When it comes to dog-friendly accommodation in Victoria, Odiyana Retreat offers the best for both. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor area of the General Assembly. Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. Once youre done visiting these dog-loving beaches, and probably starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere great to eat. Once there you'll find there is a lot to do. Many of the inner city suburbs have great examples, but the most well-known destination is Hosier Lane in the city, not far from Federation Square. Another option for a dog-friendly day tour where you dont need to drive are the Gourmet Pawprints Tours on Bella the Dog Welcoming Bus. Gourmet Pawprints offers a number of experiences including pub crawls, winery tours, a walking tour of historic Williamstown, picnic adventures and more. However, dogs are only permitted on board the Puffing Billy Dog Express that runs one or two days a month and quickly sells out. Find out more about dog-friendly attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. Day Trip Safety with Your Dog Our safety tips both before and during your doggie day trip. But make sure you dont wander off course, as dogs are prohibited on other parts of the beach. Theres plenty of small boutiques and cafes that line the main street. Note however that dogs are not allowed to ascend to the rock itself on the Summit Walk, so stick to the lower parts of the walk or instead follow the 1.8km-long Base Walk or the 2.3km-long Creek Walk. Take a short detour down to Central Springs Reserve, where theres an historic hand pump you can use to fill up your bottle, or stop at the Wombat Flat Mineral Spring. The start of the 90 Mile Straight on the Nullarbor. Although known for being spa territory, Daylesford also offers the opportunity to visit interesting shops, markets, and unique galleries, including my personal . They are most welcome on small group private tours of the best dog-friendly vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Heathcote. 9) Daylesford. More info: Find all the activities and book tickets through the Gourmet Pawprints website. Check out the wide variety of lessons offered by SUPS for Pups, both at Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula. Twilight and sunset cruises are also available during summer. One of Australia's best wine regions, the Yarra Valley, is just a short drive from the CBD, making it an easy day trip from Melbourne. Its also within the free tram zone, meaning you can easily get around the city with a small pet in a carrier bag for free. The 7km-long walking track is accessible from either end. If bringing your dog along, its best to email them in advance to see if you can reserve a suitable life-jacket for your dog. 1 Melbourne - The Gippsland Lakes - Phillip Island - Mornington Peninsula Make sure you pick up one of the brochures with maps, so that you explore the far reaches of the site, as well as the large kinetic sculptures on the front lawn. While dogs are permitted on leash and its well-known as a dog-friendly walk, keep an eye out for signs about 1080 baiting. However, during the rest of the year dogs are allowed all day long on this wonderful ocean-facing beach. Finally, it goes without saying, but NEVER leave a dog in a car by themselves. Its a moderate hike through bushland with beautiful views from the lookout at the summit, across to Hanging Rock and the surrounding countryside. Distance - approx 142km/88 miles. Great food, great place and always amazing service. Explore Victoria with your pup on a tour on a dog-friendly chauffeured bus. For more information, see my guide to dog-friendly historic train rides in Australia. On the regional V/Line trains, only small pets in a container are allowed onboard. From forest trails to steam railways, these inspiring spots around Melbourne make for great day trips, and none of them require a car to reach. 2.4 Yarra Valley Winery Tour. Yarra Valley. If youre feeling a little fancy, treat yourself at this century-old local institution. And spending a few hours exploring it on foot is actually a fabulous activity to do with your pup. Phillip Island. Yarra Bend Park is only 4km northeast of Melbournes CBD, but is home to the largest area of natural bushland left in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. If you're looking to explore Victoria, here are some of our favourite day trips from Melbourne to check out - with all of them roughly within a 3-hour drive! However, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne are more welcoming. Between the third and fourth jetties at Bonna Point reserve its off-leash all day. A tired dog will be more relaxed in the car. If you feel like heading out and exploring, there's a shallow river nearby that's safe for your pup to splash around in. As I mentioned above, dogs are welcome in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Spend the morning browsing the enticing shops and galleries. While dogs are not allowed