Exploring the Mornington Peninsula with your dog by your side is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, the region is packed with scenic trails, coastal paths, and beach stretches that make it easy to plan memorable days out together. From peaceful bushland boardwalks to breezy seaside strolls, these dog-friendly walks on the Mornington Peninsula showcase just how easy it is to combine adventure, sightseeing, relaxation, and quality time with your four-legged companion.

1

Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk

Set within the peaceful bushland of Mount Martha, the Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk is home to native flora and fauna, including waterbirds and wetland species. The trail starts as a wide gravel surface before winding into elevated timber boardwalks with occasional viewing points over the creek and paths to other scenic tracks in the reserve. If you and your pup are up for a longer walk, you can head to the nearby Balcombe Creek Trail or Community Forest dog off-leash area for more walking tracks.

Trail Type: Creekside boardwalk with wildlife and shaded sections

Leash Up or Let Loose? Dogs must be on a leash inside the reserve. There’s an off-leash dog area in a nearby area just before arriving at the Nepean Highway.

Distance: 5 kilometres

Address: 16A Mirang Avenue, Mount Martha, Victoria 3934

2

Millionaire’s Walk

Millionaire’s Walk is a short yet scenic dog-friendly walk on the Mornington Peninsula. This striking clifftop path treats you to expansive views across Port Phillip Bay and a glimpse into the grand summer homes that line this exclusive stretch between Sorrento and Portsea. The route also forms part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists’ Trail, where you’ll spot artworks and paintings that capture the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula. 

Trail Type: Clifftop walking path

Leash Up or Let Loose?  Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Distance: 1 kilometre

Address: Lentell Ave, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

Turn Travel into a Memorable Adventure with Your Furry Friend

Searoad Ferries makes the journey just as enjoyable for pets as it is for fur parents. Enjoy a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride between Queenscliff on the Bellarine and Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula with your furry friend by your side. With spacious outdoor decks, there’s plenty of room for your pup to stroll around on a leash and take in the sea breeze. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way while your dog enjoys the sights, sounds, and scents of the coast. With Searoad Ferries, you can turn a simple trip into a shared adventure.

Book Your Ferry Trip

3

Tassells Cove

Tassells Cove is a small dog-friendly beach area along the Safety Beach foreshore, sheltered between Marine Cove and Bruce Road. This cove offers calm, shallow waters and soft sand where dogs can run, play, and splash. The northern end of the beach features cliffs you can climb over during low tide, where you can explore rock pools and small caves. Just be extra careful when going up rocks and avoid these sections during high tide or rough conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for both you and your dog.

Trail Type: Coastal and sandy walking path

Leash Up or Let Loose? You can let your dog walk and play freely, as this is a designated off-leash beach at all times. However, keep in mind that neighbouring areas on the Safety Beach foreshore may have different, strict on-leash rules. So always check local council signs and keep your leash with you when entering other areas.

Distance: 1.4 kilometres

Address: Marine Dr, Safety Beach VIC 3936, Australia

4

McCrae Beach Walk

The McCrae Beach Walk is a coastal route that starts at the historic McCrae Lighthouse and follows the Bay Trail along the foreshore. Along the way, you’ll pass colourful beach sheds and one of the peninsula’s most inviting beaches: McCrae Beach. A favourite for walkers and beachgoers alike, this trail is a highlight among Mornington Peninsula dog-friendly walks. After your stroll, grab a bite for both you and your pup at one of the nearby foreshore cafés as you marvel at the picturesque beach landscape.

Trail Type: Coastal walk from McCrae Lighthouse along Bay Trail

Leash Up or Let Loose? Dogs must be on leash. In the designated foreshore area immediately east of the Margaret Street carpark, dogs are not permitted during summertime (December to February), between 10 AM and 6 PM. However, they are allowed off-leash outside those summertime daytime restrictions. Always refer to signs at beach entry points for any changes.

Distance: 4 kilometres

Address: Point Nepean Road Service Road, McCrae Victoria 3938

5

Hawker Beach

Hawker Beach is a quiet beach in Mount Martha, offering a peaceful coastal setting that’s perfect for dog-friendly walks on the Mornington Peninsula. Here, you’ll often see locals walking their pups along the foreshore or exploring the rockier edges near low tide. It’s a leash-free spot year-round where dogs can run along the sand, splash in the shallows, and enjoy the open space under the sun.

Trail Type: Coastal beach walk

Leash Up or Let Loose? Dogs are allowed off-leash all year round.

