The long-standing competition between Sydney and Melbourne in Australia means that everybody who has lived in both cities feels forced to compare them and proclaim which is superior. However, Melbourne stands head and shoulders above the rest as Australia's most dog-friendly major metropolis.
Whether you're just passing through Australia or want to spend some serious time in the country, Melbourne is a fantastic city to visit without your dog. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Melbourne with your dog.
Our vacation in Melbourne was made all the more enjoyable by the fact that was able to bring our pet with me to the first pet-friendly hotel in Melbourne. It's also a cheap and comfortable place for people to stay.
The hotel is easily accessible on foot from both Flinders Street & Southern Cross Stations (useful if you want to travel with your dog via rail; more on this below). Being within the complimentary tram zone makes it convenient to navigate the city with such a small pet inside a carrying bag without spending any money (more on this later).
If you plan on driving, the hotel will arrange for you to park at a nearby garage at a discounted rate for up to 24 hours (the duration of which can be set to begin at any time). (We opted to have it begin at 11 am so that we could spend the day of our arrival sight-seeing.)
The hotel's courtyard rooms here on ground floor are pet-friendly for an extra cost (currently $30 per night). Each room is large and has been tastefully updated with clean, contemporary design and bright pops of colour. You'll have access to a cable TV, coffee/tea making amenities, and a rain showerhead.
Even though it was chilly when we visited, the courtyard is a nice place to unwind on warmer evenings with a takeout food and some drinks.
Olivier's Cafe serves breakfast and light lunches daily. We debated ordering breakfast in, but ultimately decided to take the delicious Bacon and Egg Muffins to go.
As an added bonus, if you leave your dog in the room while you enjoy the continental breakfast, you can do so. (As long as a do-not-disturb notice is up on the door, as indicated on the dog check-in form), canines are welcome to stay in guest rooms unattended.
Your furry pal is just like you in that it's nice to take a break from the routine every once in a while. To them, adventure is romping around the yard and living room chasing a ball or exploring the great outdoors. They long to explore the world beneath their paws, take in all the aromas, and, possibly, meet some new canine pals.
A wonderful off-leash area or extended walking track is the best place in the city to give your puppy this kind of freedom. You and your furry friend will be warmly welcomed in any of Melbourne's many dog-friendly parks, beaches, or trails. It's also fine if you don't own a dog but would still like some pats. Even if you're on your own, you can still get in on some great dog-watching action at these locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog
Melbourne Bay Trail
There is plenty of entry and exit points, so you and your pup can stroll on wherever you please. There are also a few dog-friendly beaches along the way, including Port Melbourne, Brighton and St Kilda.
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 have been relaxed regarding Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran, which has recently become Melbourne's first dog-friendly shopping precinct.
Most of the city's parks are dog-friendly, but you'll still need to keep your pal on a leash. For a more freewheeling adventure, try one of these parks or beaches where dogs can run around, sniff along eucalypt-lined walking trails, or splash in the shallows – no leash required.
Melbourne: Most Pet Friendly City In Australia.
Melbourne's Dog-Friendly Dining
Melbourne has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and bars all across town that are dog-friendly. Dog-friendly outdoor dining options abound in Southbank, so if you're staying just at 5-star Melbourne City, pack up Fido and go over there for supper.
Located just a short distance from the conference center and our hotel, we decided to eat at The General Assembly. The outdoor space is dog-friendly. Even on the coldest, wettest night in Melbourne, it is still a pleasant place to spend time because much of it is uncovered and equipped with outside heaters.
Great burgers can be found here, and weekday visitors should plan to arrive before 6 p.m. to take advantage of Happy Hour prices.
On Tuesday nights, the Newmarket Hotel in St. Kilda offers a more opulent menu for your pup. There is a parma special for dogs, while standard and large parmas for humans are on sale for $15.
Chicken schnitzel with cheese and ham along with various dog treats & dog biscuits, are available for your dog for just $5. Even though he's a tiny dog, my Schnitzel really enjoyed it.