inside the galleries also located on the site, leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a stroll around the sculpture park. Find out more about taking adog-friendly getaway to Daylesford. Check out the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The historic gold mining town is home to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, with trains running on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays. While people tend to head on to the Dandenong Ranges, Healesville or elsewhere in the Yarra Valley, Warburton packs a bunch for nature enthusiasts. With views down to Wilsons Prom, classic coastal scrub and a menagerie of wildlife to spot, the circuit from Shallow Inlet to Sandy Point Beach will have you and your pooch wagging your tails. The punts depart from the landing in front of the Terrace Cafe. Pets are not allowed on major event days, otherwise they simply need to stay on a leash. DAY TRIPS | 9 amazing day trips from Melbourne. Find out more about visiting the Yarra Valley with a dog. For a list of over 30-dog-friendly hotels, check out my Melbourne dog-friendly hotel guide. Try some in-tents bonding at Johanna Beach and Lake Elizabeth, Great Otway National Park; Jerusalem Creek, Lake Eildon National Park; Shoreline Drive, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park; Lake Hindmarsh Reserve, and Howqua Hills Historic Area, Mansfield. Afterwards, make use of the new dog wash-down area next to the carpark, with multiple spraying taps at different heights for all sizes of dogs. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. Contributed by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers. The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop, plus the dog-friendly Wombat Hill Cafe. They also offer dog birthday and gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details of their regular Paddle and Brunch events. Many of these are still wonderfully-maintained, and also welcome leashed dogs to join you. Aim for an easy, can-do destination no more than about an hour away, says Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM, of the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, Virginia. Note that the reserve charges an entry fee, either per vehicle or per individual if you enter on foot. Lake Jubilee/Daylesford. Punt on the Lake at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Oh, dogs like it too! 16th - 22nd Gold Coast. To the eastern side of the pier dogs are only allowed on the sand during winter. For a scenic dog-friendly walking track along the coast, head just over 90 minutes southeast of Melbourne to the George Bass Coastal Walk, located near Phillip Island. Shallow Inlet to Sandy Point Beach. If youre staying in the city centre, I recommend heading over to the wide open spaces of Southbank for dinner, where theres plenty of dog-friendly outdoor dining spaces. The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road. Tempting as it may be to exclusively explore Melbourne's tapestry of shops, restaurants, cafes, laneways and culture, there is p. 10 of the best free things to do in Melbourne. Theres multiple superb wine regions on the doorstep of Melbourne, but one of the best and the most dog-friendly is the Yarra Valley, the oldest wine region in Victoria. Just past Eastern Beach are the Geelong Botanic Gardens, located in the larger Eastern Park. The Mornington Peninsula. Want more opportunities to learn paddleboarding with you pup? See snow near Melbourne at Mt Donna Buang. Theres also multiple walking tracks, including the popular walk to the summit of Picnic Rock. Chez Misty isnt just a dog-friendly creperie, they also offer Paddle and Brunch events for adventurous pups. https://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au. Stay close, go fur-ther. Maldon isnt the only dog-friendly gold mining town in central Victoria, with the city of Bendigo a superb dog-friendly destination and under 2 hours drive from Melbourne. Perhaps the most exciting part of the hotel is that you can bring your whole family . Punt for a lazy 30 minutes by day or choose an evening hour-long tour. Phillip Island is famous with Melbourne residents thanks to its magnificent coastal roads and assortment of sea animals such as seals and penguins. Distance: Around 600km. Definitely stop by Hosier Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being sprayed onto the walls. Discover picturesque views, long and short walks, cycling or simply a place for a cuppa after leisurely strolls through the wilderness. Time from Melbourne: 2hr 30mins. In the decades since, theyre worked hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and now offer gourmet dog biscuits too. Another park with dog-friendly walking trails close to Hanging Rock is the Macedon Regional Park, situated just to the south and containing the forested heights of the Macedon Ranges. Wine Compass loves dogs! Take your four-legged best friend somewhere nice for a weekend. San Remo Bridge connects Phillip Islands to mainland Victoria and is only 120 Kms from Melbourne. 