Point Lonsdale Dog Beach

Point Lonsdale Dog Beach, also known as Narrows Beach, is the year-round off-leash stretch that runs between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine. The defining feature is 24-hour off-leash access on the calm bay side, which stays open even through the summer beach bans that shut dogs out of other council beaches.

The rules. Off-leash access applies specifically between Roddick Grove and Fraser Street, and your dog needs to be under effective voice control the whole time. From 1 December to the end of February, dogs are banned from other Borough of Queenscliffe beaches between 9am and 8pm, but this designated dog beach stays open off-leash right through summer. West of Fellows Road is a wildlife protection zone where dogs must be on-leash. Pick up after your dog; bins are provided.

The water and sand. This is the sheltered bay side, so the water is calm and good for dogs that like to swim without dealing with surf. It is a clean, open, sandy stretch with plenty of room to run. At high tide the usable sand narrows against the seawall, so a lower tide gives you far more space; check the BOM tide times before you head down.

What's there. A paid parking area serves Narrows Beach, with wheelchair-accessible spaces. The community and council often stock doggy bags and toy bins on site. It is a natural beach with no development crowding the foreshore.

Getting there. Drive in via the Bellarine Highway onto Point Lonsdale Road; the beach sits along the coastal road linking the two townships. Without a car, take a V/Line train to Geelong and a connecting bus to Point Lonsdale. You can also walk or ride the coastal path between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale straight to the sand.

Nearby with the dogs. Pasquini's Deli and Cafe sits on the Point Lonsdale strip opposite the beach with dog-friendly outdoor seating, and Early Nancy is another local option with outdoor tables. Over in Queenscliff, 360Q has harbour-side outdoor seating and Salty Breeze has tables in a parkland setting.

When to go. It is busiest on weekends and Saturday afternoons; weekday mornings and evenings are the quietest. Aim for a mid-to-low tide on a weekday morning and you will have most of the beach to yourselves. Good for confident swimmers who prefer calm water over surf.

Sources

• Pets and animals - Borough of Queenscliffe · queenscliffe.vic.gov.au

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