Its also worthwhile taking a wander through the historic town centre of Walhalla, reading the many signs explaining the towns history. For a listing, download the visitor guide from the website. 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). Probably one of Australia's most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road never . Highlights include Kununurra and Lake Argyle, Parrys Lagoon boab forest, Wyndham, Geike Gorge National Park and Broome. Tanglefoot Loop is a ten-kilometre . This makes this one of the greatest day trips from Melbourne with dogs. The beautiful historic town of Bendigo (Courtesy City of Bendigo) Bendigo While the Best Western Melbourne City was the first hotel in Melbourne City to allow pets to stay in some of its rooms, an increasing number of hotels in Melbourne are becoming pet-friendly, from luxury hotels through to many apartment hotels, both in the city centre and in the suburbs. Organise a restraint your dog is comfortable with (pet shops offer a wide range). Before or after, drop into the Salty Dog Cafe located right next to the beach access track. On the outer eastern edge of Melbourne in Boronia is The Dog Cafe. Let us suggest a mosey up Australias east coast, taking in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane as you go. Highlights: 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Loch Arch Gorge, Lower Glenelg National Park, Mount Gambier. 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). Melbourne is a great destination to visit with your dog, whether on a short trip or as part of a longer lap around Australia. However, the rules have been relaxed when it comes to Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran, which has recently become Melbournes first dog-friendly shopping precinct. 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. Phillip Island is found just off the south coast of Victoria and makes for one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne. I hope I can inspire you to travel with your dog! Oh, dogs like it too! Note: The author received media rates at Best Western Melbourne City. The beach is large enough for a beach stroll, plus for your pup to enjoy a doggie paddle with plenty of space. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. The You Yangs were named after the local Aboriginal word for big mountain in the middle of the plain. 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 . Time from Melbourne: 2hr 30mins. Plus its easy to get around the city with smaller pets. One of the best short dog-friendly walks is the short hike up to Camels Hump, the highest point in the Macedon Ranges. During our stay in Melbourne, we stayed at the Best Western Melbourne City Hotel, the first hotel in Melbourne city to be pet-friendly. 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. Between December and February, plus over Easter, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9am and after 7pm. A dog enjoying brunch at the Farm Cafe. Plus, its proximity to the Yarra River and Burnley Parks off-leash area makes it a perfect stop on a dog day out. 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. Available Now. Phillip Island. While people tend to head on to the Dandenong Ranges, Healesville or elsewhere in the Yarra Valley, Warburton packs a bunch for nature enthusiasts. Dogs are permitted on the Excursion Class carriages, at the discretion of the Station Master, but not the First Class carriages. Great Ocean Road comes in at number 5 on our list of the best day trips from Melbourne. The most popular walking track in the park heads to the summit of Flinders Peak. Thanks for the awsome info! Inside, floor to ceiling windows frame panoramic views of Wilsons Promontory, while large . 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD. 7) Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. All thats missing is your pet trying to hog the couch, right? Broome to Perth Drive. 10. Youll first of all enjoy a 1-hour Stand Up Paddleboard session with your pup, then breakfast together back at Chez Misty. Theres plenty of swimming, adventuring, eating, and drinking to keep you both busy. However, dogs are only permitted on board the Puffing Billy Dog Express that runs one or two days a month and quickly sells out. San Remo Bridge connects Phillip Islands to mainland Victoria and is only 120 Kms from Melbourne. Dogs are also allowed year round on the sand at St Kilda West, except for the sensitive dune area, plus in between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the St Kilda Marina car park. For a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beach areas in Melbourne, click. Luckily, with so many venues that welcome your pooch, like the dog-friendly beaches, you wont have to leave your dog on the curb. They can get in a good run too, thanks to the grassy dunes in the park area. Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Not sure where to start? These privately owned gardens are open daily and were gorgeous on the late spring day that we visited. This full-day excursion covers all the highlights, including wildlife viewing at Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. One area where Melbourne really shines as dog-friendly is their approach to public transport and pets. Your dog wont be allowed inside of the Luna Park amusement park (and wouldnt appreciate the screams), but instead take a walk out along the pier (dogs allowed on a leash) or visit one of the surrounding beaches. We already have this email. After almost a year of restricted travel, most parts of Australia are starting to open up just in time for the summer holidays. Just check out their Instagram account for plenty of photos of contented pooches. Check out Harlow Bar in Richmond, which welcomes dogs both in their beer garden and on the rooftop, accessible from the stairs in the beer garden. Door County. If you're looking for fun day trips near Melbourne to entertain the kids, the Werribee Zoo is only a 30 minute drive from the city but you'll feel like you're a world away. Only 25km from central Melbourne and you'll be immersed in some of the country's most beautiful scenery. 2. Its best to book in advance, at least during holiday periods. 1. We set ourselves the challenge of seeking out some great pet-friendly accommodation in Victoria and as Victoria is quite a big area, splitting them in to manageable dog friendly road trips. After youve had a bite you can both stretch your legs at the beautiful Merri Creek trail or walk up to the off-leash area in nearby Yarra Bend Park.18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford. The start of the 90 Mile Straight on the Nullarbor. 3 8 Incredible Weekend Getaways in Victoria. For more creature comforts, curl up in a pet-friendly cottage, holiday house or apartment. In Richmond, head to Citizen Park when football isnt being played. Close to Federation Square, Pilgrim Bar is another riverside spot that is dog-friendly, serving up tapas-style plates and gourmet toasties. Melbourne day trips. Best dog friendly pub would have to be College Lawn Hotel Prahran! Yarra Valley. From the top of this granite outcrop theres superb views back towards Melbourne and across the Bellarine Peninsula. However, its only 1km, so can easily be completed in 20-30 minutes. Perhaps Melbourne's favourite day trip location, the Mornington Peninsula is a region perfect for a family break, an outdoors adventure or a weekend of indulgence. Research the areas youre travelling through and to and make sure that roads are open and towns are welcoming visitors. On the regional V/Line trains, only small pets in a container are allowed onboard. Youll need to bring: lead, collar, water bowl, food bowl, treats, favourite toys, poo bags, blanket, bed, and any medication they may need. