Ricketts Point Dog Off Leash Area

The one reason to come. Ricketts Point is a sandy, shallow off-leash beach on the Beaumaris foreshore, set within a marine sanctuary with rock pools to explore between swims. The off-leash stretch runs along the front between the Beaumaris Yacht Club (opposite 402 Beach Road) and the Beaumaris Life Saving Club (opposite 425 Beach Road). It is one of bayside's best-loved dog beaches, and it gets busy on a sunny weekend.

The rules. Timing is everything here. From November to March, dogs are banned on the beach between 10am and 7:30pm, so off-leash is only permitted in the early morning (before 10am) and the evening (after 7:30pm). From April to October the beach is off-leash around the clock. Dogs must stay off the intertidal rock platforms at all times to protect the sanctuary's marine life, and you need to keep your dog under effective control with a leash on hand. Bins sit at the access points, so clean up as you go. Council signage is the final word, so check it before you let the lead off.

The water and the rock pools. The beach is sandy with calm, shallow water that suits paddlers and nervous swimmers. Low to mid tide is the sweet spot: the sand opens up and the rock pools become explorable. High tide covers most of the beach, which shrinks the usable off-leash space and pushes everyone closer together.

What's there. Public toilets and sand-rinse showers are on-site, handy for washing salt and sand off before the drive home. The Ricketts Point cafe sits right on the beach with bay views and outdoor seating. Walking trails run through the scrub above the sand, and the Bay Trail passes along Beach Road.

Getting there. Drive in via Beach Road and use the paid car park near the Beaumaris Yacht Club (390 Beach Road). It fills fast on warm days, so arrive early or be ready to park on nearby streets and check the signs. By public transport, the 600, 922 and 923 buses run along Balcombe Road, leaving a short walk down to the beach. The nearest stations are Sandringham (then a bus) or Mentone (a longer walk or connecting bus).

Nearby with the dogs. The cafe on the beach is the easy option for a coffee with the dog beside you. Balcombe Road has several cafes with dog-friendly outdoor seating a short walk up the hill. For pet-friendly accommodation, look at holiday rentals around Beaumaris and Black Rock.

When to go. In summer your only off-leash windows are before 10am and after 7:30pm, and the early slot is cooler and quieter. Weekend mid-mornings and afternoons are the busiest; weekday mornings are the calm choice. Aim for low to mid tide so the sand and rock pools are open. Good for social dogs and cautious swimmers alike.

Sources

• Summer beach restrictions for dogs | Bayside City Council · bayside.vic.gov.au
• Dog-friendly or dog-free - which beach is right for you? · bayside.vic.gov.au
• Walking your dog in Bayside · bayside.vic.gov.au
• Ricketts Point Beaumaris · rickettspointbeaumaris.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.