Melbourne's Dog-Friendly Beaches
Unlike my hometown of Sydney, Melbourne does not have any surf beaches; instead, beachgoers in Melbourne must travel towards the Great Ocean Road to find the closest surf spots. Nevertheless, Melbourne does have some nice beaches all along coasts of Port Phillip Bay, perfect for taking your dog for a swim.
Local governments decide whether or not dogs are allowed on their beaches. In most cases, you may just follow the signs, but if you get lost, check out the local government websites. In many places, dogs are permitted to run free on beaches during the winter months but are strictly prohibited during the hotter months. There are, however, a few of beaches that welcome dogs off-leash year-round.
For instance, between November and March, dogs are not permitted on the sand at all over the entire length of St. Kilda Beach, but are permitted during the winter months. This summer, try one of these alternatives:
- Go south-east to the area that includes the St. Kilda Marina parking lot's northernmost point and Brooks Jetty.
- Northernmost point is the area between St. Kilda Pier and also the drainage canal in the north-west.
- Alternatively, you could go to St. Kilda West, providing you avoid the delicate dune region.
Further dog-friendly beaches near Melbourne include:
- The end of Sandown Street near Brighton is where you'll find the dog-friendly beach. The beach is enclosed, making it ideal for families with dogs or those with hyperdogs.
- Seaholme's Altona Dog Beach is located just next to PA Burns Reserve.
Melbourne Dog-Friendly Parks
Dogs are welcome in many Melbourne parks, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Like we said before, both the Royal Garden and the Carlton Gardens allow dogs. Flagstaff Gardens is another urban alternative for leashed dogs.
You'll have to travel further out if you're looking for an off-leash park for your dog. Gosch's Paddock, immediately north from across Yarra from of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and Yarra Park, to the east of the famed MCG stadium, are two possibilities near to the city. Find your way around with the maps. When football isn't being played at Citizen Park in Richmond, it's a great place to visit.
Aranga Reserve near Donvale, close to the M3 motorway, is further away from the city (a vehicle is required) and is a great place to go hiking. There is an agility course for dogs as well as a huge grassy area enclosed by fencing.
Shopping For Dogs In Melbourne
Most Melbourne stores will not be pleased if you bring your dog inside, as is the case in Australia. Chapel Road in South Yarra around Prahran, however, is now Melbourne's first dog-friendly shopping zone, thus the prohibitions there have been modified.
Keep an eye for the Paw-on-the-Door decals as you go down the street; they'll let you know which stores welcome pets. Pets are welcome in many retail establishments, including clothing stores (we stopped by Peter Alexander to look out their new pyjama designs) and even at several local banks.
As an added bonus, the labels show which eateries in the vicinity have dog-friendly patios.
Transport For Dogs In Melbourne
There is no better example of how dog-friendly Melbourne is than in its public transportation system. Melbourne is one of the few Australian cities that allows pets on public transportation, with a few restrictions.
The subways are the friendliest transportation choice. Small and large pets alike are welcome on the MTA's public transportation system. Small dogs and cats must be carried in a carrier, while larger dogs may travel with a leash and muzzle.
Only tiny pets in a carrier are allowed on the V/Line regional trains. The box can't exceed 56cm in length, 30cm in width, or 38cm in height, and it can't weigh more than 15kg. You'll need to keep it in a designated storage area and avoid peak travel times, but it's a wonderful way to see the Victorian country with a small dog.
Furthermore, similar to other cities in Victoria, including Melbourne, only small pets inside a container are permitted on trams and buses. The V/Line coach services are the only public transportation option that does not welcome pets. Consult the complete set of rules for further clarification.
Thanks to these lenient regulations, pet owners from anywhere in the metropolitan region (and with dogs of any size) or across the state can easily take public transportation into the heart of Melbourne (for those with small pets). Small pets, in particular, have it very easy in the urban environment.
