Pet-Friendly Guide to Melbourne, Australia

Why Pets Love Melbourne

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Melbourne is Australia’s most livable city, and that extends to its four-legged residents and visitors. With over 150 off-leash parks and reserves, a cafe culture that enthusiastically welcomes dogs, and some of the best urban beaches in the country, Melbourne is a standout pet travel destination.

The city’s famous laneway culture, sprawling botanical gardens, and beach suburbs like St Kilda and Brighton create a perfect mix of urban exploration and outdoor adventure for dogs and their humans.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

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Pet-friendly accommodation in Melbourne is growing. The Langham Melbourne, Crown Promenade, and several boutique hotels in Fitzroy and Collingwood welcome pets. However, Australia’s hotel pet policies can be stricter than in Europe or North America, so always confirm before booking.

The best option is often pet-friendly Airbnb or Stayz rentals, which are abundant in suburbs like Richmond, Brunswick, and St Kilda. Mid-range pet-friendly stays run $70-120 AUD per night.

Dog Parks and Outdoor Spaces

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Melbourne’s parks system is exceptional for dogs:

• Albert Park — Large off-leash areas near the Formula 1 circuit
• Elsternwick Park — Fully fenced off-leash dog park with agility equipment
• Brighton Beach — Dogs allowed off-leash outside of peak hours (before 9:30am and after 5pm)
• Yarra Bend Park — Off-leash areas along the Yarra River
• Princes Park — Large off-leash zone in Carlton North

For bigger adventures, the Mornington Peninsula (1 hour drive) has multiple dog-friendly beaches and wineries.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

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Melbourne’s obsessive cafe culture has embraced dogs wholeheartedly. Most cafes with outdoor seating welcome dogs:

• Three Bags Full — Brunch institution in Abbotsford with a dog-friendly courtyard
• Wide Open Road — Specialty coffee in Collingwood, dogs welcome outside
• The Napier Hotel — Fitzroy pub with a beer garden full of dogs
• Madre — Pizzeria in Carlton that provides water bowls on the patio

Local Pet Rules and Regulations

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Melbourne requires all dogs to be registered with the local council and microchipped. Dogs must be on-leash except in designated off-leash areas. Off-leash areas typically have time restrictions (often before 9am and after 5pm at beaches). Fines for off-leash violations or not cleaning up can be significant — up to AUD 330. Some beaches ban dogs entirely from November through March during peak season.

Getting There With Your Pet

Australia has strict quarantine regulations for importing pets, which makes it more practical for domestic travelers or long-term visitors. Melbourne Airport (MEL) does not have pet relief areas inside the terminal. Domestically, Qantas and Virgin Australia transport pets in cargo. Within the city, dogs are allowed on Metro Trains in off-peak hours with a muzzle and leash. Trams do not allow dogs (except assistance animals).