areas in Port Phillip, see Dog Parks & Reserves.

Off season: April 1 - October 31

During the off season dogs are allowed on all beaches except for the following two environmentally sensitive areas:

Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne, including all of the beach and the Perce White Reserve. 
To allow access from Todd Road to the Webb Dock walkway, dogs on leashes are permitted on the sealed road reserve including the car park and footpath from Todd Road to the Webb Dock walkway.

West Beach, St Kilda, from a point 400m north of the St Kilda Pier to a point in line with the end of the pavilion on the beach, past Cowderoy Street.

During the off season dogs are able to run and play on all other beaches without a leash. Remember, dogs need to be under effective voice control and you still need to carry a leash and pick up after your dog.

All year round

There are seven designated off-leash dog beaches in Port Phillip where your dog can play off leash all year round.

• St Kilda Beach
  Along Pier Road to the drainage channel at the northwest end of Pier Road. 
• St Kilda Beach
  Between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the car park towards St Kilda Marina. 
• West Beach, St Kilda West
• Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne
  Between the rock groyne opposite Barak Road & the rock groyne opposite Cumberland Road.
• Port Melbourne Beach
  Between Lagoon Pier & northwest to Bay Street
• Two dog beaches at Middle Park and Elwood become early morning dog beaches between 5:30am and 9:30am only, during the summer period.

One of the critical measures used to decide which beaches become off leash areas is how diligent dog owners are about cleaning up after their pets. Dog owners should also carry a leash at all times, and ensure the dog remains in sight and is under effective voice control, not threaten other people or animals, and pick up after their dog.

For information about other off-leash areas in Port Phillip, see Dog Parks & Reserves.

Please be a responsible owner

• When they are off the leash, dogs need to be under effective control by their owners.
• If dogs are well trained and sufficiently socialised by responsible owners, then there should be minimal inconvenience to other beach users.
• Dog owners face an on the spot fines for walking dogs on prohibited beaches, for dogs wandering at large, for not having dogs on leashes when they should be or for failing to pick up after their dog.
• Failure to register a dog attracts an additional fine.

There is still a minority of owners who don't do the right thing when it comes to cleaning up dog poo. Scat, stools, poop, doggie do - whatever you call it - it's nasty. It's a problem for others walking on the beach and a contaminant if it's allowed into the bay.  Please do the right thing & pick up after your dog.

Relevant links and more information

Dog Litter - it's now mandatory to carry bags or other devices and clean up after your dog.

Dog Parks & Reserves - areas where your dog can run and play without a leash.

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online or contact ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777.