Black Rock Beach Dog Off Leash Area

A long, narrow ribbon of sand running below the vegetated bluffs off Beach Road, Black Rock Beach is a straightforward off-leash swim with a sealed coastal path along the top. Like the rest of the bayside beaches, it is all-day off-leash in winter but shuts to dogs through the middle of summer days, so check the season before you go.

The rules. From 1 April to 31 October, dogs are off-leash at any hour under effective control. From 1 November to 31 March the beach is closed to dogs 10:00am to 7:30pm, off-leash sunrise to 10:00am, and on-leash 7:30pm to sunrise. Dogs must be on-leash on the foreshore path at all times and within 10 metres of playgrounds, and are not permitted in marked wildlife protection areas. Confirm current times on the Bayside Council signage on-site.

The water and terrain. The beach runs about 750 metres and is fairly narrow, sitting below 20-metre bluffs. Low tide gives noticeably more running room, so time your visit around it if you can.

What's there. A water tap, and up on the clifftop a playground with a pirate-ship structure, picnic tables and BBQs.

Getting there. Access is off Beach Road, with ticketed parking in the clifftop car park opposite 308 Beach Road, roughly 8:00am to 8:00pm including public holidays. Buses run along Balcombe Road and Beach Road, linking to Black Rock village.

When to go. Winter weekday mornings are quiet and give all-day access; in summer aim for the sunrise-to-10am window at low tide. Good for dogs happy around passing cyclists and walkers.

Sources

• Bayside Council On and Off Lead Beaches · baysidedogownersgroup.com.au

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