As a long-time Sydneysider, I’m usually compelled to say how much better Sydney is than Melbourne, as part of the long-standing rivalry between the two Australian cities. However, when it comes to dog-friendliness, Melbourne in Victoria is way out in front and by far the most dog-friendly city in Australia.
Melbourne is a great destination to visit with your dog, whether on a short trip or as part of a longer lap around Australia. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Melbourne with your dog.
If you’re spending a whole week in Melbourne (lucky you!), I love this itinerary for 7 days in Melbourne. Just double-check which attractions do and don’t allow dogs.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Melbourne
While many popular attractions in Melbourne are off-limits if you’re sightseeing with a pup, there are equally many things to do in Melbourne that are dog-friendly. Here are my top five recommendations.
#1 Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach
After missing out on visiting these famous colourful bathing boxes on previous trips to Melbourne, when I visited with my dog on a recent visit I was determined to visit them. Luckily then it’s dog-friendly, so the perfect spot to head for Instagram snaps with your pooch!
Dogs are allowed off-leash here all day long from April to October, then before 10am or after 7:30pm between November and March (with no dogs permitted at all between 10am and 7:30pm from November to March on this beach).
In any case, it’s best to head here early to avoid the crowds, and nab some great photos with your pup. It’s easiest reached from the city with a car, just remember to pay for parking.
If you’re looking for a great beach nearby that is off-leash all day long, not much further north is the Brighton Dog Beach, just north of Sandown Street. Check out more details in my guide to dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne.
#2 Explore the Botanic Gardens
The majority of botanic gardens around Australia and in fact the rest of the world don’t permit dogs in their grounds. However, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne are more welcoming.
Dogs are still not allowed off leash inside the gardens, but they are allowed to join you for a stroll on a leash. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free.
#3 Check out the Street Art
A trip to Melbourne isn’t complete without exploring some of the city’s famous yet ever-changing street art. Many of the inner city suburbs have great examples, but the most well-known destination is Hosier Lane in the city, not far from Federation Square.
Definitely stop by Hosier Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being sprayed onto the walls. But as it can get quite crowded, which some dogs might not appreciate, I recommend heading a few blocks further east, to the less crowded ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place.
#4 Head to St Kilda
It’s just a short tramride or drive from the centre of Melbourne to the bayside suburb of St Kilda. A popular beach destination close to the city, it has plenty of options for entertainment.
Your dog won’t be allowed inside of the Luna Park amusement park (and wouldn’t appreciate the screams), but instead take a walk out along the pier (dogs allowed on a leash) or visit one of the surrounding beaches.
St Kilda Beach to the east of the pier only permits dogs over the winter months, but instead head to the western side, near Pier Road, where dogs are allowed off-leash all day long, year round. For more details on surrounding beaches, see below.
If visiting on a Sunday, check out the market along the Esplanade. Otherwise stop off at one of the cafes along Acland Street for coffees and cake. There’s also plenty more dog-friendly cafes, pubs and more – check out my full guide to visiting St Kilda with a dog.
#5 Admire a World Heritage Listed Building
Melbourne is home to one of Australia’s most unexpected World Heritage sites: the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, on the northern fringe of the city. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century.
While dogs may not be able to head inside (and we weren’t either during our visit, due to university exams), it’s still a great spot to visit and view the imposing exterior (keeping your pup on a leash). The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic with your pup.
For more ideas on what to do in Melbourne with your pup, check out my ever growing list of dog-friendly days out around Melbourne!
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne
While Melbourne doesn’t have any surf beaches like my home city of Sydney (instead head to the Torquay at the start of the Great Ocean Road for the nearest surf beaches to Melbourne), it does still have some decent beaches along the shores of Port Phillip Bay, great for visiting with a dog thanks to their calm waters.
The rules for whether dogs can access beaches are up to the individual councils. Generally there are clear sign posts, but sometimes you may need to look online at the council websites.
Often, dogs are allowed off-leash on beaches over the winter period, but come the summer months are restricted to just early and late in the day, if at all. However, there are quite a few beaches that allow dogs off-leash all year round.
For instance, if you’re heading to St Kilda, dogs are allowed on the main stretch of St Kilda Beach only during the winter time, but are not allowed at all on the sand between the months of November and March.
Instead, during summer either head southeast (to the stretch between the Shakespeares Grove Viewing Platform and the northern end of the St Kilda Marina car park) or northwest (to the section to the west of St Kilda Pier and St Kilda West beach).
