14 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Parks, Bars and more in St Kilda and surrounds
15 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Parks Bars and more in St Kilda and surrounds
This sunny suburb is a bustling mecca home to the famous St Kilda beach, Luna Park, and several dog friendly eateries, bars and cafes. St Kilda is a haven for people and dogs alike. The time seems to go by slower in these parts as backpackers frolic on the beach and the locals sit at cafes and sip their coffees while people watching.
Off Leash Beaches, Parks & Dog Friendly Walks
1. West Beach & St Kilda Harbour
West Beach and St Kilda Harbour are two beaches that are 24 hour off leash zones for your pup, every day of the year! Tucked beside St Kilda pier, these beautiful beaches are some of Melbourne’s most dog friendly spots. There’s lots to explore and sniff out, plus plenty of other furry friends for your pooch to greet. When you and your pup are all frisbee’d out, head on over to the nearby West Beach Bathers Pavilion, a dog friendly bar with a great vibe and stunning views
2. M.O. Moran Reserve
If you want a spacious, green park that has an ocean view, then be ready to fall in love. This gem lets you unleash your furry friend while you enjoy the scenery and an ocean breeze. Have a picnic, relax and watch the skydivers come flying in as it is also their landing area.
3. From St Kilda Foreshore to Acland Street
This lovely stretch of St Kilda is probably the most visited and well-known part of the suburb. With picturesque scenes, beach and reserves along the foreshore, you and your pup can go sightseeing while out for a walk. You can take your dog out onto the pier (it’s a long one), but it must always be on a leash. Another word of note is that dogs are only allowed on the west side of the beach.
Once you have had a good stroll along the beach, make your way to Acland Street. This famous street has seen it undergo some serious changes in the last five years. With half of the street now car-free and just a walkway and tram track, you and your pooch would think you’re in Europe. The street stretches for a few hundred metres, and it is where you’ll find cafes, eateries and retail shops. Some retail shops are dog friendly (they’ll usually have a sign out front if they are), so you can shop and get your best friend’s approval.
Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes on Acland Street and head to J Talbot Reserve (on leash). This reserve has an excellent patch of greenery, and a couple of great cafes and bakeries nearby, alongside the famous ‘Great Wall of St Kilda’. Your pup might not appreciate art, but you can, with coffee and leash in hand.
4. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens is a pawfect little gem that hides behind the busy streets of St Kilda. As its name suggests, this is a botanical garden with many local and rare fauna on display around the park. It even has its own little greenhouse inside the grounds. Enjoy a walk with your pooch and bask in its tranquillity.
Dog Friendly Pubs & Bars
5. The Esplanade Hotel
11 The Esplanade, St Kilda
Let’s start with the big gun here! The iconic Esplanade hotel sits near the foreshore and overlooks the bay. It has gone under some serious renovations in the last couple of years, but its soul remains intact. Housing several different eateries within the pub, you can have a meal and sit at the front beer garden, where your furry friend is more than welcome to join you.
6. Village Belle Hotel
202 Barkly Street, St Kilda
This modern style pub has a retractable roof and sits at the very top of Acland Street. This sports-heavy venue sees a big crowd come in on game days, but it also has pub food and a warming décor. Your pup can have a well-rested pit stop in the courtyard.
8. Jimmy O’Neill’s Whiskey and Ale House
154-156 Acland Street, St Kilda
Although you can probably tell that this is an Irish venue, it is more of a bar made to look like a pub. Don’t be fooled by its small appearance, as it packs a punch. It has food, Irish whiskey and of course, Guinness. Your dog can join in the festivities in the quaint outside area out-front while you enjoy some of Ireland’s finest.
9. Radio Mexico
13 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
“We love our dogs at Radio!”
This dog friendly bar welcome dog on the outdoor area, which is not fully covered but shade is provided by the trees and umbrellas. Water bowls are always available.
10. Big Mouth
168 Acland Street, St Kilda
This two-storey venue houses a pool table and games upstairs, but your furry companion can only enjoy the venue outdoors, unfortunately; but fear not, as their street seating is spacious and accommodating. It is a cocktail bar first and foremost, so it would be a shame if you didn’t just drop by and enjoy a cocktail or two.
11. Republica
1A-1D/10 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
This venue is bustling during summer, and you’d be lucky to find a spare seat in the house. It houses a big beer garden out front on the waterfront and a spacious courtyard out back. A perfect place to take your furry friend and enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Dog Friendly Cafes & Eateries
12. Galleon Cafe
9 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Galleon is a dog friendly cafe in St Kilda that has been providing the locals with their favourite brunches since 1984. Open for dine in and take away coffee & food from 7am till 3:30pm every day. Dogs are always welcome in the outdoor seating area and they also stock treats for their furry customers.
13. Plain Sailing
144 Ormond Street, Elwood
Plain Sailing is the pawfect dog friendly cafe in Elwood. Great choices for breakfast and lunch, Plain Sailing is committed to providing you with fresh, innovative meals, consistently excellent coffee, and friendly service. Dogs are always welcome with heaps of treats available for them. Great outdoor seating area to sit down with your pooch, They are also fully licensed venue.
14. Green Tree Cafe
322 Glen Eira Road, Elsternwick
Green Tree is a dog friendly cafe in the heart of Elsternwick.
“At Green Tree Cafe, we believe that healthy food can be both delicious and exciting. Located in the heart of the Elsternwick, our cafe is a heaven for those who seek nutritious, wholesome meals made with love and care. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, we are here to nourish your body and soul”
Dogs are always welcome to join you for a drink / meal at the outdoor seating area.
