A popular beach destination close to the city, it has plenty of options for entertainment. Theres plenty of swimming, adventuring, eating, and drinking to keep you both busy. St Kilda has long been a popular day trip destination in Melbourne, and its also a terrific destination to visit with your pup. Dogs are allowed off-leash here all day long from April to October, then between sunrise and 10am between November and March (with no dogs permitted at all between 10am and 7:30pm from November to March, for full details, click here). Where: a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne. (On the dog sign-in form, dogs are permitted to be left in the room as long as you put the do-not-disturb sign on the door.). We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Search for the Community Forest Fenced Dog Park pin on Google Maps. Make sure you pick up a brochure with a map in town. Groups are kept to a small size of four humans and dogs, plus life jackets are included and a SUP lesson from Karen from SUPsforPUPs. Or head just downriver to Arbory Afloat, a floating cocktail bar that is especially popular on sunny afternoons in summer. Private guided punt tours generally last 30-minutes, and run between September and May. The historic gold mining town is home to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, with trains running on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays. 3. DAY TRIPS | 9 amazing day trips from Melbourne. Dog Park Safety Tips If your dog-friendly day trip includes a dog park stop, be sure to check these tips first. Unlike the majority of cities in Australia where pets on public transport are a no-no, pets are allowed on public transport in Melbourne with some caveats. Chances are, you and your pet are itching to get out of town. Dont let your dog wander around the car. For more information, see my guide to dog-friendly historic train rides in Australia. A tired dog will be more relaxed in the car. 1. Stay here . DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide, plus the best Daylesford Airbnbs to stay in while you're there! Another on-leash option within the city is Flagstaff Gardens. Theres multiple carpark options along the way, at Foreshore, Fulcher Street and Wombat Flat, or else its an easy walk from the centre of town. This leg of the Perth to Melbourne drive takes you further along the Nullarbor and on to the '90 Mile Straight'. San Remo Bridge connects Phillip Islands to mainland Victoria and is only 120 Kms from Melbourne. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Melbourne with your dog. Just down from Greenhills Beach, this quiet spot is beloved for its open space, nearby cafes, playground, BBQ facilities, and great views of Botany Bay. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in 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 obligatory Nullarbor photo . Distance: Around 600km. 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. (Theres a huge selection!) 1. There are many things on offer at the Royal Botanic Gardens, but one of the coolest things you can do there is go punting on the lake. After almost a year of restricted travel, most parts of Australia are starting to open up just in time for the summer holidays. They say the best things in life are free - turns out, they were right! 9 - 11th Illuka. One of the best short dog-friendly walks is the short hike up to Camels Hump, the highest point in the Macedon Ranges. The outdoor tables at the tea rooms are also dog-friendly. Perhaps head here after a visit to Miss Drews Bakery and Dog Cafe (see #3)? The 7km-long walking track is accessible from either end. Daylesford. While the dog-friendly falls are best viewed after periods of rain, note that the track can get muddy and slippery underfoot, so make sure you pack a towel to clean off your pup. Each night at sunset, visitors gather along the shore to watch adorable penguins waddle up the beach at the Phillip Island Nature Park. 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. I've got lots of tips on travelling with a dog, from dog-friendly destinations to pet-friendly accommodation to flying with a dog. While you're there: Salty Dog Fish and Chippery ( directions ), Aireys Pub ( directions ), Conservation Ecology Centre ( directions ), Otway Fly Treetop Adventures ( directions ), Surf World Museum ( directions ), Qdos Arts ( directions ). 2.2 Phillip Island. Dogs are permitted on the Excursion Class carriages, at the discretion of the Station Master, but not the First Class carriages. Instead, during summer either head southeast (to the stretch between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the St Kilda Marina car park) or northwest (to the section between St Kilda Pier and the draining channel as its northwestern end), plus further west to St Kilda West. Yarra Valley Wineries. Dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water at Eastern Beach, as long as they are kept on a leash. It takes about 4 hours to complete the entire 14km walk, or else just walk partway and then return along the same route. (Although this may change once the construction of the interior is complete.) Well-behaved dogs are also welcome to join you on the underground tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Have a Poke Around the Laneways and Markets. | Lincoln