Some other dog-friendly beaches around Melbourne include:
- Brighton Dog Beach: At the end of Sandown Street in Brighton. This beach is also conveniently mostly fenced, great for excitable pups.
- Sandringham Harbour Dog Beach: Located within Sandringham Harbour
- Altona Dog Beach: Next to P.A. Burns Reserve in Seaholme
For more tips on visiting the beach with your dog, including plenty of details for these beaches, check out my guide to dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Melbourne
Many of the parks in Melbourne are dog-friendly, albeit with the caveat that they need to remain on a leash. As I mentioned above, dogs are welcome in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Another on-leash option within the city centre is Flagstaff Gardens.
If you’re wanting to let your dog off-leash, your options are more limited, although some new dog parks have recently been proposed (and in some cases opened). For a full list and maps, see the council website.
Close to Southbank, there’s a new small fenced dog park a few blocks south of Crown Melbourne, the Kingsway and Moray Street Reserve Fenced Dog Park, with a gravel and dirt surface. Curiously, it’s partially under a freeway overpass, but I guess they gives some shelter on rainy days!
On the northern side of the city, head to Clayton Reserve, on the western edge of North Melbourne. This good-sized grassy fenced park is a favourite of city dog owners. There’s even lights for evenings visits.
Two more unfenced options close to the city are sections of Gosch’s Paddock, just north across the Yarra from the Royal Botanic Garden, and Yarra Park, on the east side of the famous MCG stadium.
For an excellent option further out of the city (a car is necessary), head to Aranga Reserve, just off the M3 motorway in Donvale. As well as large fenced grass expanse, there’s also a dog agility course.
Dog-Friendly Shopping in Melbourne
Just like most places in Australia, the majority of shops in Melbourne won’t be happy if you try and take your dog inside. However, the rules are relaxed when it comes to Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran, which in 2019 became Melbourne’s first dog-friendly shopping precinct.
While walking along the street, keep an eye out for the Paw-on-the-Door stickers indicating pet-friendly businesses. Many fashion shops are pet-friendly (we dropped into Peter Alexander to check out their latest pyjama designs); even some of the local banks allow pets inside.
Another newer dog-friendly shopping destination in Melbourne is the Burwood Brickworks shopping centre. This impressive centre is very progressive: it’s home to a rooftop garden, plus allows dogs inside. Also keep an eye out for the green paw print stickers at the entrance to dog-friendly shops, plus orange stickers at restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor dining areas.
For more information, check out my guide to dog-friendly shopping centres in Australia – hopefully I can soon add some more from Melbourne!
Dog-Friendly Transport in Melbourne
One area where Melbourne really shines as dog-friendly is their approach to public transport and pets. Unlike the majority of cities in Australia where pets on public transport are a no-no, pets are allowed on public transport in Melbourne with some caveats.
Dogs of all sizes are allowed on metropolitan trains: larger dogs should be wearing a leash and muzzle, while smaller pets need to travel in a suitable container. Smaller pets in a suitable container are also allowed onboard trams, buses and V/Line trains, but not on V/Line coaches.
With these generous rules, it means that a quick getaway to the Melbourne CBD using public transport with your pet is possible from within the metropolitan area (for dogs of all sizes) or from across the state (for those with small pets). Plus it’s easy to get around the city with smaller pets.
For more information, see my full guides to pets on public transport in Melbourne.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Melbourne
Melbourne has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and pubs that welcome dogs all over the city, from laneway cafes to trendy pubs to brunch spots. These are some of my top picks…
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Bars in Melbourne City
If you’re staying in the city centre, I recommend heading over to the banks of the Yarra River for dinner, where there’s plenty of dog-friendly outdoor dining spaces, including at Southbank.
When staying in the city with our dog on one visit, we choose to dine at The General Assembly, near the convention centre. There’s some great burgers options on the menu, and regular food and drink specials on selected nights.
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor area of the General Assembly. But considering most of it is covered and fitted out with outdoor heaters, it’s still a welcoming spot come the coldest and rainiest Melbourne night.
Another dog-friendly option nearby on the northern bank of the Yarra is the The Wharf Hotel, with its happy hour and regular specials on weekdays. Dogs are allowed in the Garden Deck outdoor area.
