Posted Thu 27 Oct 2022 at 13:39pm
The weekend is quickly approaching. Have you decided on which dog friendly activities you’ll be doing with your pup? Here’s a quick rundown of some fun activities and the best dog-friendly venues to take your pooch to in Melbourne.
Your four-legged friend sets the bar extremely high for loyalty and affection – they’re always there to brighten your life and welcome you with open arms (sometimes with a chewed-up sock or shoe) when you get home from a long day at work. So, show your appreciation for your pup by clearing your calendar and planning a fun day out together! Melbourne is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Australia and has loads of paw-some dog-friendly venues for you to explore.
Don’t wait until February 14th to prove your undying love for your pet; instead, try out our list of top dog-friendly activities to do with your pup in Melbourne!
1. Take Them to the Beach
Your dog loves the beach as much as you do, if not more. Who doesn’t love hearing the waves crash onto the sand, running in and out of the water, and ending up with sand between their toes (or paws)? With summer quickly approaching, you can almost envision your furbaby frolicking on the beach and rolling around in the sand.
Discover the best dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne for some fun in the sun.
Atlona Beach
The salty breeze, sandy pathways, and peaceful atmosphere makes Altona Beach an unforgettable dog-friendly destination. Dogs who enjoy wading and splashing around in shallow water will find this spot to be a paradise. Your furry friend will have a blast frolicking in the surf and chasing after the waves while you take in the sights of the city from a relaxing vantage point.
Altona Beach is a great place to mingle and chat with some of the friendly locals in the area. It’s also equipped with bins, dog bags, taps and a water bowl at the entrance. Take along a picnic blanket and some snacks for you and your pup in case you get hungry.
Address: Altona Rd, Altona VIC 3018, Australia
Opening hours
Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours
St. Kilda Beach
St. Kilda Beach is another popular off-leash dog-friendly beach for you and your pup to explore. You can stroll around the shore and let your dog swim in the gorgeous, crystal-blue seas. Want to spice things up a bit? Fly a kite in the open space and let your pup run alongside with you. When you want to take a break from all the fun activities, you and your dog might want to relax with a picnic in the nearby nature reserve. Always read the signs to see if your dog needs to be on-leash.
Address: 20 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Opening Hours
Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Sandridge Beach
Sandridge Beach is famous among dogs and people alike. It’s a scenic spot with plenty of fun activities to do and soft sand for dogs to play and roll around in. The beach is conveniently located next to a park with several amenities, including a playground, and BBQ areas. Although it’s surrounded by port facilities, this is a great place to let your dog run free and splash in the water.
Things to keep in mind:
1 April – 31 October: Dogs permitted at all times on the beach
1 November – 31 March: Dogs prohibited at all times on the beach
Address: 245 The Blvd, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
Opening Hours
Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Already explored these beaches? Check out our other blogs for more pet-friendly Melbourne beaches and a beautiful coastal walk.
2. Tour the Botanical Gardens
If you’re hoping for a serene, peaceful stroll with your pet, visiting Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens is a great idea. The Botanical Gardens in Melbourne hold fun activities, exhibitions and talks to educate the public on how plants and animals around us are interrelated. Many species of plants on the verge of extinction are kept alive in these botanical gardens. Surely, your dog will enjoy sniffing and investigating new interesting sights, smells and sounds in a beautiful environment.
Check out the top botanical gardens in Melbourne:
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
Your pooch will love exploring the vast array of flora and fauna on-leash in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Plus, they’ll think they’re in heaven when they meet other dogs and people while meandering around the paths, which are mainly flat so your Fido won’t struggle with aching joints.
Note: Dogs are not allowed at ticketed programs and events, such as Lightscape.
Address: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Opening Hours
Mon-Sun: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Alexandra Gardens Skate Park
Alexandra Gardens Skate Park is a beautiful green space and dog-friendly venue in the heart of Melbourne that hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. In addition to getting your daily dose of nature, you and your companion can also enjoy the delectable cuisine at local eateries – it’s an ideal day out with your pup.
