The bayside suburb of St Kilda is a delightful part of Melbourne to visit together with your dog. As well as having some great dog-friendly beaches close to the city, there’s plenty more fun things to do together with your dog, as well as some great dog-friendly cafes, pubs and even places to stay.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in St Kilda
Not surprisingly, one of the most famous attractions in St Kilda, the Luna Park amusement park, doesn’t allow dogs inside. (Nor would your pup appreciate the screams!) But there’s plenty more dog-friendly attractions in and around St Kilda. Take your pick from these…
#1 Walk Along St Kilda Pier
One of the other iconic attractions in St Kilda is the St Kilda Pier. A pier has been present since about the 1850s at St Kilda, although it has been replaced many times over the years.
Most recently, a brand new pier has been rebuilt replacing the previous aging pier, with the new pier opening to the public in December 2024. The new pier is wider, with a curved tiered seating section, but still preserves the heritage kiosk.
Leashed dogs are welcome to walk with you along the pier and relax along the tiered seating section – I spotted a few happy dogs sittingwith their owners! At the moment the kiosk still hasn’t reopened, so I’m not sure if the outdoor seating will be dog-friendly.
Note though that dogs can’t walk along the penguin viewing platform, that starts just behind the kiosk building. For the safety of the little penguins, all pets are prohibited from this area.
#2 Take a Ferry Ride to Williamstown
If you continue along the pier to the marina, you’ll pass by the departure point for the St Kilda Ferry. The company runs sunset penguin cruises most days of the week, that pet dogs are not allowed to join you on, but pets are welcome on their services to Williamstown.
The ferry service between St Kilda and Williamstown usually only runs on weekends and public holidays for most of the year, increasing to daily over the summer school holidays. Double check the latest dates online. There is also a ferry service from Williamstown to Port Melbourne.
The trip between St Kilda and Williamstown takes about 15-20 minutes, with one-way and discounted return tickets available. Dogs ride for free. It’s just requested that dogs are well supervised, and if they’re scared of the gangplank you may need to carry them aboard.
#3 Frolic on St Kilda West Beach
While the main stretch of St Kilda Beach to the east of the pier is off limits to dogs between the months of November and March inclusive, for a wonderful off-leash dog beach head just a little west to St Kilda West Beach.
Dogs are allowed off-leash on St Kilda West Beach all year round. This extends all the way from the western side of St Kilda Pier, alongside Pier Road, as far as Langridge Street. Just note that dogs are not allowed at any time in the St Kilda Foreshore Reserve with its sensitive dune area and boardwalk.
#4 Or Hit the Sand Near the Marina
Alternatively, there is also a small section of the main beach at St Kilda where dogs are allowed. Head east of the Shakespeares Grove Viewing Platform, also known as Brookes Jetty. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the sand here up until the northern end of the St Kilda Marina car park year round.
Note that if you visit St Kilda in the cooler months of the year, between April and October inclusive, dogs are allowed on the main section of the beach too.
In the area looked after by the City of Port Phillip, there are a few other short sections of year-round off-leash beaches, or beaches that allow dogs during part of the day. Check out this map.
#5 Walk Along the Bay Trail
The Bay Trail is a long shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists that follows the shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, all the way from the West Gate Bridge to Seaford. A great section to walk with your dog is the stretch extending east from St Kilda to Brighton.
Most of the trail along this section is divided into separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians (and dogs), making it a lot safer for walking your dog. There’s plenty of beaches along the way, although most only allow dogs at certain times of the year or day. There’s also a terrific fenced dog park just south of the St Kilda Marina, the MO Moran Reserve.
From St Kilda Pier to the Sandown Street Dog Beach at Brighton is about 5km of flat easy path, or a 10km return walk. It’s a great walk for energetic pups or else turn around earlier when you and your dog have had enough. Perhaps stop off for coffee or lunch at the beachfront Elwood Bathers, with dogs welcome on their terrace.
Check out more tips for dog-friendly walks & hikes in Melbourne
#6 Browse the St Kilda Esplanade Market
If visiting St Kilda on a Sunday, make sure you visit the St Kilda Esplanade Market. These markets are held every Sunday between 10am to 4pm (or 5pm during daylight saving time) with stalls running along the Esplanade, up above St Kilda Beach.
Established in 1970, this is one of the best markets in Melbourne, with over 150 stalls featuring handcrafted artworks, jewellery and accessories. And leashed dogs are welcome to join you! Keep an eye out for stall 60-61, the eXpresso alfresco coffee trailer, serving up puppuccinos.
#7 Laze on a Sun Lounge at West Beach
The perfect spot to enjoy some drinks with your pup by your side before or after some off-leash fun at St Kilda West Beach is the West Beach Pavilion. Located right on the sand, the pavilion is open year round for meals and drinks, but it steps up a notch during the summer months when it transforms into a beach club.
Between September and March, you can rent a sun lounge, suitable for up to four people sitting or two people lying. Bookings are taken, plus walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability. There are also cabanas and party lounges available for larger groups for a booking fee.
