Dog-Friendly Activities in Melbourne
Melbourne is a paradise for dog owners with countless spots for your furry friend to explore. Whether you're after a scenic park, a dog-friendly beach, or a local pub where your pup is welcome, the options are endless. Melbourne truly earns its reputation as one of the most dog-friendly cities in Australia! With dogs allowed on public transport, including larger breeds, you and your canine companion can easily explore the city together. Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly activities and places to sniff out with your pup:
Street Art
Exploring Melbourne's renowned street art is a fantastic way to spend time with your pup. Key spots to visit include:
- Hosier Lane: Famous for its vibrant murals.
- AC/DC Lane: A tribute to the legendary band with striking artwork.
- Duckboard Place: A hidden gem featuring unique pieces.
If you’d prefer to venture outside the city centre, there’s plenty of amazing street art in nearby suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Prahran. Each area has its unique vibe and stunning street art to discover.
Botanic Gardens
Unlike the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, dogs are welcome at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Victoria, right in the heart of Melbourne. Leashed dogs can join you for a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Take a longer leash or a hands-free leash so your pup can explore more freely and so can you, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely outing with your furry friend.
Brighton Bathing Boxes
One of the most popular spots in Melbourne is the stunningly colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes along Brighton Beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash all day between April and October, making it a perfect time to capture some beautiful photos with your pup.
From November to February, some restrictions apply, but you can still enjoy the nearby Brighton Dog Beach at the end of Sandown Street, which is a fantastic off-leash area. It’s a great way to let your dog play while taking in the vibrant scenery!
St Kilda
How about spending the day at St Kilda? Just a short drive or tram ride from the CBD, it’s a popular beach destination that’s perfect for you and your dog. You can take your pup for a leashed walk along the long pier or enjoy some time at the beach. The section of St Kilda Beach to the west near Pier Road is off-leash and dog-friendly all year round.
Don’t forget to stop by one of the many charming cafes along Acland Street for a treat. If you’re there on a Sunday, be sure to check out the market along the esplanade for local goods and delicious food.
Dog Beach
If you are looking for more beach fun in Melbourne, 
Altona Dog Beach in Melbourne's west is a perfect spot for your four-legged friend to enjoy the surf all year round. With stunning views of Williamstown and Port Phillip Bay, this friendly beach allows dogs to roam off-leash, making it an ideal destination for pups to run, splash, and socialize. Conveniently located, the beach offers plenty of free parking, so you can easily access the fun.
For added peace of mind, consider equipping your dog with a dog life jacket, while they frolic in the water. After a fun-filled swim, you can take advantage of the dog wash-down area near the car park, where you can rinse off your furry companion before heading home. It’s the perfect way to end a day at the beach!
Bush Walking Adventure
Yarra Bend Park, located just 4 km northeast of Melbourne's city centre, is home to the largest area of natural bushland left in the inner suburbs. The park offers a range of walking trails, from short paths to the iconic 9.5 km trail that leads to Dights Falls, including the Westfield extension. Dogs are welcome in most areas, with several off-leash zones available. For longer walks, it’s best to equip your dog with a comfortable active harness for added support. Don’t miss the dog-friendly swimming area at Deep Rock—a favourite spot where dogs love to cool off in the river.
Looking for more adventure? Take your pup along on a canoe, kayak, or boat at the Fairfield Park Boathouse. The outdoor seating area at their restaurant is also dog-friendly, making it an ideal place to relax after your adventure.
Go Hiking!
Dog-friendly hiking trails offer a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with your pup! The You Yangs Regional Park, located less than an hour from southwest Melbourne near Geelong, is a great spot to explore. Dogs are welcome on-leash, making it a perfect destination for a scenic hike with your furry friend. The most popular trail is 3.5 km long, taking around an hour to complete, with some steps along the way. With breathtaking views of the Bellarine Peninsula, it’s a wonderful outing for both you and your dog to enjoy nature together.Remember to bring a water bottle and a collapsible dog bowl to keep both you and your pup hydrated.
The park also offers shorter, flatter tracks and picnic areas that are perfect for a more relaxed stroll with your dog. And don’t forget to visit Big Rock, just a short 100-meter walk from the main trail, it’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it for the views!
Staying in the Inner City?
If you're based in the heart of Melbourne, Kings Way Fenced Dog Park is an excellent off-leash spot to let your pup stretch their legs. This urban park features a gravel surface, rather than grass, and includes fun obstacles like tunnels and logs for your dog to explore. It’s the ideal place for your dog to burn off some energy while you enjoy the convenience of being close to the city centre.
Chapel Street
For travellers who want to enjoy shopping and dining with their dog by their side, Chapel Street is the perfect destination. This iconic Melbourne street is packed with trendy cafés, restaurants, and boutiques that welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy a day out with your furry friend. From high-end fashion stores to stylish dining spots, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly options along the strip. Look out for the 'Paw on the Door' sticker to easily spot businesses that welcome pups. You can even take your dog along to Prahran Market, a lively outdoor space with dining areas where your dog can join you while you take in the vibrant atmosphere.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in the City
To finish off our list, here are some fantastic pubs that happily welcome four-legged friends in their outdoor spaces and vibrant beer gardens:
- Stomping Ground in Collingwood is a lively hotspot where pups and their humans can mingle.
- Don't miss General Assembly
- Pilgrim Bar
- Brick Lane Brewhouse—each offering a great vibe for a laid-back outing with your furry companion!