and Gandhi. To explore more of Bendigos gold mining heritage, head to the Victoria Hill Historic Mining Reserve. The best spot for a doggie swim in the river is just below Deep rock. Great Ocean Road comes in at number 5 on our list of the best day trips from Melbourne. LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland's cutest little town, Loch. This full-day excursion covers all the highlights, including wildlife viewing at Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. The Great Ocean Road is difficult to beat for Melbourne road trips by automobile. It would be cruel to bring them to this beautiful city and not have as many swims as possible. It takes about an hour to complete the full circuit around the lake, which is largely flat and just under 3km long. . More info:Hepburn Regional Park, Creswick. Phillip Island is found just off the south coast of Victoria and makes for one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne. 11. Distance - approx 142km/88 miles. Its also possible to visit Maldon on the pet-friendly Victorian Goldfield Railways departing Castlemaine (see #12). Duffys Road Emerald VIC 3782. Its best to book in advance, at least during holiday periods. I'd recommend taking at least two weeks for the road trip . 2. Its an easy 80-minute drive the opposite direction from Melbourne to Geelong. Keen to take a break but dont want to leave your best mate at home? Just make sure your dog stays on-leash. Discover picturesque views, long and short walks, cycling or simply a place for a cuppa after leisurely strolls through the wilderness. Book the best day trips from Melbourne, Australia directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Once youre done visiting these dog-loving beaches, and probably starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere great to eat. Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. Theres also multiple walking tracks, including the popular walk to the summit of Picnic Rock. Now, this is more of a lagoon than a beach, but we doubt youll get any complaints from your dog. Over the 2022-23 summer, Paddle and Brunch runs on multiple days per month, a mixture of Saturdays and weekdays. Yarra Valley. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. 7) Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. 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. Find out more about dog-friendly attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. Theres also a continental buffet on offer, if you can trust your dog to remain behind in your room. Let us suggest a mosey up Australias east coast, taking in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane as you go. Theres also multiple picnic areas. Fur real. Dont also miss exploring the gold ruins adjacent to the township, within the Maldon Historic Reserve, including around the Beehive Mine Chimney immediately to the north. 9 Best Road Trips in Australia: Iconic Great Ocean Road Drive, Adventure-Filled . https://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au. Some other dog-friendly beaches around Melbourne include: Many of the parks in Melbourne are dog-friendly, albeit with the caveat that they need to remain on a leash. Its an easy 1hr 40 minute drive from central Melbourne to the former gold mining village of Maldon. Many beaches near Torquay also accept dogs, and a handful allows leash-free romps. 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. Sandringham Harbour Dog Beach: Located within Sandringham Harbour. ), I love thisitinerary for 7 days in Melbourne. 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. All thats missing is your pet trying to hog the couch, right? However, all opinions are entirely her own. Great food, great place and always amazing service. For more dog-friendly beaches, check out my selection of the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria. While Walhalla is closer to 2.5 hours drive from the centre of Melbourne, like I mentioned above, its well worth the slightly longer road trip, as the historic train rides arent the only dog-friendly attraction in this historic gold mining town. When it comes to dog-friendly accommodation in Victoria, Odiyana Retreat offers the best for both. The park will receive further upgrades to the toilets, picnic . For more creature comforts, curl up in a pet-friendly cottage, holiday house or apartment. Tour type: Small Group. To the eastern side of the pier dogs are only allowed on the sand during winter. Here dogs are allowed off-leash all day long, year round. 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. Between the third and fourth jetties at Bonna Point reserve its off-leash all day. 3. Theres even an Instagram account devoted to the dogs on the punt tours! The 3.5km return walk takes about an hour to complete, with lots of steps along the way. One of the nicest things about this beautiful and protected cove is the grassy reserve that borders it. Word of advice though: its not great for non-dog swimming. A wonderful dog-friendly destination in the centre of Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Melbourne Gardens. Dog Day . Start point: Melbourne. Dog Friendly Cardinia Reservoir Park is a great place for a family day out. San Juan Island. They can get in a good run too, thanks to the grassy dunes in the park area. It is probably one of the most underrated day trips from Melbourne. Plus, its proximity to the Yarra River and Burnley Park's off-leash area makes it a perfect stop on a dog day out. We already have this email. 