Dogs are welcome to join you in the outdoor areas at the pavilion, including on the sun lounges. Double check the latest arrangement for the beach club when it reopens in the spring time.
#9 Stroll Through the Botanic Gardens
While the Royal Botanic Gardens in the centre of Melbourne gets all the attention, St Kilda is also home to its own gardens, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens, that were opened back in 1861.
The gardens are a wonderful spot for an on-leash walk with your pup. Explore the rose garden or stroll around the lake. Dogs are even allowed inside the glass walled conservatory. The gardens are also a fabulous spot for a picnic with your pup
#10 A Dog’s Feast at Chez Misty
In late 2024, the former home of Chez Misty closed down, but the business has since reopened in a new location on Inkerman Street. While crepes for humans and dogs are no longer offered (it is no longer a regular cafe), it is still open on weekends for dog meals.
Check out their website for upcoming special brunches and meals for dogs. Dog birthday and gotchas parties are also available to book (bring your own food for humans). There is both an indoor and outdoor area in their new location.
#11 Enjoy a Sweet Treat on Acland Street
For a treat that humans can enjoy too, I recommend wandering along the stretch of Acland Street near the tram terminus and choosing a cafe to enjoy cake and coffee. Options include the Europa Cake Shop, Monarch Cakes and Le Bon Continental Cake Shop – check out the cakes on offer inside the windows.
Most of the cafes have outdoor seating out the front where dogs are welcome, with water bowls provided. Although the cakes are probably best for human consumption only!
Dog-Friendly Parks in St Kilda
A great off-leash dog park in the centra of St Kilda is the Peanut Farm Reserve Dog Off Leash Area. Located in between Chaucer Street and Spenser Street, dogs are allowed on the mostly enclosed oval when games are not being played. (Keep dogs off the oval and leashed close by during organised sport.)
If you prefer a fully fenced park, head to the MO Moran Reserve (pictured above), adjacent to the Bay Trail and St Kilda Marina. There’s plenty of space for off-leash fun in this irregularly fenced area, complete with water fountains, seats, bins and a paved path through the middle.
Note that while dogs are allowed in Catani Park at the St Kilda waterfront, they need to be kept leashed at all times. Water bowls are however provided for thirsty pups.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in St Kilda
During my most recent visit to St Kilda, one of the most popular dog-friendly cafes was Abbey Road Cafe. There were plenty of pups sitting with their owners in the sheltered terrace area of this large cafe next to the tram terminus on Acland Street.
Open from 8am or 8:30am until late daily, the cafe serves up breakfast, lunch or even dinner, with a wide ranging menu. Or just enjoy a drink, whether a coffee or cocktail. Naturally there’s a 60s soundtrack playing at all times!
Not far from St Kilda West Beach, another great dog-friendly cafe is Frankie’s Top Shop. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, this cafe on a quiet street has a large sheltered outdoor dining area. There’s also hooks on the wall if you’re ordering a takeaway coffee, along with a water bowl for pups.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in St Kilda
One of the most iconic pubs around St Kilda is the Esplanade Hotel, or The Espy for short. Located right on the Esplanade opposite the Pier, dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden at the hotel. Just double check with the staff if there’s restrictions on any areas.
Another pub in the heart of St Kilda I’ve heard recommendations for but haven’t visited myself is the The Local Taphouse. Dogs are welcome on the rooftop area, at least during the day – enter via the stairs on the right side of the venue. For humans, there’s a huge range of rotating tap beers, with over 400 different beers tapped each year.
For somewhere that offers dog meal too, head to Iddy Biddy Bar, just off the end of Acland Street. Also open during the day, this bar and kitchen serves up global pub-style grub, with plenty of outdoor tables. For your dog, choose between grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, a puppuccino or more from the pet menu.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in St Kilda
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If you’re interested in a longer stay in St Kilda, there are usually a variety of pet-friendly properties available on Airbnb right in St Kilda. Alternatively, stay in a nearby pet-friendly hotel.
Not far away along St Kilda Road, View Melbourne welcomes up to two dogs in selected rooms, with no size restrictions. Make a direct booking for a Pet Package. Your dog will be pampered with their own teepee bed, food and water bowls, a snack box and toys to play with and take home. Dogs are also welcome in the beer garden onsite.
If you’d like to stay in an apartment hotel, there are two pet-friendly Quest Apartment Hotels nearby. Choose between Quest St Kilda Road and Quest Prahran. There are a range of apartment sizes, with all rooms featuring a fully equipped kitchen and in-room laundry facilities. Enquire directly about the applicable pet fee, plus inclusions for pets.
The Roamer St Kilda hostel, formerly Selina St Kilda, allows pets in selected private rooms (not in the dorms, naturally). Choose between standard, family and suite rooms, most with private ensuites, although cheaper options have shared bathrooms. There is an additional charge of about $15 per night per pet. Enquire directly for the full list of pet rules.
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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.