Brighton Beach Dog Off Leash Area

Welcome to dog island!
Great off leash beach! Heaps of wonderful dogs on the weekends. Options of shallow water, deep water and miniature waves.
There is a short section with some smelly seaweed which dogs love, but you can go past it.
Water fountain is available outside of the beach.
Not fully fenced, but no close busy road around, just cyclists and pedestrians.

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!

It’s great that only people with dogs who get along with others come here. I’ve had experiences elsewhere with dogs who aren’t “dog friendly” in an off leash area.

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

Beautiful beach and a great view, perfect for sunset 🌇

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

It's a lovely place to be especially with dogs

Awsome sunset and somewhere to walk the dog 🐕 😀

Great place for sunsets

Lovely beach close to city. Ideal for shore diving.

Amazing diving spot

Windy but refreshing!

Water was so clear

Excellent beach.

Great views 👏 👌