beach ✓ Dogs welcome, verified on Google Off-leash

Shelley Beach Dog Off Leash Area

Dog-friendly beach in Portsea, VIC — off-leash area

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The rules at a glance

Off-leash allowed

Verified dog-friendly on Google

Portsea, VIC 3944

Rules verified 9 June 2026

Dogs: Welcome
Where: Portsea, VIC
Policy checked: 2026-06-09

Shelley Beach is Portsea's quieter off-leash option, a sheltered stretch of white sand between Point Franklin and Hemston Avenue reached by a steep staircase down from the clifftop. From March to November dogs run off-leash all day; over summer the beach closes to dogs between 10am and 6pm, reopening off-leash overnight.

The rules. Off-leash hours run 6pm to 10am daily through December, January and February, with dogs banned from the beach 10am to 6pm in that window. From March to November it's off-leash at all times. The permitted stretch runs between Point Franklin and Hemston Avenue, so keep an eye on where that boundary ends before you wander toward the pier. Dogs need to be under effective voice control even when off-leash.

Getting there. The beach sits off Point Nepean Road (near 3584 Point Nepean Rd), with access via a small gravel parking area off Hemston Avenue. It fills quickly on weekends and warm mornings. The 788 bus between Frankston and Portsea stops nearby if you're not driving. There's no lift or ramp, just a set of steps down the cliff, so it's not the easiest beach for older dogs or anyone carrying gear.

What's there. Facilities are minimal. Bring your own water and waste bags, there's nothing to rely on once you're down on the sand.

Max's takegerman shepherd

Check the tide before committing to the steps. At high tide the sand strip narrows a lot, and you don't want to be stuck deciding whether to wade or climb back up.

Nearby with the dogs. The Portsea Hotel has outdoor dining a short drive away, and Le Capucin in the village does coffee and pastries with dog-friendly outdoor seating. Sorrento's cafe strip is five minutes further if you want more options.

Go early morning or after 6pm in summer to get the off-leash window with the best light, and aim for low to mid tide so there's actual sand to run on. Quieter mid-week visits avoid the weekend crowds that build up around the small car park.