Where to take your dog for a swim in Melbourne
Summer promises to be a scorcher this year. Whether you are an owner or a dog sitter, there’s no better way to cool down with your furry pal than a quick dip.
Melbourne and its surrounds offer a wide variety of swimming spots for you and your four-legged mate. Here are our favourites for you to explore.
Yarra Bend Park
Fairfield
Website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/yarra-bend-park
Surprisingly close to the CBD, Yarra Bend offers a range of activities to do with your family. From the waterfalls at Dights falls, to the flying fox colony, cycling or hiring a rowboat - there is a lot to do on offer.
Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park but do need to be leashed in certain areas. You can find more information about that here.
Deep Rock, an embankment near to the falls provides easy access for your dogs to the Yarra River, but it is not recommended to join your dog in the water here.
Dights Falls at Yarra Bend
Sandown Street Beach
Brighton
Website: https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/explore/walking-your-dog-bayside
35 mins south east of Melbourne's CBD is the Sandown Street Beach, a gated sandy beach where you and your mate can play off-leash.
With lots of sand dunes, shallow water and doggy playmates in abundance - this section of Brighton beach is very popular - for good reason!
The gated section means you can give your furry pal a real off lead experience without worrying they can get too far - allowing you a bit more peace of mind.
Sandown Beach is open all year round and has lots of parking nearby.
Warrandyte River Reserve
Warrandyte
Website: https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/parks/warrandyte-river-reserve
About 40 mins from the CBD, the off-leash area at Warrandyte provides ample swimming opportunities for dogs and people alike. A popular spot - it can get quite crowded on weekends and the Yarra currents can be a bit stronger - so use caution.
With lots of picnic spots and ample walking trails - it has a bit of everything to tire your four-legged friend out.
The Yarra River at Warrandyte
Sandridge Beach
Port Melbourne
Website: https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/explore-the-city/beaches-parks-and-playgrounds/find-a-beach
20 mins south west from the CBD in Port Melbourne is the shallow and safe Sandridge Beach.
Access for dogs is restricted between the beginning of November until the end of March, but you can access the stretch between Barak Rd & Cumberland Rd year round.
Complete with BBQ area, amenities and a great view back to the city - Sandridge Beach is a quieter option for those needing a cool dip.
Darebin Parklands
Alphington
Only 20mins north-east of the CBD is the natural beauty of the Darebin parklands. The parklands themselves are large, with many cycling, running and dog friendly walking tracks for exercising.
While your dog does need to remain on the lead unless your are in the designated off-leads area, the off-leads section is large, with plenty of space to exercise. Plus there is a small creek that is perfect for a quick dip for your pooch.
The parklands also has many amenities, including picnic areas & tables, public toilets and taps for water. It is wise to be very cautious of snakes in this park during the warmer summer months.
Port Melbourne Beach
Port Melbourne
Website: https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/explore-the-city/beaches-parks-and-playgrounds/find-a-beach
Only 20 mins south of the CBD, Port Melbourne Beach is a stunning and wide beach that is very easily accessible.
Dogs do not have access to the entire beach, the off-lead area is between the Yacht Club and Lagoon Pier and is open all year round.
While there aren’t as many amenities near the lead-free section of the beach, there are public toilets within the surf lifesaving club and 2 hour parking located nearby.
The foreshore at Port Melbourne Beach
Tips for visiting a dog-friendly swimming spots in Melbourne
- Make sure to bring water, a towel and dog-friendly sunscreen - it is summer after all and our dogs feel the heat just as we humans do.
- Ensure to read the water-safety signs posted by authorities and check all signage before unclipping your dog.
- Avoid the hottest parts of the day and keep an eye out for active snakes, ticks and spiders in bushland areas.
- In the event of a snake bite keep your dog quiet and calm and prevent the spread of venom. Get the dog to a vet ASAP to have the bite treated with anti-venom.
- Check you dog for ticks afterwards returning from the park
- Give them a bath when you return home to remove and salt water and nasties they may have picked up in the swimming hole
No time to take your dog for a swim? Are you visiting Melbourne and need a Pawshake Dog Walker to look after your furry pal? Visit the Pawshake website to find the perfect Dog Sitter for your needs!