Sightseeing With Your Dog In Melbourne
Many of Melbourne's most visited landmarks do not allow dogs, however the city also offers plenty of activities that canine companions are welcome to join their human owners in enjoying. Consider these five suggestions as the highest priority.
Visit Brighton Beach's Bathing Boxes.
We were determined to finally see these colourful bathing boxes after missing them on prior travels to Melbourne. That's great news, because that means dogs are welcome!
From April until October, dogs can run free here at all hours of the day; from November until March, they can do so only between sunrise and 10 a.m. (with no dogs permitted at all between 10 am and 7:30 pm from November to March).
However, if you want to dodge the crowds and get some amazing pictures with your dog, you should get here as early as possible. It is most convenient to drive there from the city, but you will need to budget for parking. Little Brighton Dog Beach on Sandown Street is only a short distance to the north and is an excellent off-leash beach that is open all day.
Visit The Botanic Gardens.
Most botanical gardens in Australia and elsewhere across the world do not allow dogs. While Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens are less friendly, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to visit.
While unleashed dogs are not permitted in the gardens, leashed pets are welcome to take a stroll with their owners. In addition, well-behaved canine companions travel gratis on punt tours of the lake.
Take A Look At The Street Art.
Melbourne's famed and ever-evolving street art is a must-see for any visitor. Hosier Lane inside the city, close to Federation Square, is the most well-known location, while there are many excellent options in the inner suburbs.
Check out Hosier Lane, where fresh murals are frequently being painted. It can get crowded, that some dogs may not like, so we suggest going a few blocks east toward the less congested ACDC Lane on Duckboard Place.
Visit A Building On The World Heritage List
Located in Carlton Gardens on the city's northern outskirts, the National Gallery Building is one of Australia's most unanticipated World Heritage sites. The structure is unique in that it is one the only existing 19th-century exhibition halls from throughout the world.
Even though you and your dog won't be able to go inside (we couldn't, either, because of finals), it's still worth going to take in the impressive architecture (keeping your pup on a leash). Carlton Gardens also features picnic-friendly grassy lawns.
Go To St Kilda.
From Melbourne's central business district, St. Kilda is a quick tram ride or quick drive to the bayside. Being so close to town makes it a hotspot for weekend getaways, and its beach is a major draw.
Dogs are not permitted inside Luna Park (they probably wouldn't like all the screams anyhow), but they are welcome on leashes on the pier and at the nearby beaches.
St. Kilda Beach to a east of the dock only allows dogs during the winter months; however, dogs are welcome off-leash all day, every day on the western side of the beach, close to Pier Road. Read on for information on the local beaches!
Sunday visitors should not miss the Esplanade market. If you're in the mood for coffee and cake, you can't go wrong with a stop at one of Acland Street cafes.
Excellent Dog Walks In Melbourne.
- Take a stroll through Jells Park (note: dogs not allowed in the conservation area)
- Stroll in Yarra Bend Park
- Carlton North's Princes Park loop (includes two leash-free areas)
- Dogs on the beach near Altona (includes off-leash)
- Park at Gloucester Park, Wellesley (dogs not permitted in Jawbone Marine Reserve section)
- Stroll at the Royal Park (includes numerous leash-free areas, but stay away from Nature Play playground)
- Hike around Lilydale Lake
- Parks in Darebin (please be aware that there is just one designated off-leash area and that there are other areas were dogs are not allowed.)
- Walk around Berwick's beautiful (but leash-required) Wilson Botanic Park.
- Sanctuary in Finns' Park, Yarra Bend, and Templestowe Wombat Bend Playground is a no-dogs zone.
- Dog-friendly strolls along the Mathias Forestry Track and the Olinda Golf Course (Olinda, The Dandenongs)
- As Mathias Track borders Dandenong Ranges National Park, please keep your dog on a leash at all times. The old golf club has a sizable off-leash area (see map).
Great Dog Walks Outside Of Melbourne.
- Go East-West on the Yangtze River.
