Melbourne is one of Australia’s most dog-friendly cities, which is why it comes as no surprise that there is an abundance of places where pooch parents can let their four-legged pal explore. So if you have been on the lookout for dogs for sale in Melbourne, you will not have a problem planning something fun for your furball when you bring it home. Here is a compilation of the best places the city has to offer.
Beaches
Given Melbourne’s extensive coastline, you can expect that there is no shortage of dog-friendly beaches in the city. Your furry friend can enjoy a good frolic in the water at any time of the year. Just remember to follow the instructions on the local signage, be mindful of the restrictions, and stay out of the prohibited areas.
Sandown Street Beach
Also referred to as Brighton Dog Beach, Sandown Street Beach is one of the city’s most famous dog beaches due to its location. Situated only 11 kilometres from the central business district (CBD), it is just a stone’s throw away from many swish Brighton cafés and stores.
This beach boasts of sand dunes, shrubs, and calm waters where your furry friend can run and play 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There is an off-leash area that is completely fenced off for your dog’s safety and security.
St. Kilda West Beach
Tucked beside the St. Kilda pier in Port Phillip, this beloved destination is a beautiful spot to take your dog for a day of excitement. Here, your pet will find other four-legged animals to greet and play with.
Aside from the calm beach, there are plenty of other places where your furry friend can explore. There is a dune area, walkway, garden, and nearby pavilion with friendly pubs and stunning views.
Cafés
After a long week of working, there is nothing more refreshing than spending some quality time with your dog over a good cup of cappuccino. At these dog-friendly cafés, your furry pal will enjoy the sight of people walking by and other pooches bonding with their humans.
The Farm Café
Only five kilometres from the Melbourne CBD is this gorgeous, dog-friendly destination in a country setting. It is part of the Collingwood Children’s Farm and is near the breathtaking Merri Creek trail.
Open seven days a week from 9 a.m., this café serves modern café food and coffee. Dogs are welcome in the shaded alfresco area where water is available. After a quick meal, head to Yarra Bend Park where your pooch can go off-leash and play with other dogs.
Code Black Coffee
Tucked in the inner suburb of Melbourne, this industrial-chic café is just six kilometres north of the CBD. Here, you can enjoy an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches, and freshly roasted coffee.
Open for brunch at 7 a.m. and lunch at 10 a.m., this warehouse conversion café welcomes dogs in their spacious outdoor seating area.
Pubs
Going on a night out of town without their four-legged friend is one of the hardest things for a fur parent. Luckily, Melbourne allows you to enjoy a pint or two at these bars.
The Palace Hotel Pub
Situated in the south of the city is this sports-loving pub. If you are a sports fan, you will enjoy that the walls of this place are adorned with football memorabilia and its multiple television screens always play games for customers to watch.
What makes this pub unique is that it has a resident pooch – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Billy that will greet you every single time. In 2021, a second official pub dog, named Shadow, was introduced. This pub welcomes pooches in its beer garden and other outdoor dining areas as long as they remain on a leash. It also offers dog bowls.
Monty’s
If you are looking for a place where everybody knows your name and has more dogs than humans, this neighbourhood pub in Fitzroy is the place to unwind after a long week. From a deco wine bar, it has been reinvigorated to have a brighter colour to be a home away from home.
Inside is a long bar specifically designed for locals to chat and some turntables where records can be played. It is a nice place for weekend catch ups with friends and bonding time with your pooch.
Parks
Nothing is more relaxing than a stroll around a gorgeous park. Luckily, Melbourne has plenty of parks where dogs can go off-leash and enjoy some running around.
Edinburgh Gardens
Situated in North Fitzroy, this 24-hectare park has plenty of open lawns, shady areas, and garden beds connected by paths. It boasts of several facilities including a picnic area, fenced playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a heritage rotunda, and a skate park, among many others.
Roughly half of the park allows dogs to go off-leash. Should you need to grab a bite, there are many eateries, cafés, and bars that will gladly welcome you and your furry friend.
Princes Park
There are two off-leash areas in this 38.6-hectare park. The first is along Bowen Crescent at the north and the second is around Crawford Oval at the south. Here, your dog will enjoy frolicking in the big grassy area that is dotted with trees. There are also shaded and unshaded areas for resting in between.
Camping Spots
While not exactly situated in Melbourne, these campsites in Victoria can be reached in just a couple of hours. These places are four-leg approved, so pack up your bags and hit the road with your pooch!
Beauchamp Falls
Just two and a half hours away from Melbourne is this gorgeous spot tucked in the northern part of the Great Otway National Park. Here, your dog will enjoy rolling on the grassy and shady campground off-leash while you cook up something hearty in the available fireplace.
Should you wish to take a little walk with your pooch, both of you will love that this campsite leads to a waterfall and creek. While neither of you can swim in the pool at the bottom, the place still has a viewing platform where you can take amazing photos of the surroundings.
Lerderderg Campground
Approximately an hour away from Melbourne is this campground where dogs on a lead are permitted. There are plenty of bushwalks for hiking, with no fees or bookings required. Camping is first-come, first-served basis.
For more fun and excitement, head to O’Brien’s Crossing which is five kilometres from the campground. It has fireplaces where you can prepare your meals, and picnic tables where you can eat your grilled food.
