Campbells Cove Beach Dog Off Leash Area

Campbells Cove is Werribee South's off-leash beach, a quiet stretch on Port Phillip's western shore that starts at the eastern end of Campbells Cove Road, runs past the town's colourful historic boat sheds, and finishes at the boundary fence of the RAAF Williams Point Cook base. It is a thin strip of sand, often piled with seaweed and shells, and it rarely feels crowded even in summer.

Leash status

Wyndham City Council designates this stretch off-leash at all times, but the rules around it matter. Dogs must be on lead in the car park and on the access track in and out of the zone, and under effective voice and sight control the whole time they are free. The council prohibits restricted breeds, declared menacing or dangerous dogs, greyhounds and dogs in heat from off-leash areas. Dogs must not disturb wildlife, are barred from entering creeks and wetland sanctuaries near the reserve, and waste bags are your responsibility, with bins near the car park.

Max: Clip the lead back on before you leave the sand, not at the car. The access track through the dunes counts as on-leash and the rangers do drive through.

Water and terrain

The water here is generally shallow and calm, better for wading than serious swimming, and the bay stays warm through late summer. High tide gives your dog proper water access, while low tide exposes wide flats for running and fetch. Seaweed accumulates in warm weather and can smell strongly on still days, which is worth checking before you commit. Keep an eye out in the grassy dune edges in the warmer months, as snakes are occasionally reported around the reserve.

Getting there and parking

Drive to the end of Campbells Cove Road, Werribee South, around 121 Campbells Cove Road, and continue north-east past the boat sheds to the sand. Parking is unsealed and free, right at the beach access. Public transport does not reach the cove, so a car is the only practical way in. The boat sheds themselves are a photogenic landmark, and the walk past them is on-leash.

Worth knowing

There is no shade structure, dog wash or tap at the cove, so bring your own water, especially on hot days. The beach is flanked by farmland and the air force base, which keeps traffic minimal but also means facilities are basic. Mobile coverage is fine, and the tide matters more here than at patrolled beaches since the usable sand doubles between high and low water.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quietest and coolest, and locals favour the low tide window for maximum running room. Sunset brings photographers to the boat sheds but the beach itself stays calm. Warm still days after big tides are when the seaweed smell peaks, so if that puts you off, go a day or two after strong winds clear the wrack line.

While you're out there

By The Bay Cafe and Bar sits back in the Werribee South strip with outdoor seating, and Chatterbox Cafe in Werribee proper does a solid post-beach brunch. If your dog wants a second run, Saltwater Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Point Cook is the nearest fenced option, while Diversion Weir Dog Off Leash Area adds an inland riverside stretch in Werribee.

More sand is in our Victoria dog beaches guide, and the Werribee South page covers the rest of the area.