Bonbeach Beach

Bonbeach Beach is a 1.5-kilometre stretch of sand on Port Phillip Bay, backed by the suburb's famous bathing boxes and linking north to Chelsea Beach and south to Carrum Beach. The water is calm and shallow, and the off-leash hours are generous outside of summer, which makes it one of the easier bay beaches to plan a dog walk around.

• The rules. From 1 November to 31 March, dogs can be off-leash on the sand only between sunrise and 10am, and must stay off the sand entirely from 10am to 7.30pm. From 7.30pm to sunrise it is on-leash. From 1 April to 31 October, dogs can be off-leash on the sand at all times. Outside the off-leash window, and in car park areas, dogs must be leashed and under effective control. Pick up after your dog.
• What's there. Accessible toilets and outdoor showers are at Bonbeach Foreshore Reserve, with wheelchair-friendly paths down to the sand. The Bonbeach Surf Life Saving Club patrols occasionally over summer.
• Getting there. Ticketed street parking runs along the Nepean Highway and side streets, and it fills on sunny weekends. Bonbeach railway station on the Frankston line is a short walk from the beach, which is a handy option if parking is tight.
• Nearby with the dogs. Ministry - Kitchen & Bar on the Nepean Highway is a dog-friendly stop close to the beach, and Beach Haven Bonbeach is pet-friendly accommodation right near the beach access.

Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit, and outside of the tight summer window the rules are simple enough to plan around. Good for dogs that like a calm, shallow swim rather than surf.

Sources

• Bonbeach Beach - City of Kingston · kingston.vic.gov.au

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