Resident utilities ยท Port Phillip
St Kilda Dog Beach Rules and Summer Hours
Default is on-leash everywhere except signed off-leash sand. The pier is never a dog walk. Confirm the sign in front of you.
Council can change hours. Source: portphillip.vic.gov.au dogs in public places, map dated September 2025.
Direct answer
From 1 April to 31 October dogs may use St Kilda Beach sand except sensitive dunes. From 1 November to 31 March that sand is prohibited except Pier Road to the north-west drain, and Brooks Jetty to the marina carpark. St Kilda West is a year-round dog beach. The pier, breakwater, and penguin platform stay dog-free.
On-leash unless a sign says off-leash
Year-round dog beach
Two signed stretches only
Dogs banned always
Cool season
1 April to 31 October
- Dogs allowed on St Kilda Beach sand except sensitive dunes at Perce White Reserve and West Beach dunes.
- St Kilda West stays a dog beach.
- Elwood sand is open to dogs.
Warm season
1 November to 31 March
- St Kilda Beach sand: only Pier Road to the north-west drain, and Brooks Jetty to the northern end of the marina carpark.
- Everywhere else on that sand: dogs prohibited.
- Elwood: 7:30pm to 10am between the Point Ormond groyne and the Elwood Angling Club groyne only.
- St Kilda West: still a year-round dog beach.
| Beach | 1 April to 31 October | 1 November to 31 March |
|---|---|---|
| St Kilda West | Year-round dog beach. Off-leash on sand where signed. | Same. Year-round dog beach. |
| St Kilda Beach | Dogs allowed on sand except sensitive dunes. | Only Pier Road to the north-west drain, and Brooks Jetty to the marina carpark. |
| Elwood Beach | Dogs allowed on sand. | 7:30pm to 10am between Point Ormond groyne and Elwood Angling Club groyne only. |
- Read the sign at the access you are using. Council maps lag painted signs.
- Pathways and boardwalks stay on-leash, including the promenade. Leash before you leave the sand.
- Keep 5 metres from playgrounds, barbecues, and exercise equipment.
- Greyhounds stay on-leash even in signed off-leash areas.
Dogs are banned from St Kilda Pier, the breakwater, and the penguin viewing platform at all times, on or off lead. Do not walk a dog to the colony. Penguin tickets: St Kilda penguin guide.
Default rule off the sand
Port Phillip default is on-leash everywhere except signed off-leash. Catani Gardens, the Bay Trail, and the promenade are on-leash. Cafes and parks sit on the pet-friendly page. Foreshore listings: The Esplanade hub.
Source: City of Port Phillip, dogs in public places.
Questions people ask
Can dogs go on St Kilda Beach in summer?
From 1 November to 31 March, only two signed stretches: Pier Road to the north-west drain, and Brooks Jetty to the marina carpark. The rest of that sand is prohibited.
Is St Kilda West a year-round dog beach?
Yes. Off-leash on the sand where signed. Pathways stay on-leash.
Can I take a dog on St Kilda Pier?
No. Pier, breakwater, and penguin platform are dog-free always.
Do greyhounds need a leash in off-leash areas?
Yes. Greyhounds stay on-leash even where other dogs may run.
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