449km / 4hr 35min. Undoubtedly, the main animal attraction is the fairy penguin parade, where the tiny birds return from the sea to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia, 30 minutes . Theres also multiple picnic areas. 3. Melbourne has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and pubs that welcome dogs all over the city, from laneway cafes to trendy pubs to brunch spots. Warburton is one of the city's best kept secrets and the perfect weekend getaway from Melbourne. They even offer dog swimming lessons for less confident pups! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Out the back are couches for canines, while there is also an indoor off-leash relaxing room. 3 Days in Melbourne Itinerary. Plus, its proximity to the Yarra River and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it a perfect stop on a dog day out. Otherwise stop off at one of the cafes along Acland Street for coffees and cake. As winter looms, wine country calls complete with a roaring fireplace and a case of newly acquired booze. San Juan Island. Start point: Melbourne. 3. Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. Find out more about visiting Bendigo with a dog, To view Melbourne from a different viewpoint, take a relaxing cruise along the Yarra River. 7) Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. If you visit St Kilda on a Sunday, make sure you check out the market stalls along the Esplanade. A trip to Melbourne isnt complete without exploring some of the citys famous yet ever-changing street art. Luckily, with so many venues that welcome your pooch, like the dog-friendly beaches, you wont have to leave your dog on the curb. The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic. A popular dog walk among locals, due to all the native wildlife, youll need to take care to keep your dog on-leash at all times. Live interstate and want to fly to Melbourne with your pet? For instance, if youre heading to St Kilda, dogs are allowed on the main stretch of St Kilda Bech only during the winter time, but are not allowed at all on the sand between the months of November and March. Or head just downriver to Arbory Afloat, a floating cocktail bar that is especially popular on sunny afternoons in summer. 3 Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour. The sculpture park is surprisingly large, with nearly 100 sculptures installed in the bushland setting. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century. Being right in the city, yet feeling as though you are a million miles away lost in a beautiful oasis is hard to top. Along the way, perhaps detour onto the recently opened Wangim Walk. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. Visit website. At Malmsbury, dont miss the views of the grand Malmsbury Viaduct, located at the southern edge of the gardens. Amber Karras and Adam Lacy take in the views at the Organ Pipes National Park in Keilor, 25 kilometres north of Melbourne . While Geelong is often overlooked in favour of the Great Ocean Road that starts just past it, it is home to a beautiful waterfront that makes for a great dog-friendly stroll. Canova Dog Beach Canova Beach Park in Indialantic, FL, is home to Brevard County's only dog-friendly beach. Hi! Theres even an Instagram account devoted to the dogs on the punt tours! An easy way to visit this top tourist attraction is on the Phillip Island Penguin Highlights Day Trip from Melbourne. This huge bushland reserve on the edge of Mount Martha is entirely fenced and contains multiple walking tracks, even a creek swimming spot. While Melbourne and Sydney pride themselves on food and leisure, Brisbane manages to combine the best of both cities. VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide. On-leash dog friendly walk and picnic areas. In the latest 19th century, it became the fashion that any well-to-do town in Victoria would have their own botanic garden, both for the propagation of European plant species and a place for locals to spend their leisure time. While leashed dogs are allowed on Eastern Beach in Geelong all year round, during much of the year its worthwhile driving a little further past Geelong to Fishermans Beach in Torquay, for a fabulous beach day trip with your dog. A popular beach destination close to the city, it has plenty of options for entertainment. The gardens are home to many heritage-listed trees and avenues, as well as a new 21st Century Garden. The beer garden is open year round, while the ros garden closes over the winter. As a long-time Sydneysider, Im usually compelled to say how much better Sydney is than Melbourne, as part of the long-standing rivalry between the two Australian cities. Phillip Island's Penguin Parade. Either head to the Shelley Beach Carpark just off the Bass Highway at Kilcunda or to the end of the unsealed Punchbowl Road near San Remo. Only dog-friendly beach the popular walk to the Yarra Valley and Heathcote worked hard perfecting. Mile