Best dog-friendly beaches

Bringing your dog with you on your visit? There are many pup-friendly stretches of beach and, depending on the season and the area, your furry friend can have varying degrees of freedom.

It’s important to remember that restrictions are necessary to protect dunes, wildlife and manage peak traffic periods. Dogs and humans must always stay off sand dunes for environmental and habitat reasons. And always, ALWAYS, clean up after your dog to keep the beach and the ocean clean for everyone to enjoy.

Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads

There are two large, year round, off-leash areas: at Thirteenth Beach between 30W and 34W and Ocean Grove between 8W and 13W. Dogs may be off the leash but must be under effective supervised control at all times. There are also other parts of the coast that are prohibited. Check barwoncoast.com.au for full details.

Clifton Springs

Around the other side of the peninsula, beside Cindy’s Beach in Clifton Springs is an off-leash beach. Stop by The Dell for a scenic picnic and rest after some serious ball-throwing action and water fun. For further info head here.

Queenscliff and surrounds

Another spot to exercise or leisurely walk your furry pal is at the Narrows in Queenscliff. Narrows Beach can be enjoyed year-round and is accessed from the car park near the pedestrian lights on Bellarine Highway, opposite Roddick Grove. The off-lead area begins at the end of the boardwalk and extends east, finishing at the end of Fraser Street. To check dog restrictions in Queenscliff visit queenscliffe.vic.gov.au.

For other dog-friendly things to see and do, check out this blog.