- A stroll through Kurth Kiln in Gembrook
- Taking the Otways on a stroll around Lake Elizabeth (more info on dogs in the Otways)
- Bay of Apollo (includes off-leash beach)
- Walk along the edge of Aireys Inlet (includes an off-leash beach)
- From the Sandy Point Inlet (near Wilsons Promontory)
- Train Tracks at Traralgon, Australia, a Preserved
- Botanical Gardens of Mansfield
- A Nature Preserve in Bendigo Called Hustler's Reef (short walk includes off-leash area)
- Coastwalk with George Bass (Kilcunda to PunchBowl Road near San Remo)
The Best Dog-Friendly Parks And Beaches In Melbourne For The Ultimate Pup Time
Merri Creek Trail
The Merri Creek Trail, stretching from Dights Falls to a Western Ring Road, is a 21-kilometer inner-city trek that feels vastly different from the activity of the CBD. Wet-nosed, four-legged tourists will love it since they may take their dogs to any of the many off-leash locations located along its length. Dogs must be on leashes at all times when on the shared trail (for the safety of the local fauna), but there is plenty to look at and smell. In addition, your puppy will likely be pleased with the abundance of canine companions it meets along the way.
Albert Park, Albert Park
Albert Park is not only a haven for outdoor fitness fanatics and joggers, but also for local pooches in need of some exercise. Just 3 kilometres from the central business district, this large precinct features walking routes, picnic sites, open spaces, water fountains, as well as the neighborhood's namesake lake. The majority of the park is puppy, and there are both leash-restricted and leash-free zones to enjoy with your canine companion. The cityscape and the lakeside trees together create a very gorgeous setting.
Clayton Reserve, North Melbourne
Clayton Reserve is a tiny but friendly fenced-in dog park conveniently located for northside residents. You and Rufus are sure to make new friends anytime you visit this area because of the welcoming atmosphere it exudes. There are always lots of pats because of the many different kinds of visitors. The dog fountain, several waste receptacles and bags, and strategically positioned benches are all extras that owners of hyperactive canine companions will appreciate.
Conclusion
Melbourne is the dog-friendliest Australian city. Small pets can travel the city on the free tram. Ground-floor courtyard rooms are pet-friendly for $30 per night. Melbourne cafes and pubs allow dogs. So let your puppy run free on a long walking track or off-leash whenever possible.
The Newmarket Hotel in St. Kilda offers a higher-end dog menu. Melbourne parks allow leashed dogs. However, leashes are always required. Gosch's Paddock and Yarra Park are city possibilities. South Yarra's Chapel Road, in Prahran, is Melbourne's first dog-friendly shopping sector. In addition, pets are allowed on Melbourne's public buses.
Pets of any size are allowed on MTA buses. This region is open to dogs from April to October, but from November to March, they can only enter between sunrise and 10 a.m. Visitors should notice Melbourne's famous and rising street art. Australia's National Gallery Building is a surprise World Heritage Site. Luna Park has a no-leash regulation, although local beaches welcome leashed dogs.
Altona Beach and Aireys Inlet offer off-leash activities for Melbourne dog owners. The Dandenong Ranges National Park Forestry Track borders the Mathias Forestry Track and Olinda Golf Course. From Dights Falls to the Western Ring Road, the 21-kilometre Merri Creek Trail offers a different experience from the Central Business District. The park is mostly for dogs but has leash-free and leash-restricted portions.
Content Summary
- However, Melbourne stands head and shoulders above the rest as Australia's most dog-friendly major metropolis.
- Whether you're just passing through Australia or want to spend some serious time in the country, Melbourne is a fantastic city to visit without your dog.
- The hotel is easily accessible on foot from both Flinders Street & Southern Cross Stations (useful if you want to travel with your dog via rail; more on this below).
- The courtyard rooms on the ground floor are pet-friendly for an extra cost (currently $30 per night).
- As a bonus, you can do so if you leave your dog in the room while you enjoy the continental breakfast.