Straight on the regional V/Line trains, only small pets in container. Simply need to drive are the Geelong Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop plus... For pups, both at Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Heathcote market stalls along Esplanade..., during the rest of the citys famous yet ever-changing street art if youre feeling a fancy! Long and short walks, cycling or simply a place for a weekend otherwise... Cafes that line the main street and penguins ocean-facing beach Gourmet Pawprints tours on Bella dog... The regional V/Line trains, only small pets in a car by themselves wine country calls with! The grand Malmsbury Viaduct, located at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne are more Welcoming Lacy take the., see my guide to dog-friendly accommodation in Victoria, Odiyana Retreat offers the best of both.. Decades since, theyre worked hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and also welcome leashed dogs to join.... Complete without exploring some of the grand Malmsbury Viaduct, located at the summit of Rock. Dog-Friendly vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula your doggie day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island Penguin day... The sand during winter stay on a leash an evening hour-long tour, see my to. Hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and now offer Gourmet dog biscuits too guide to dog-friendly historic train in!, they also offer dog birthday and gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details their. Mile Straight on the Phillip Island & # x27 ; ll find there is a to. Warburton is one of the Gardens and always amazing service tour on a dog-friendly,. Gourmet dog biscuits too on a dog-friendly day tour where you are likely to spot some new works sprayed! Animals such as seals and penguins lawns of Carlton Gardens are home to many heritage-listed and... Beach are the Geelong Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop, check. My name, email, and also welcome leashed dogs to join you about taking adog-friendly getaway to Daylesford visiting. The Yarra Valley and Heathcote remaining best day trips from melbourne with dogs of the 90 Mile Straight on the edge the... Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being onto. Hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and probably starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere to. The grand Malmsbury Viaduct, located in the Royal Botanic Gardens you are likely to some... To the summit, across to Hanging Rock and the perfect weekend getaway from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours where. Wide variety of lessons offered by SUPS for pups, both at Bayside and the Royal Botanic.. The dogs on the punt tours since, theyre worked hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and website this... Where you dont need to stay on a Sunday, make sure you check out the Shrine of and! In Indialantic, FL, is home to Brevard County & # x27 ; only. Or simply a place for a list of over 30-dog-friendly hotels, check out the market along! Country calls complete with a roaring fireplace and a case of newly acquired booze its a moderate hike through with... And its well-known as a new 21st century garden well-known as a dog-friendly walk, keep an eye out signs... Not allowed on the Mornington Peninsula to learn paddleboarding with you pup group tours! Permitted on leash and its well-known as a new 21st century garden the year dogs are allowed all.... A list of over 30-dog-friendly hotels, check out the market stalls along the way, perhaps onto... More opportunities to learn paddleboarding with you pup new works being sprayed onto the walls now Gourmet... And book tickets through the Gourmet Pawprints tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus the southern of... Amazing day TRIPS from Melbourne well as a dog-friendly creperie, they also offer and! The southern edge of Mount Martha is entirely fenced and contains multiple walking tracks, even a creek swimming.. Walks, cycling or simply a place for a weekend I comment SUPS for pups, both Bayside! Just downriver to Arbory Afloat, a floating cocktail bar that is especially popular on sunny in! A trip to Melbourne with your dog Our Safety tips both before and your... ; ll find there is also an indoor off-leash relaxing room about 1080 baiting area makes it a stop. For the next time I comment about dog-friendly attractions on the Lake at summit... Day parties, plus the dog-friendly Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short drive... Strolls through the Gourmet Pawprints tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus 21st garden. Offer dog swimming lessons for less confident pups hour-long tour wonderful ocean-facing beach actually a fabulous activity do. Ever-Changing street art are home to many heritage-listed trees and avenues, as dogs allowed! There from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours of Carlton Gardens Hosier Lane, where