For a listing, download the visitor guide from the website. Gourmet Pawprints offers a number of experiences including pub crawls, winery tours, a walking tour of historic Williamstown, picnic adventures and more. Hike, bike and take in the sights of this lovely town. Familiar items like toys and blankets will help them relax. Dog Park Safety Tips If your dog-friendly day trip includes a dog park stop, be sure to check these tips first. The highlight of a visit to the reserve is the Toorongo Falls Circuit Walk, that visits the viewing platforms for the close-by Toorongo Falls and the more distant Ampthitheatre Falls. New South Wales. If you keep on driving past Frankston, youll arrive at the Mornington Peninsula proper. It would be cruel to bring them to this beautiful city and not have as many swims as possible. Dandenong Ranges. To take the hassle out of organising a wine tasting tour, I recommend booking a dog-friendly private winery tour with a company such as Pooches and Pinot. How far from Melbourne: The Great Ocean Road starts at least 1.5-2 hours from the city, and is at LEAST a 3-hour drive to the end. Located in Tampa, The Florida Aquarium is fun for the whole family. Perhaps the most exciting part of the hotel is that you can bring your whole family . The sights of Bendigo arent limited to gold mining ruins. More info: Read about Somerset's pet options here. Warburton is one of the city's best kept secrets and the perfect weekend getaway from Melbourne. If youre looking for a great beach nearby that is off-leash all day long, not much further north is the Brighton Dog Beach at Sandown Street. This leg of the Perth to Melbourne drive takes you further along the Nullarbor and on to the '90 Mile Straight'. Any time spent in Sydney with a dog really has to be focused on the great outdoors. No matter if youd prefer to head to the beaches or the mountains, stay close to the city or head out on a road trip, Ive got plenty of ideas for dog-friendly day trips all around Melbourne, all within a 2 hour drive of the city centre. Along the way, stop and sample some of the local spring water. Flickr/Richard Elzey. Dogs must be on leash. With hardly any waves and shallow water its suitable for any level of swimmer. While I didnt find this popular weekend destination on the edge of Melbourne that dog-friendly (most of the beaches dont allow dogs, especially during summer), it is home to a superb off-leash dog park. 7) Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. 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. If you had any lingering doubts over their love, this cute tucked-away spots Lady and the Tramp inspired mural and dedicated hashtag #dogsoftoddandpup will cement things. While your dog wont be allowed on the rides at Luna Park amusement park, instead take a walk along the pier (where dogs are allowed on a leash) and enjoy the surrounding beaches. Open since 2000, Cafe Bones has the honour of being Sydneys first expressly dog friendly cafe. From the visitor information centre at the Carousel, its a flat 950m walk to Eastern Beach. The island is rugged and wild, but it's not the natural scenery that draws people here, it's the wildlife. Dj vu! Before you start each day, make sure theyve had a decent amount of exercise. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Warburton. Here in regional Victoria, there's space to chase waves and frisbees, and there's sticks and balls to fetch. Generally there are clear sign posts, but sometimes you may need to look online at the council websites. Road trips are a great activity for the warmer months, but in Australia that means you could also be travelling during bushfire season. Great Ocean Road Extended to South Australia. 1st - 2nd Teralba. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Otherwise stop off at one of the cafes along Acland Street for coffees and cake. For pet owners, watching your furry friend's tail droop as you pack your bag for a weekend away makes it hard to even consider leaving home. 3 Days in Melbourne Itinerary. Interested in taking your pup out on the river? 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. 2.5 Dandenong Ranges Tour by Puffing Billy Train. Wine Compass loves dogs! Before you set out, make sure your dog is microchipped and your contact details are up to date. Its also possible to visit Maldon on the pet-friendly Victorian Goldfield Railways departing Castlemaine (see #12). The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop, plus the dog-friendly Wombat Hill Cafe. Find out more about flying in Australia with a dog. The area has recently been revamped, with some new rules in places. Its best to book in advance, at least during holiday periods. After all that action, make sure you save some energy and appetite for Brisbane. Places to Stay. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century. 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. 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. At Malmsbury, dont miss the views of the grand Malmsbury Viaduct, located at the southern edge of the gardens. Great Ocean Road. 11. This includes within the convenient free tram zone in the city. All over Geelong, dont miss spotting the colourfully decorated bollards, with over 100 installed in between Limeburners Point and Rippleside Park. And spending a few hours exploring it on foot is actually a fabulous activity to do with your pup. Another dog-friendly option nearby on the northern bank of the Yarra is the The Wharf Hotel. Cats and small dogs need to travel in a container, while larger dogs are permitted if they are wearing a leash and muzzle. Brighton Dog Beach: At the end of Sandown Street in Brighton. If youre feeling a little fancy, treat yourself at this century-old local institution. Where: Lorne - Port Fairy. Stay here:Lavender Farmin Healesville allows pets to stay on their six-bedroom rural property by prior arrangement. This huge bushland reserve on the edge of Mount Martha is entirely fenced and contains multiple walking tracks, even a creek swimming spot. More info:Hepburn Regional Park, Creswick. Between the third and fourth jetties at Bonna Point reserve its off-leash all day. The 7km-long walking track is accessible from either end. Here are my top five recommendations. Source: SAKARET / shutterstock. HEAD FOR BUSHWALKS, BEERS AND BELLY RUBS. If youre spending a whole week in Melbourne (lucky you! Ask whether this is still available (I believe its currently off the menu). Start point: Melbourne. Out the back are couches for canines, while there is also an indoor off-leash relaxing room. Dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water at Eastern Beach, as long as they are kept on a leash. Youll need to bring: lead, collar, water bowl, food bowl, treats, favourite toys, poo bags, blanket, bed, and any medication they may need. Broome to Perth Drive. Check out the wide variety of lessons offered by SUPS for Pups, both at Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula. The Florida Aquarium. Check out the rest of our great travel content! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Mt. While many popular attractions in Melbourne are off-limits if you're sightseeing with a pup, there are equally many things to do in Melbourne that are dog-friendly. 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. Youll first of all enjoy a 1-hour Stand Up Paddleboard session with your pup, then breakfast together back at Chez Misty. Find out more about dog-friendly attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. That sadness and separation anxiety can easily be alleviated with one of these dog-friendly weekend trips. Its a scenic 4km ride through a narrow gorge each direction. 2. Inside, floor to ceiling windows frame panoramic views of Wilsons Promontory, while large . Many fashion shops are pet-friendly (we dropped into Peter Alexander to check out their latest pyjama designs); even some of the local banks allow pets inside. Their dock is located midway along Southbank, near Southgate Avenue. The stupa is open daily, entry by donation, and there is a cafe onsite with plenty of dog-friendly tables. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor area of the General Assembly. Its just a short tramride or drive from the centre of Melbourne to the bayside suburb of St Kilda. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. 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. 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. 14. Populated with wineries, this popular place makes for a great long weekend getaway. The closest dog-friendly beach at St Kilda is on the western side of the pier, near Pier Road until the draining channel. If you have a whole day to spare, you and your dog can book in for a doggy wine tour with Gourmet Pawprints. As I mentioned above, dogs are welcome in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Carlton Gardens. 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. Duffys Road Emerald VIC 3782. Just like most places in Australia, the majority of shops in Melbourne wont be happy if you try and take your dog inside. However, there are quite a few beaches that allow dogs off-leash all year round. Pay attention to how often your dog usually needs to go to the toilet and plan plenty of stops along the way. Gourmet Pawprints operates tours to multiple wine regions, including the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley (both the Melba Trail and the Friday evening Doggo Friday Wine Downs) and the Bellarine Peninsula. 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 . Daylesford, founded during the 1860's Gold Rush (and, hilariously, originally named' Wombat'), is a popular spa town to the north-west of Melbourne, where visitors can take a load off and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. The goal of taking a day trip with your dog is to share a stress-free adventure together. Car parking is on the side of Mount Macedon Road and can be difficult on busy days. Its best to visit at low tide, when its possible to wade with your dog a long way off-shore. During the Autumn months, Mount Macedon is a popular destination for viewing its colourful Autumn leaves and enjoying its cooler climate. 10) Wilsons Promontory national park. Other dog-friendly escapes: You can book this home on Apollo Bay orthis cottage in Daylesfordfor you and your furry friend. It needs to be stored in an assigned storage location and off-peak travel is recommended; for more information, see here. If youd prefer a walk amongst nature rather than gritty alleyways, one of the best destinations to head to just outside of Melbourne is the You Yangs Regional Park. Word of advice though: its not great for non-dog swimming. As the name suggests, this cafe is part of the Collingwood Childrens Farm so its great for pets and people who love all sorts of animals. The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road. Accomodating up to eight people and not requiring a boat license, the picnic boats can be hired for between one and three hours, with optional extras including cheese boards and esky hires. Day trips from Melbourne without the long drive Tuesday 25 January, 2022 . St Kilda has long been a popular day trip destination in Melbourne, and its also a terrific destination to visit with your pup. Plus, its proximity to the Yarra River and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it a perfect stop on a dog day out. Perhaps order one of their meal deals for your dog and enjoy it at one of the many tables. Daylesford. 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. Another highlight of a visit to the Botanic Gardens is enjoying a punt on the lake. (Note that dogs arent permitted on other cruises, including dinner and special event cruises.). . In the winter season, you may not want to travel very far. Theres some great burgers options on the menu, and if youre visiting during the week make sure you arrive before 6:30pm to nab the Happy Hour drink specials. With these generous rules, it means that a quick getaway to the Melbourne CBD using public transport with your pet is possible from within the metropolitan area (for dogs of all sizes) or from across the state (for those with small pets). Geelong VIC 3220, Australia. VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide. 12 Best Day Trips from Melbourne Within 3 Hours: Breathtaking Hikes, Hot Springs & More. Luckily, with so many venues that welcome your pooch, like the dog-friendly beaches, you wont have to leave your dog on the curb. Another alternative for a Melbourne stay with your pup is to book a pet-friendly Airbnb. I'd recommend taking at least two weeks for the road trip . The Farm Cafe, Abbotsford The park will receive further upgrades to the toilets, picnic . The beach is large enough for a beach stroll, plus for your pup