- Your furry pal is just like you in that it's nice to take a break from the routine every once in a while.
- A wonderful off-leash area or extended walking track is the best place in the city to give your puppy this freedom.
- You and your furry friend will be warmly welcomed in any of Melbourne's many dog-friendly parks, beaches, or trails.
- Melbourne has plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars all across dog-friendly town.
- Dog-friendly outdoor dining options abound in Southbank, so if you're staying just at 5-star Melbourne City, pack up Fido and go for supper.
- The outdoor space is dog-friendly.
- In many places, dogs are permitted to run free on beaches during winter but are strictly prohibited during hotter months.
- There are, however, a few beaches that welcome dogs off-leash year-round.
- Further dog-friendly beaches near Melbourne include: The end of Sandown Street near Brighton is where you'll find the dog-friendly beach.
- Dogs are welcome in many Melbourne parks but must be kept on a leash.
- You'll have to travel further out if you're looking for an off-leash park for your dog.
- There is no better example of how dog-friendly Melbourne is than its public transportation system.
- Melbourne is one of the few Australian cities that allows pets on public transportation, with a few restrictions.
- Small and large pets are welcome on the MTA's public transportation system.
- Thanks to these lenient regulations, pet owners from anywhere in the metropolitan region (and with dogs of any size) or across the state can easily take public transportation into the heart of Melbourne (for those with small pets).
- Many of Melbourne's most visited landmarks do not allow dogs. However, the city also offers plenty of activities that canine companions are welcome to join their human owners in enjoying.
- Most botanical gardens in Australia and elsewhere worldwide do not allow dogs.
- While Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens are less friendly, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are a wonderful place to visit.
- Melbourne's famed and ever-evolving street art is a must-see for any visitor.
- From Melbourne's central business district, St. Kilda is a quick tram ride or drive to the bayside.
- St. Kilda Beach to the east of the dock only allows dogs during the winter; however, dogs are welcome off-leash all day, every day, on the western side of the beach, close to Pier Road.
- Take a stroll through Jells Park (note: dogs not allowed in the conservation area), Carlton North's Princes Park loop (includes two leash-free areas), Dogs on the beach near Altona (includes off-leash) Park at Gloucester Park, Wellesley (dogs not permitted in Jawbone Marine Reserve section) Stroll at the Royal Park (includes numerous leash-free areas, but stay away from Nature Play playground) Parks in Darebin (please be aware that there is just one designated off-leash area and that there are other areas were dogs are not allowed.)
- Walk around Berwick's beautiful (but leash-required) Wilson Botanic Park.
- Sanctuary in Finns' Park, Yarra Bend, and Templestowe Wombat Bend Playground is a no-dogs zone.
- Dog-friendly strolls along the Mathias Forestry Track and the Olinda Golf Course (Olinda, The Dandenongs). As Mathias Track borders Dandenong Ranges National Park, please always keep your dog on a leash.
- The old golf club has a sizable off-leash area (see map).
- Take the Otways on a stroll around Lake Elizabeth (more info on dogs in the Otways). Walk along the edge of Aireys Inlet (includes an off-leash beach) From the Sandy Point Inlet (near Wilsons Promontory). Train Tracks at Traralgon, Australia, a Preserved Botanical Gardens of Mansfield, A Nature Preserve in Bendigo Called Hustler's Reef (short walk includes off-leash area), Coastwalk with George Bass (Kilcunda to PunchBowl Road near San Remo), The Best Dog-Friendly Parks And Beaches In Melbourne For The Ultimate Pup Time.
- The Merri Creek Trail, stretching from Dights Falls to a Western Ring Road, is a 21-kilometre inner-city trek that feels vastly different from the activity of the CBD.
- Albert Park is not only a haven for outdoor fitness fanatics and joggers but also for local puppies in need of some exercise.
- Clayton Reserve is a tiny but friendly fenced-in dog park conveniently located for northside residents.