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. The return transfer coach departs from Sovereign Hill at 3.25 pm on weekdays and 3.50 pm on weekends. Another popular dog-friendly beach in Melbourne is Altona Dog Beach, just west of the city and Williamstown. Geelong VIC 3220, Australia. This makes this one of the greatest day trips from Melbourne with dogs. Tanglefoot Loop is a ten-kilometre . The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop, plus the dog-friendly Wombat Hill Cafe. Being right in the city, yet feeling as though you are a million miles away lost in a beautiful oasis is hard to top. While dogs are permitted on leash and its well-known as a dog-friendly walk, keep an eye out for signs about 1080 baiting. Close to Federation Square, Pilgrim Bar is another riverside spot that is dog-friendly, serving up tapas-style plates and gourmet toasties. Head to the Fairfield Boathouse, where you can rent boats, canoes and kayaks, and bring along your pup. Grand Haven is a picturesque town on Michigan's West Coast loved by tourists and their dog companions alike, mainly for the amount of greenspaces and beaches. Hike, bike and take in the sights of this lovely town. Generally there are clear sign posts, but sometimes you may need to look online at the council websites. This huge bushland reserve on the edge of Mount Martha is entirely fenced and contains multiple walking tracks, even a creek swimming spot. Park at the carpark on the Calder Highway, where entrance is open from 9am to sunset (during daylight savings time) or 5pm (the rest of the year). I'm Shandos Cleaver and I've travelled to 35 countries around the world with my Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. Only 25km from central Melbourne and you'll be immersed in some of the country's most beautiful scenery. 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. 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. Join the pack at our Victorian Dog Walks group on Facebook for the best tips from other dog owners about great places for walking on and off-lead in Victoria. Location: Melbourne City Royal Botanical Gardens. A dog enjoying brunch at the Farm Cafe. Along the trip, visit the Surf World Museum in Torquay and look for massive waves at the famed Bells Beach. Much appreciated. Before or after, enjoy a picnic with your dog in one of the many picnic grounds, or explore the other dog-friendly attractions of the Macedon Ranges. However, there are quite a few beaches that allow dogs off-leash all year round. Gourmet Pawprints offers a number of experiences including pub crawls, winery tours, a walking tour of historic Williamstown, picnic adventures and more. Tucked over in the South East around 2.5 hours from Melbourne is Phillip Island where you can experience the famous penguin parade on the coast after sunset. Here in regional Victoria, there's space to chase waves and frisbees, and there's sticks and balls to fetch. Contributed by Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers. Let your pup have the window seat and ride in style in the spacious luxury bus where they will surely make heaps of furry friends. They can organise an itinerary for you, taking into account your tastes and recommending the best dog-friendly wineries, with both half-day and full-day options available. 4. Located behind the Tyabb Packing House and surrounded by antique shops, the dog cafe is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Another surprise is that pets are welcome to join you in visiting the stupa, both outside and even inside. Between December and February, plus over Easter, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9am and after 7pm. Find out more about staying in the Melbourne CBD with your dog. Many of the beaches surrounding Torquay are dog friendly, and some just outside town are even off-leash, like Jan Juc and Bells Beach. With hardly any waves and shallow water its suitable for any level of swimmer. Just like most places in Australia, the majority of shops in Melbourne wont be happy if you try and take your dog inside. One area where Melbourne really shines as dog-friendly is their approach to public transport and pets. But make sure you dont wander off course, as dogs are prohibited on other parts of the beach. Check out the rest of our great travel content! Before you start each day, make sure theyve had a decent amount of exercise. From the top of this granite outcrop theres superb views back towards Melbourne and across the Bellarine Peninsula. The best day trips from Melbourne to the city and Williamstown at 3.25 pm weekdays! Posts, but not the first Class carriages, at the Phillip Island is found just the... As possible the couch, right a mixture of Saturdays and weekdays thanks to the,... Read on for everything you need to drive are the Gourmet Pawprints tours on the... More relaxed in the centre of Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Melbourne Gardens Bendigos mining! Done visiting these dog-loving beaches, check out the rest of our great travel content couch, right interactive. 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