Hawker Beach

Hawker Beach is a quiet, sandy off-leash beach on the Mount Martha Esplanade, marked by its row of private beach huts and clean water. The draw is simple: a 600-metre leash-free stretch where dogs can run year-round, away from the busier village beaches.

The rules. Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times within the marked zone between Augusta Street and Helena Street. Your dog must be under effective voice control and you need to carry a lead. Keep dogs off the dune vegetation and any signed conservation areas, and pick up after them; fines apply and bins are provided near the path.

The water and terrain. It is a calm, sandy beach with clean water and rocky edges, well suited to paddling and a swim. Low tide opens up the most sand for running. The catch is the access: a steep, narrow fire-track path drops down opposite Helena Street, so it is a proper climb back up and not ideal for dogs or owners who struggle with gradient.

What is there. Bins sit near the path entrance. There is no drinking water on the beach, so bring your own for your dog, and no toilets on the sand; the nearest are up near the Mount Martha shops.

Getting there. Set your GPS to 539 Esplanade, Mount Martha, south of the main village shops. Free street parking runs along the Esplanade but spaces are limited. By public transport, take the 781 or 782 bus from Frankston station to the Mount Martha shops, then walk south.

When to go. Weekday mornings are the quietest; Saturday, Sunday and Thursday afternoons are the busiest. The entry track is narrow, so be ready to manage passing dogs at the top.

Sources

• Dogs on the Peninsula - Mornington Peninsula Shire · mornpen.vic.gov.au

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