Distance: 600 metres

Address: 539 Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia

6

Hastings Foreshore Circuit Walk

On the opposite side of the Mornington Peninsula, there’s another scenic bayside walk that is perfect for long walks with your dog. The Hastings Foreshore Circuit Walk wraps around the scenic Western Port Bay and takes you along varied paths of sandy beaches, open parklands, and boardwalks. Along the way, you’ll pass playgrounds, picnic spots, wide waterfront views, and gentle terrains. The circuit’s coastal backdrop is ideal for a morning jog or sunset stroll with your dog.

Trail Type: Coastal beach walk and foreshore circuit with boardwalks and paths around the reserve and along Western Port Bay.

Leash Up or Let Loose?  Dogs must be on-leash on the walking paths and shared trail, though there is a designated off-leash area nearby at Hastings Foreshore Reserve Dog Off Leash Area, where dogs can run freely (ensure effective control).

Distance: 4 kilometres

Address: 91 Marine Parade, Hastings VIC 3915, Australia

7

Flinders Beach

Flinders Beach is another local favourite for dog-friendly walks on the Mornington Peninsula, known for its wide, sandy shorelines and scenic bay views. You'll also find a barbecue area and a playground near the car park south of the pier, making it a great destination for a beach day with your four-legged friend.

Trail Type: Coastal beach walk

Leash Up or Let Loose?  Dogs are off-leash all year round in the designated Flinders Beach Dog Off-Leash Area, located north of Dodds Creek. Check signposts for restrictions.

Distance:  3 kilometres

Address: 751 The Esplanade Flinders Victoria 3929

Dog-Friendly Cafés on the Mornington Peninsula for a Quick Break

1. Miss Drew's Dog Café

Miss Drew’s Dog Café is more than just pet-friendly; it’s a café created entirely for dogs (or pupstomers, as they are fondly called here). Serving freshly baked treats such as pup-cakes, puppuccinos, and seasonal goodies made with quality ingredients, it’s a place to spoil your furry friend after a long walk. There’s a fenced grassy area where dogs can relax and socialise, and the café also has a small retail section for take-home treats.

Address: 14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb VIC 3913, Australia

2. The Winey Cow

Located right in the heart of Mornington, The Winey Cow is one of the peninsula’s most loved brunch and café spots, known for its inventive all-day menu and relaxed, welcoming vibe. What makes it extra special for dog owners is the dedicated Doggy Menu, complete with puppuccinos, Peking duck wings, chicken pops, and kangaroo ribs, giving your furry friend something tasty to enjoy, too.

Address: 39A Main St, Mornington VIC 3931, Australia

3. Dreamer Café

Dreamer Café is a cosy neighbourhood spot in Mornington known for its great coffee and relaxed coastal vibe, just a short stroll from Fossil Beach. With ample outdoor seating, it’s easy to bring your dog along to join you while you enjoy freshly brewed coffee, breakfast classics, or a wholesome lunch in a laid-back setting.

Address: Shop 2/25 Dava Dr, Mornington VIC 3931, Australia

All Paws on Deck at Searoad Ferries

The Mornington Peninsula makes it effortless to plan memorable outings with your dog, offering a diverse mix of coastal paths, bushland reserves, and scenic beaches that suit every kind of traveller. With plenty of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, you can easily turn a simple hike into a full day, or even a weekend, of exploration with your furry friend. 

Travelling with Searoad Ferries makes the journey part of the experience. Dogs are most welcome on board and travel free of charge, making it a fantastic option if you want to include a scenic bay crossing between Sorrento (Mornington Peninsula) and Queenscliff (Bellarine Peninsula). The spacious outdoor decks give your pup plenty of room to enjoy the fresh sea air on a leash and take in the views alongside you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are dogs allowed on all beaches on the peninsula?

No, dogs are not allowed on every beach across the Mornington Peninsula. Some beaches, especially those within the Mornington Peninsula National Park, prohibit dogs entirely in all areas, including beach access and nearby tracks.

2. What’s the difference between on-leash and off-leash areas?

On-leash areas require dogs to be kept on a lead at all times, while off-leash areas allow dogs to run freely without a leash, provided they are under their owner's effective control. These areas are usually marked and may include fenced dog parks or specific beach sections where dogs can explore and socialise. Local councils clearly signpost both types of areas, so always check the signs when you arrive.

3. Are there seasonal restrictions for dog-friendly beach walks on the Mornington Peninsula?

Yes. Many beaches on the Mornington Peninsula have seasonal or time-of-day restrictions. On bay beaches, dogs are often prohibited during peak daytime hours in the summer, and at other times they may be permitted on leash or off-leash, depending on the zone. Some beaches also have specific off-leash time windows during summer evenings and early mornings, while others are leash-free all year round. Always refer to local council signs at each beach entry point, as rules can vary by location and change from year to year.

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.