to enjoy a doggie paddle with plenty of space. The best spot for a doggie swim in the river is just below Deep rock. An easy way to visit this top tourist attraction is on the Phillip Island Penguin Highlights Day Trip from Melbourne. However, they are still dog-friendly in their outdoor beer garden and still offer $15 params on Tuesday nights. We considered paying extra for room service and having breakfast delivered to our room, but instead opted to take-away the tasty Egg and Bacon Muffins. Although known for being spa territory, Daylesford also offers the opportunity to visit interesting shops, markets, and unique galleries, including my personal . Doggie Road Trip Around Victoria No. Stay here:For pet-friendly accommodation, try Beachy Keanin Jan Juc. Yarra Valley. Distance: Around 600km. In fact, you can even play with penguins at the Florida Aquarium! Daylesford. Once one of the highest producing gold mines in Australia, these days you can take a 45-minute tour through the original workings, hearing fascinating stories from your guide along the way. Theres also a continental buffet on offer, if you can trust your dog to remain behind in your room. Ideally suited for a weekend drive or maybe a long weekend away, Mornington Peninsula is only an hour away from Melbourne and is the place to be for lavish . Guides & Tips. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. This makes this one of the greatest day trips from Melbourne with dogs. Coastal Road Trips Victoria. Scratch Pet FoodCollingwood, Vic 3066 Australia, All content 2021 Scratch Pet Health Pty LtdABN 40625813694, Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl. Along with winery tours, there are plenty of biking and hiking trails. Yarra Valley Wineries. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach. If this is your first long trip, get them used to things by taking a few shorter rides to places they enjoy. Not many people know that Spirit of Tasmania has kennel decks where your dog can take the ride along with you across the pond. Here's what to see and do - and check out our . Door County. The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic. Take a wander through the main street of the historic town, which is largely unchanged since the 19th-century. Cardinia Reservoir Park. As well as sweet crepes and savoury galettes for humans, they have a dog menu with a variety of doggy crepes and puppyccinos, sure to tempt even the fussiest pup. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach, 4. Another popular dog-friendly beach in Melbourne is Altona Dog Beach, just west of the city and Williamstown. This 9.1-acre community beach park includes a small pavilion, grill, picnic shelter, benches along crossover, restrooms, drinking fountain and outside showers. 1. Just make sure your dog stays on-leash. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne. Best time to visit: Low season (autumn and winter) to avoid the crowds, but for beach fun in the sun, spring or summer is best.. Don't miss: The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, Otway National Park, Port Campbell, Port Fairy . They even offer dog swimming lessons for less confident pups! Great food, great place and always amazing service. Eighty per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes . The reserve contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a picnic with your pup. 3,200 km | 14 - 19 days. If you're not too keen on camping but you still want to be surrounded by the great outdoors, book this dog-friendly accommodation on Riparide. This Melbourne based company offers curated hikes, walks, picnics, high teas, wine tours, and even truffle hunts designed to be enjoyed with your pets. The most well-known destination for street art in Melbourne is Hosier Lane in the city centre, not far from Federation Square. Theres a wide variety of walking trails in the park, from the 200m stroll to Memorial Cross from next to the tea rooms to the 30km loop track that links all the major sites in the park. Along the trip, visit the Surf World Museum in Torquay and look for massive waves at the famed Bells Beach. Probably the closest option to Melbourne is Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges, departing from Emerald Station, just over an hour east of Melbourne. Follow these steps for find pet-friendly Airbnbs. For a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beach areas in Melbourne, click here . Tour type: Small Group. Ok, lets pause for a real standout among Brisbanes many dog-friendly cafes. To the eastern side of the pier dogs are only allowed on the sand during winter. As well as large fenced grass expanse, theres also a dog agility course. Duration: 3 Days. You and your best friend can both run free at these off-leash dog parks and beaches around the city. 10 Best . From $ 565. Phillip Island's Penguin Parade. This beach is also conveniently fenced, great for excitable pups. For more ideas on what to do in Melbourne with your pup, check out my list of 25 dog-friendly days out around Melbourne! This Melbourne to Perth drive itinerary will take you to all the best spots along the bottom of Australia, and can be part of a larger road trip around Australia or a standalone trip to get you from east to west. In early 2022, Karkarook Park will receive new picnic tables as part of the early works for the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. Melbourne is a great destination to visit with your dog, whether on a short trip or as part of a longer lap around Australia. Visit the Nobbies on Phillip Island. Plus make sure you detour over to Grey Street and visit Chez Misty. Even on cold days they can be impacted and even die from heat stress. While dogs arent allowed in the Yarra Ranges National Park to the north, dogs are allowed at Tooroongo Falls Reserve (including off-leash, as long as they are under effective control). The stunning and surreal landscapes of the Kimberley are like nowhere else on earth. Day One - Exploring the CBD. Get the camping bug and bring along your pooch to clean up the burnt snags you accidentally obliterated (always check fires are allowed first, naturally). Although, if you do make it to the top, youll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the city. Head to the Fairfield Boathouse, where you can rent boats, canoes and kayaks, and bring along your pup. 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