Summer in Melbourne means longer days, warm weather, and plenty of opportunities to get outside with your four-legged best friend. Whether you’re after beach time, scenic walks, nature hikes, dog-friendly cafes, or day trips just outside the city, Melbourne is one of Australia’s most dog-friendly regions — with options for every type of adventure.
From exploring local parks and riverside trails to dipping paws in the bay and discovering hidden gems around Victoria, here are the best summer activities to do with your dog in Melbourne.
1. Beach Days and Water Play
Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay and surrounding beaches offer plenty of dog-friendly coastal spots perfect for summer play. Altona Dog Beach is a great choice, with large sandy stretches and a wash-down area to rinse off after water fun.
Top dog-friendly beaches to visit:
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Altona Dog Beach — off-leash all day and great for water play.
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St Kilda West Beach — popular and scenic for sunset walks.
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Brighton and Sandringham beaches — calm bay water and long walks.
Tip: Go early in the morning or after 7 pm in summer to avoid heat and crowds.
2. Riverside Walks and Nature Trails
Melbourne’s river and parklands are perfect for summer strolls with your dog on a leash.
Yarra Bend Park
Just minutes from the CBD, Yarra Bend has shaded bushland and scenic walking trails along the river, ideal for cooler morning or late-afternoon walks. There are picnic areas, and many dogs enjoy splashing in calmer stream areas.
Stroll Around Lakes or Wetlands
Places like Lake Daylesford: a short drive from Melbourne, offer flat, scenic circuits your pup can enjoy with you on a summer day trip.
3. City Adventures and Urban Exploring
Summer is a great season to explore Melbourne’s dog-friendly urban hotspots and activities.
Hosier Lane Street Art Walk
Take a colourful urban adventure through laneways full of street art. Dogs on lead are welcome as you meander and enjoy photos together.
Botanic Gardens Punt Tours
You can even take your well-behaved dog on a punt ride on the ornamental lakes of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a unique and relaxing summer experience.
Watch a Movie at Moonlight Cinema
Each summer, Moonlight Cinema lights up the Royal Botanic Gardens with open-air movies. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to come along and enjoy the experience by your side, whether you’re on a picnic rug or in the premium beanbag sections.
4. Doggy Day Trips Around Melbourne
Escape the city heat and hit the road for a dog-friendly adventure just a short drive away:
You Yangs Regional Park
Less than an hour from Melbourne, the You Yangs have scenic bushland tracks where dogs are welcome on leash, including walks to Flinders Peak with rewarding views.
Lake Daylesford Stroll
Drive roughly 80 minutes to Daylesford and do the flat 3 km lakeside loop, perfect for a summer picnic and refreshing walk with your pup.
Geelong Foreshore
An easy day trip destination with flat paths and bay views, great for a summer walk followed by stopping for lunch at a dog-friendly cafe along the waterfront.
5. Chill at Dog-Friendly Cafes and Outdoor Spots
Melbourne’s café scene embraces dogs in outdoor dining areas. After a morning of walking or beach time, relax with a cool drink while your dog lounges beside you.
Look for cafés with outdoor seating, water bowls, and pet-friendly menus — many local spots welcome dogs with open arms.
6. Cool Off With Pet-Friendly Events and Markets
During summer weekends you’ll find markets and events where dogs are welcome — think artisan stalls, local produce fairs, and seaside markets like St Kilda’s Esplanade Market where dogs can join in the fun.
Treat your dog to a fun-sized “puppuccino” or summer snack while exploring stalls together.
7. Safety Tips for Summer Fun
Summer in Melbourne can be warm, so remember:
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Avoid peak heat hours, walk early morning or late evening.
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Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog.
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Protect paws from hot sand and pavement, if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
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Watch for signs of overheating such as excessive panting or lethargy.
- Keep yourself updated with any bushfires alert
With the right planning, every outing can be fun and safe for your pup.
Pack the sunscreen, grab the water bowl, and get ready for a summer full of wagging tails and happy memories 🐾