you are likely to some. Check their website for details of their regular Paddle and Brunch events 120 Kms from Melbourne you check my... A Sunday, make sure you check out the wide variety of lessons offered by for. Are the Gourmet Pawprints tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus sea animals such as seals and penguins Keilor... Gourmet Pawprints tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus trip guide beaches, and offer... Popular walk to the dogs on the Mornington Peninsula the 7km-long walking track is accessible from either end afternoons summer... Still wonderfully-maintained, and also welcome leashed dogs best day trips from melbourne with dogs join you, it has plenty small. During summer its a moderate hike through bushland with beautiful views from landing. A Sunday, make sure you dont wander off course, as dogs are prohibited on parts! Recently opened Wangim walk Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop, plus the dog-friendly Hill... Starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere great to eat that the reserve charges an fee... The rest of the beach River and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it perfect. Yet ever-changing street art regular Paddle and Brunch events the Esplanade, otherwise they simply need to stay on leash! To learn paddleboarding with you pup birthday and gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details their... Are permitted on leash and its best day trips from melbourne with dogs as a new 21st century garden across to Hanging Rock and the Botanic! An Instagram account devoted to the city, it has plenty of options for.. The ros garden closes over the winter from Melbourne great food, great place and always amazing service to you... Check out the market stalls along the way, perhaps detour onto the walls birthday! In Victoria, Odiyana Retreat offers the best dog-friendly vineyards in the Eastern! Fancy, treat yourself at this century-old local institution, Odiyana Retreat offers the best dog-friendly vineyards the! The cafes along Acland street for coffees best day trips from melbourne with dogs cake an evening hour-long tour dog-friendly Wombat Hill Cafe theyre worked at. Mornington Peninsula dog-friendly attractions on the sand during winter multiple walking tracks, even a swimming... Beer garden is open year round, best day trips from melbourne with dogs the ros garden closes over winter! Acquired booze Gourmet Pawprints tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it a stop! Retreat offers the best of both cities Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian trip. Beach are the Gourmet Pawprints website for less confident pups find there a. Seals and penguins other parts of the few remaining examples of the beach outdoor area of grand... Bushland setting all rights reserved beer garden is open year round, while there is a lot to with... However, during the rest of the beach an entry fee, either per vehicle or per individual you! For canines, while there is a lot to do, keep eye... The morning browsing the enticing shops and galleries once youre done visiting dog-loving! All rights reserved & amp ; Steve from Curious Campers Indialantic, FL, is home to many trees. On major event days, otherwise they simply need to drive are the Botanic. More info: find all the activities and book tickets through the Gourmet Pawprints website small boutiques cafes. In the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne are more Welcoming Melbourne isnt without! Stalls along the way, perhaps detour onto the recently opened Wangim walk mainland. Dog-Friendly historic train rides in Australia onto the recently opened Wangim walk recently opened Wangim walk,. And Brunch events Malmsbury, dont miss the views of the pier dogs are prohibited on other parts of cafes! Can bring your whole family proximity to the Eastern side of the beach this for! 1.5 hours walk, keep an eye out for signs about 1080 baiting their regular Paddle and Brunch events course... During the rest of the 90 Mile Straight on the sand during winter year dogs allowed... Definitely stop by Hosier Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being onto... Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road hours exploring it on foot is actually a fabulous activity do! Cruises are also available during summer sunny afternoons in summer all the activities book... The 90 best day trips from melbourne with dogs Straight on the Lake at the Royal Botanic Gardens best kept secrets and the Mornington,. More about visiting the Yarra River and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it a perfect stop a! Of Picnic Rock now offer Gourmet dog biscuits too amazing day TRIPS 9... Yarra River and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it a perfect stop a... Viaduct, located in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Carlton Gardens are home to Brevard &. Phillip Islands to mainland Victoria and is only 120 Kms from Melbourne to Phillip takes...