Sandringham Jetty to Ricketts Point

The coast from Sandringham Jetty south to Ricketts Point is a Bayside classic: sand, shallow water, sandstone reef and a path running above it all, with Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary at the far end. AllTrails logs the round trip at 15.6 km. The thing to get right before you go is the sanctuary, because dogs are not allowed on its intertidal rock platforms or seagrass beds at all.

The walk. Graded moderate at 15.6 km all up, three and a half to four hours, walked as an out and back rather than a loop. It alternates between sealed clifftop path, beach access steps and stretches of sand, so the surface changes every kilometre or two. Sandringham, Hampton and Beaumaris each give you an exit point if you want a shorter version.

The rules. Bayside City Council manages the foreshore. Dogs are on lead on every Bayside footpath at all times, and that does not change with the season. Inside Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, dogs are prohibited from the intertidal rocky platforms and the seagrass beds, which is exactly the part of the walk that looks like an invitation to let a dog explore. On top of that, summer beach restrictions run from 1 November to 31 March and vary beach by beach, so read the sign at whichever access point you use.

Water. Where dogs are allowed in, the bay along here is shallow, calm and sandy, which is why this stretch has the reputation it does among owners of cautious swimmers. Fresh water and toilets are at the main beach nodes at Sandringham, Hampton and Beaumaris. Rinse the salt off afterwards.

Hazards. The sandstone reef is sharp and slick with weed at low tide, and it is the surface most likely to cut a paw on this walk. The cliff sections above the beach are unfenced in places.

Getting there. Sandringham station sits at the northern end a few minutes from the jetty, which makes a one way version straightforward. Parking at Sandringham Harbour and around Beaumaris fills early on a fine weekend.

Nearby with the dogs. R J Sillitoe Reserve at Hampton and Donald MacDonald Reserve at Beaumaris are the off-leash options either side of the route. Black Rock to Hampton is the shorter middle section, and the Bay Trail from Elwood joins on at the northern end. Sandy Kiosk and The CNR bookend the walk.

When to go. April to October, when the summer restrictions are not running and the sand is quiet. In summer, aim for early morning and check the signs. Good for nervous swimmers, given how gradually the bay shelves here.

Sources

• Dog-friendly or dog-free, which beach is right for you - Bayside City Council · www.bayside.vic.gov.au
• Summer beach restrictions for dogs - Bayside City Council · www.bayside.vic.gov.au
• Sandringham Jetty to Ricketts Point - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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