Brighton Beach Dog Off Leash Area

My partner suggested a walk on the beach after lunch, and we picked this one, which is typical of Melbourne's suburban beaches in that:- parking is limited...and getting expensive ($6.10 for the first hour!)- if the tide is in, there's very little sand exposed- it is generally shallow for a few tens of meters before the deeper water begins- amenities such as public toilets are a decent hike up or down the beach.But, as the photos show, on a lovely afternoon like this was, you're often sharing the sand with a small number of people. And dogs, but that's to be expected, though I think we walked past the off-leash area.Getting to the sand from the car is straightforward, and the path shown is at the same level as the road, with stairs or cut slopes down to the beach itself, which is about fifteen meters lower. The slopes are steep enough that anyone who is unsteady on their feet will likely find the going tricky. And the path is supposed to be pedestrians only - there's a dedicated bike path adjacent to the road - but it's self-policed so you have to keep an eye and ear out for errant riders who rush up on you at speed, irrespective that they shouldn't be there.The breakwaters are an easy place to clamber, and ideal for kids looking to have an adventure. Being a bay beach, the waves don't tend to sweep over the breakwaters in calm weather, so there is little danger of being washed away, though there are gaps large and small between the rocks so turning an ankle is possible. The slope on the edges of the breakwater is gentle, so apart from the mossy spots close to the waterline, you shouldn't inadvertently slip your way into the drink if you walk down the sides.As with most Melbourne beaches, the sand is coarse with lots of broken shells. In my mind, our beaches are rough and ready, lacking the pristine white sand you see in Queensland tourist brochures. But they are one hundred percent okay for a lazy day by the seaside. And even better, right on our doorstep!

Before you pack up your car with your new rescue dog or your young pup that still has poor recall for a day at the beach, be warned that this is NOT a fully fenced area as described online. It is only an off leash beach. The fences are at maximum, knee height and mostly at ruler height. Some fences are pushed over and at the southern end the rocky wall area slopes gently towards the people pathway. There are gated entrances, but these are pointless because of the broken and low fences. This is a beach for Velcro dogs and dogs with good recall.

Lovely beach close to city. Ideal for shore diving.

It's not bad it's a bay not a surf beach and cold just like anywhere else

Water is much cleaner than the dog beach at Sandringham. Friendly dog owners. Like any off-leash dog park, if you have little dogs they can sometimes be intimidated by the big dogs. But most owners seem to lead their big dogs out to play at the farthest end of the sand spit.

My greyhound and I both loved this beach. Spectacular views of the city skyline for me and irresistible smells on the shoreline for my dog. Very friendly vibe among humans and dogs alike.

Beautiful and seems good for dogs. My dog is 17 and has to go in a pram now but I saw many cute dogs enjoying the sand. The views and sunsets are stunning

Lovely beach for dogs, family or a magnificent view of the city to Geelong. Perfect for a romantic sunset/ sunrise

We need more off-lead beach places as a community. Love this spot.