Almost half of all Australian households have a dog, making it one of the countries with the highest pet ownership rates. Dogs thrive in the great outdoors, and dog owners in Melbourne are spoiled by the abundance of fenced dog parks, off-leash beaches open all year, and over 1600 other places where their canine companions are welcome to run free.

It can be difficult to find a hiking trail that allows dogs. We’ve combed the area around Melbourne for the best dog-friendly parks and trails, saving you time and effort. Stop circling the drain and instead follow your nose to one of these magnificent dog-friendly hikes.

Where Can I Take My Dog For A Walk In Melbourne?

Melbourne has many parks and beaches where you can take your dog for a walk. Some popular places include:

1. Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park is a large park located in Melbourne, Australia. It is a popular place for dog owners to take their dogs for a walk, as there is a designated off-leash area for dogs. The park features scenic walking and cycling trails along the Yarra River, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and native wildlife.

Additionally, the park is home to the Fairfield Boathouse, which offers boat hire and cafe facilities. Overall, Yarra Bend Park is a great place for both people and their dogs to enjoy the outdoors and experience the natural beauty of Melbourne.

2. Studley Park

Studley Park is a large park located in Melbourne, Australia, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. It is popular among dog owners for its designated off-leash area, where dogs can run and play freely.

The park offers a variety of walking and cycling paths, as well as picnic areas, sports facilities, and scenic spots for picnics and relaxation. Studley Park is also home to the Kew Golf Course, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Melbourne city skyline from various points in the park. Overall, Studley Park is a great place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the outdoors in Melbourne.

3. Princes Park

Princes Park is a large park located in Melbourne, Australia. It is popular among dog owners for its designated off-leash area, where dogs can run and play freely. The park features a large open lawn area, walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, sports fields, and scenic spots for picnics and relaxation.

In addition, Princes Park is surrounded by mature trees and gardens, providing a peaceful and natural environment for visitors to enjoy. The park is also home to the Carlton Football Club and the Royal Melbourne Zoo, making it a popular destination for sports and nature enthusiasts. Overall, Princes Park is a great place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the outdoors in Melbourne.

4. Royal Park

Royal Park is a large park located in Melbourne, Australia. It is a popular destination for dog owners, as it features a designated off-leash area where dogs can run and play freely. The park covers over 400 hectares and is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. It offers a variety of walking and cycling paths, picnic areas, sports fields, and scenic spots for picnics and relaxation.

Royal Park is also home to the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, as well as the Melbourne Observatory, which offers public viewing nights. Additionally, the park is surrounded by mature trees and gardens, providing a peaceful and natural environment for visitors to enjoy. Overall, Royal Park is a great place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the outdoors in Melbourne.

5. St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach is a popular beach located in Melbourne, Australia. While it is not a designated off-leash area, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 am and after 6 pm. The beach offers a wide stretch of sand and a promenade for walking, as well as opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.

In addition, the beach is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Overall, St Kilda Beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the scenic beauty of Melbourne’s coast. Just be sure to follow the local rules and regulations regarding dogs on the beach.

6. Elwood Beach

Elwood Beach is a popular beach located in Melbourne, Australia. It is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for dog owners, as dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 am and after 6 pm. The beach offers a wide stretch of sand and a promenade for walking, as well as opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.

In addition, the beach is surrounded by a variety of parks, cafes, and shops, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Overall, Elwood Beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk and enjoy the scenic beauty of Melbourne’s coast. Just be sure to follow the local rules and regulations regarding dogs on the beach.

7. Melbourne Bay Trail

The Melbourne Bay Trail is a scenic trail that encircles Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia. The trail is over 500 km long and is designed for walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. It passes through a variety of parks, beaches, and scenic areas, providing a unique and varied experience for users.

The Melbourne Bay Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Melbourne and its surrounding areas and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular areas along the trail include St Kilda Beach, Elwood Beach, Williamstown, and the Mornington Peninsula, among others. If you’re taking your dog with you, be sure to check the local rules and regulations regarding dogs in the areas you plan to visit.

8. Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail

The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail is a scenic trail that follows the shoreline of Hobsons Bay in Melbourne, Australia. The trail is approximately 17 km long and is designed for walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. It passes through a variety of parks, beaches, and scenic areas, providing a unique and varied experience for users.

The Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Melbourne and its surrounding areas and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular areas along the trail include Altona Beach, Williamstown Beach, and Newport Lakes Park, among others. If you’re taking your dog with you, be sure to check the local rules and regulations regarding dogs in the areas you plan to visit.

It’s important to note that some parks and beaches have designated off-leash areas, while others may have restrictions, so make sure to check for local rules and regulations before visiting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Melbourne, Australia, offers a wide range of options for dog owners looking to take their pets for a walk.

From parks and beaches to scenic trails and promenades, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. Some of the most popular destinations for dog owners in Melbourne include Yarra Bend Park, Studley Park, Princes Park, Royal Park, St Kilda Beach, Elwood Beach, Melbourne Bay Trail, and the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. Each of these locations offers unique features, such as designated off-leash areas, scenic views, picnic areas, and more.

Regardless of where you go, be sure to check the local rules and regulations regarding dogs in the area to ensure that you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable experience.

If still not satisfied with the list above, you might also check out north melbourne dog park.