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Distance from Melbourne: 104 Km. Read 845,248 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Melbourne to various destinations. Find out more about taking adog-friendly getaway to Daylesford. Stay here:Lavender Farmin Healesville allows pets to stay on their six-bedroom rural property by prior arrangement. One of the nicest things about this beautiful and protected cove is the grassy reserve that borders it. 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. When staying in the city with our dog, we choose to dine at The General Assembly, near the convention centre. Being right in the city, yet feeling as though you are a million miles away lost in a beautiful oasis is hard to top. The container is restricted to a maximum size of 56cm long x 30cm wide x 38cm high, with a maximum weight of 15kg. The outdoor tables at the tea rooms are also dog-friendly. 6 Best Day Trips from Melbourne 1 | Daylesford. Yarra Valley Wineries. It would be cruel to bring them to this beautiful city and not have as many swims as possible. Purchase a bone or occupier treat for them to chew on across the trip. Note that dogs need to be kept on a leash. Theres also a variety of both shorter and longer walks, including some flatter options. Here's what to see and do - and check out our . Eighty per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes . West Coast of Australia Road Trip. If youd prefer to drive your own boat in Melbourne with your dog on-board consider hiring one of the dog-friendly picnic boats from GoBoat. 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. Private guided punt tours generally last 30-minutes, and run between September and May. (Note that dogs arent permitted on other cruises, including dinner and special event cruises.). Fur real. 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. 449km / 4hr 35min. Try one of thesestellar doggie daycaresthat will make sure your four-legged pal isn't bored and lonely while you're working. If visiting on a Sunday, check out the market along the Esplanade. 2.6 Grampians National Park. Its just a short tramride or drive from the centre of Melbourne to the bayside suburb of St Kilda. Many of the walks in the Otways are dog friendly on-leash (just check the signs at the start of the trail) or, if you're looking for some off-leash fun, Marengo Beach nearby is dog off-leash all year round. While youre here, subscribe to our newsletter, check out our magazine, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Often, dogs are allowed off-leash on beaches over the winter period, but come the summer months are restricted to just early and late in the day, if at all. Distance - approx 142km/88 miles. The city has a lot to offer anyone looking for a relaxed or exciting break. 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. In the decades since, theyre worked hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and now offer gourmet dog biscuits too. Dandenong Ranges. 3. To the eastern side of the pier dogs are only allowed on the sand during winter. that will make sure your four-legged pal isn't bored and lonely while you're working. Nestled within 25 hectares of rolling hills and lush native bushland, this one-of-a-kind holiday home offers picturesque surrounds for your pup to run wild. Phone +61 3 5272 5272. 13. As I mentioned above, dogs are welcome in the Royal Botanic Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Hi! 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. After missing out on visiting these famous colourful bathing boxes on previous trips to Melbourne, when I visited with my dog I was determined to visit them. For more dog-friendly beaches, check out my selection of the best dog-friendly beaches in Victoria. Here dogs are allowed off-leash all day long, year round. All the modcons you desire are included, including cable TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a rainwater showerhead. 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. Check out the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens. San Juan Island. Hike the George Bass Coastal Walk. Visit the Nobbies on Phillip Island. Distance: 7.25km. Dont let your dog wander around the car. 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. Perhaps the most exciting part of the hotel is that you can bring your whole family fur babies included. Dogs are permitted in most areas of Yarra Bend Park, although there are some areas where they are excluded. Plus, its proximity to the Yarra River and Burnley Park's off-leash area makes it a perfect stop on a dog day out. Melbourne is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. They also offer dog birthday and gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details of their regular Paddle and Brunch events. Over the 2022-23 summer, Paddle and Brunch runs on multiple days per month, a mixture of Saturdays and weekdays. Have a Poke Around the Laneways and Markets. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Wine Compass. For an arty dog-friendly experience on the edge of Melbourne, head to McClellands Sculpture Park near Frankston. 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. Theres even an Instagram account devoted to the dogs on the punt tours! A little past Bells Beach (which is where the experienced surfers hang), theres a state park that allows on-leash hounds and has a bevvy of great beginners beaches just look for cars with surfboards on the roof and check signs about dog restrictions. And spending a few hours exploring it on foot is actually a fabulous activity to do with your pup. Werribee Open Range Zoo. Find out more about visiting the Yarra Valley with a dog. 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. 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. Day Trip Safety with Your Dog Our safety tips both before and during your doggie day trip. More info:Hepburn Regional Park, Creswick. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach, 4. Known for its picturesque intertwining lakes, amazing camping grounds, and the famous Ninety Mile Beach - it's a popular spot for families and nature seekers. For something a bit more extravagant for your pooch, head to one of the many dog-friendly cafes round Melbourne that serve up a whole menu for pups, not just humans. Search for the Community Forest Fenced Dog Park pin on Google Maps. (We selected for it to start at 11am, so we could spend our arrival day exploring the city.). Your pooches can also be looked after during lunch or tastings if needed. There are also regular special events. It's only a short drive from the city centre at under an hour away and is easily accessible via public transport too. 9 Best Road Trips in Australia: Iconic Great Ocean Road Drive, Adventure-Filled . 14. 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