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Dog-Friendly Melbourne: Cafes, Beaches, Parks & More

Discover the best dog-friendly activities around Melbourne.

From inner-city strolls to bayside adventures, Melbourne’s full of dog-friendly spots perfect for weekend wanders and café catch-ups. Start exploring below.

🏖 Dog Beaches 🌳 Dog Parks ☕ Dog-Friendly Cafes 🛍 Dog-Friendly Brands 📰 Blog

Browse Melbourne's Dog Beaches

From splash sessions at Brighton to post-walk coffees in Port Melbourne, Melbourne’s coastline has plenty to offer dog lovers. We’re rounding up the best off-lead spots (plus a few on-lead gems), complete with tips on parking, shade, and nearby cafés.

Inverloch Dog Beach

Off-Leash Beach

Mentone Dog Beach

Timed Off-Leash

Brighton Dog Beach (Sandown Street Beach)

Off-Leash Beach

Port Melbourne Dog Beach

Timed Off-Leash

Find the best off-lead and fully fenced dog parks around Melbourne

Melbourne’s dog parks are as diverse as its neighbourhoods – from tucked-away green pockets in the inner north to spacious suburban reserves where your pup can roam free. Whether you’re after a quiet spot for recall practice or a buzzing park for social dogs, there’s no shortage of fenced and off-lead options. Some even come with agility zones or dedicated small-dog areas, so you can find the perfect fit for your dog’s style.

Clayton Reserve Dog Park

Fully Fenced Area

Alf Pearce Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Agility Equipment, Fully Fenced Area, Small Dog Zone

Brooklyn Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Agility Equipment, Fully Fenced Area, Small Dog Zone

Explore dog-friendly cafes around Melbourne

Here’s the thing about cafes and dogs in Melbourne: We love to bring our pups along for a cuppa, but this thing called the State Food Act can make it a bit difficult sometimes.

The State Food Act makes it illegal to allow animals that are not assistance animals inside food premises. Like, period. No exceptions. It’s not up to the business owner, it’s law. So, what we call a dog-friendly cafe, is when the business owner allows dogs in the outdoor dining areas.

Luckily, there are lots of great cafes around Melbourne that are welcoming to dogs. And we are constantly adding new places to this article, to make sure that you can easily find a dog-friendly cafe near your home.