Close to Federation Square, head to the Riverland Bar. Dogs are welcome in the extensive outdoor area of this laid back urban beer garden. Open daily, ordering using QR codes is easy with your dog at the side and water bowls can be requested from the bar. There’s even a happy hour and lunch specials on offer from Monday to Friday.
Another nearby dog-friendly spot during the summer months is Afloat Capri, the latest incarnation of this floating restaurant and cocktail bar. Serving up an Italian-influenced menu, there’s even a small pool at one end of this venue inspired by European beach clubs. Open daily, bookings are recommended during busy periods.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes in the Inner Suburbs
If you head further afield in Melbourne, there’s plenty more great dog-friendly dining options, whether you’re looking for a beer garden or dog-friendly cafe.
The Commons Collective, in Melbourne’s south, is often declared to be Melbourne’s most beautiful garden cafe and wine bar. The more relaxed beer garden is open year round, while the fancier rosé garden and restaurant closes over the winter. Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas in both parts of the venue.
In Brunswick, head to Welcome to Brunswick, an over-sized beer garden run by the crew behind 4 Pines Brewing. As well as an extensive list of beers, including their special Brunswick range that is brewed right on the premises, there’s also multiple food trucks. Dogs are warmly welcome in the beer garden, with water bowls provided and a “Good Dogs of Brunswick” photo collage.
On the other side of Brunswick, a great dog-friendly cafe is Bellboy Cafe at the East Brunswick Village. This relatively new cafe has chic interiors, roasts its own coffee onsite and has a dedicated bagel menu. There’s a kennel onsite if you’re grabbing takeaway, otherwise dogs are welcome at outdoor tables, with their own dog menu, including Pup Cups and Chicken Twists.
In the mood for a rooftop bar? Check out Harlow Bar in Richmond, which welcomes dogs both in their beer garden and on the rooftop, accessible from the stairs in the beer garden. Alternatively, head to The Local Taphouse in St Kilda, where dogs are welcome on the rooftop (but not downstairs), at least during the day.
Extra Dog-Friendly Cafes in Melbourne
For something a bit more extravagant for your pooch, head to one of the many dog-friendly cafes round Melbourne that serve up a whole menu for pups, not just humans.
One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne is Chez Misty in St Kilda. While this dog cafe is no longer also serving up crepes for humans since it moved to Inkerman Street, it’s still open on weekends for special dog brunches and birthday parties. Check their website for the latest happenings.
The Doghouse Dog Cafe in Collingwood is Melbourne’s first cafe for dogs (with humans welcome). At the back of their large retail store, where you can purchase the raw food and dog drinks they produce onsite, are ten large cafe booths. Make a booking for a booth, where you can enjoy a coffee and your dog a fancy dogachino, or make a birthday party booking. There are also regular special events.
On the outer eastern edge of Melbourne in Boronia is The Dog Cafe. With an off-leash area including a sandpit and ballpit, on the menu are puppacinos and dog treats, as well as coffees and simple bites for humans. You can also book doggie birthday parties and weddings.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Melbourne
There’s a wide variety of hotels in Melbourne that are pet-friendly, from luxury hotels through to many apartment hotels, both in the city centre and in the suburbs. For a list of over 30 dog-friendly hotels in Melbourne, check out my Melbourne dog-friendly hotel guide.
During my most recent stay in Melbourne, I stayed at The Langham, Melbourne. This five star hotel in Southbank welcomes both dogs and cats (up to 20kg) when you book a Pampered Pets Staycation package.
Your pet will be supplied with their own pet bowls, beds and an amenity pack to keep, while you can enjoy breakfast in bed and valet parking. Read more about my stay at the The Langham, Melbourne.
Another alternative for a Melbourne stay with your pup is to book a pet-friendly Airbnb. There are both whole home and private room options available on Airbnb that allow pets. Follow these steps for find pet-friendly Airbnbs.
It’s slightly tricker to stay in Melbourne if you’re travelling a caravan or campervan. However, some of the caravan parks on the fringes of Melbourne are dog-friendly, including Crystal Brook Tourist Park in Doncaster East. The park even has its own off-leash dog exercise area, plus allows dogs in selected cabins.
You May Also Like
- Dog-Friendly Walks in Melbourne
- Dog-Friendly Days Out From Melbourne
- Fun Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Country Victoria
- Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.
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Thanks for the awsome info! Much appreciated.
Great to hear from you!
Best dog friendly pub would have to be College Lawn Hotel Prahran! Great food, great place and always amazing service.
Thanks for the tip!