Ingenia Rental Chelsea

Ingenia Rental Chelsea is a caravan park and cabin community at 150 Broadway, Bonbeach, on the bayside strip between Chelsea and Carrum. It takes dogs, and reviewers consistently call out spacious sites, a quiet feel and helpful owners, which is a rare combination this close to Melbourne.

Dogs at the park

Pets are permitted only in cabins specifically designated as pet-friendly, so confirm this when booking rather than assuming any cabin will do. Declare your pet before arrival, since pet-friendly stock is limited. Dogs must be on a secure leash whenever they are outside your cabin or site and must never be left unattended. Communal indoor areas such as reception are off-limits to pets, and it is worth asking exactly which communal spaces carry restrictions when you book. Specific pet fees and size limits are not clearly published, so ask at the time of booking.

The vibe

The park mixes cabins and caravan sites, with a pool for the humans and a generally settled, quiet atmosphere, including some long-term residents. It suits owners with a well-behaved, leash-trained dog after a no-fuss bayside base, rather than travellers wanting their dog off-lead around shared facilities.

The beach out front

Bonbeach Beach is a short walk away, and under City of Kingston rules the sand follows seasonal timings: in summer, dogs are off-leash on the sand from sunrise to 10am, banned from the sand between 10am and 7:30pm, and on-leash after that; in winter, off-leash applies from 3pm to 11am with on-lead hours in between. Carry a visible waste bag, and check the signage at your access point since dune and bird-habitat zones vary.

While you're out there

For a fenced run, Roy Dore Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Carrum is a few minutes away, and Bonbeach Beach details the sand rules. Ministry Kitchen and Bar is the local eat. Browse more pet friendly stays in Victoria or explore Bonbeach.

Pepsi: a quiet cabin ten minutes' walk from a beach where I get the sand to myself before 10am.