Address: 3 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Opening Hours
Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
St. Kilda Botanical Garden
St Kilda Botanical Gardens contains fun activities, seasonal displays such as a large chessboard, attractive ponds and paths, playgrounds, and more! Your pooch will have a blast sniffing around. A visit to this dog-friendly venue will make you feel as if you’re on a “holidate”. From lawns fit for picnics to gardens filled with beautiful flowers and historic greenhouses, there’s no shortage of things to do here. So, get ready to take some beautiful photos in this gorgeous setting while enjoying quality time with your little mate.
Create a plan of all the exciting and fun activities you want to do with your dog to have a fantastic day together.
Things to keep in mind:
- Dogs must be on a leash and are not permitted within 5 metres of the playground. Make sure you hold on tight to your dog’s leash…they can be sneaky
- No cycling is permitted through the gardens (to maintain a neat lawn and beautiful garden). Alternatively, you and your dog can take a stroll instead
- Animal feeding is not allowed.
Address: 11 Herbert St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Opening Hours
The Garden is open between sunrise and sunset seven days a week. So there’s no reason not to take your dog on some exciting and fun activities with you.
3. Treat Your Pet to Lunch or Dinner
I’m sure we all know how much our dogs love eating and being pampered. So, it’s no surprise that they’ll share your love of eating out at cafes and restaurants. So, why not treat your pup to a nice meal.
Here are some of the best dog-friendly venues you can take your pooch for a bite to eat.
The Tipsy Cow – Cocktail Tapas Bar & Beer Garden
The Tipsy Cow welcomes four-legged friends indoors and outdoors. Invite your pooch to sit at the table so you can share your meal with them. Enjoy some good wholesome food and beverage, then cap off your meal with an extensive classic to modern cocktail menu..
Address: 359 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
The Retreat Hotel
Enjoy a meal and a drink with your furry friends at The Retreat Hotel. This cosy old-school pub in Abbotsford is a fantastic dog-friendly venue where you’re bound to see lots of furry friends. There are plenty of tables inside if you want to eat within view of the open fire, or head downstairs for a game of pool – just make sure to keep an eye on Fido so he doesn’t eat all of your food!
Address: 226 Nicholson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
The Old Garage
For those who don’t mind being surrounded by the hubbub of puppies frolicking, The Old Garage is a paw-some dog-friendly venue. With puppuccinos aplenty and a vegan alternative for every dish on the menu, you may even forget you came in for the organic coffee.
Address: 2A Glen Iris Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124, Australia
Chez Misty
At Chez Misty, your dog will have a blast! With traditional galettes, sweet crepes and even canine-friendly snacks available, you’ll both be spoilt for choice. Relax and mingle with other dog lovers or furry friends while you enjoy your meal.
Address: 103 Grey St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Check out these other dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne.
4. Take Your Pet on a Puppy Pub Crawl
A puppy pub crawl is one of the best and fun activities to do in Melbourne with your pup! Join Puppy Pub Crawl for some pooch-loving fun. Puppy Pub Crawl operates in eight Melbourne suburbs — including St Kilda, South Melbourne, Footscray, Richmond, Brunswick, Collingwood, Prahran, and Preston.
They hold weekly dog-friendly events in each of the suburbs with various activities, so you won’t be short on options! Whether you’re looking to socialise with other pooches in Prahran or take your dog out for beers or doggy cocktails in Preston – they’ve got you covered.
Calling all single pet parents! Dating with Dogs in Fitzroy is coming up – you might just meet your soul mate with your pup as your wing buddy!
Or, head out on your own and drop into these dog-friendly pubs and bars in Melbourne.
5. Dogs on the Lake
Ready to level up your dog-friendly activities? If so, then the guided Punting Boat Tours available in the Royal Botanic Gardens is a must-try dog-friendly activity. Your pup will have a blast on a boat ride as you explore the islands and coves of the picturesque lake. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll even see sights that are usually hidden. Make sure you book in advance, so you’re not disappointed!
Things to keep in mind:
- 1 Hour Charter Tours.
- Advanced online bookings only.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
Open:
Sept-May: 11 am – 5 pm
Closed:
June, July, August and Christmas Day
