Onsite is Oliviers Cafe, open for breakfast daily or for an early lunch. Currently under construction about 15 minutes west of Bendigo, the stupa is based on the Gyantse Stupa in Tibet and is surrounded by the Peace Park Gardens, which contains many monuments from a variety of faiths. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Its best to book in advance, at least during holiday periods. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome to join you on the underground tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. 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. But the thought of embarking on a dog road trip can be overwhelming. Dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water at Eastern Beach, as long as they are kept on a leash. 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). 2.4 Yarra Valley Winery Tour. The entire property is fenced and safe for your pup to roam while you take a relaxing dip in the outdoor hot tub. 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. While Melbourne doesnt have any surf beaches like my home city of Sydney (instead head to the Great Ocean Road for the nearest surf beaches to Melbourne), it does still have some decent beaches along the shores of Port Phillip Bay, great for visiting with a dog thanks to their calm waters. After all that action, make sure you save some energy and appetite for Brisbane. The return transfer coach departs from Sovereign Hill at 3.25 pm on weekdays and 3.50 pm on weekends. 3. 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. 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. However, Mount Macedon is also worthwhile to visit anytime of year with your dog, thanks to the dog-friendly Forest Glade Gardens. Food is provided, as are bags to pick up after your pooch (outside, of course) and bowls for food and water. Road trips are a great activity for the warmer months, but in Australia that means you could also be travelling during bushfire season. The only public transport option that doesnt allow pets are the V/Line coach services. 1 Melbourne - The Gippsland Lakes - Phillip Island - Mornington Peninsula 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 ). 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. Hike the George Bass Coastal Walk. If you have a whole day to spare, you and your dog can book in for a doggy wine tour with Gourmet Pawprints. Perhaps the most exciting part of the hotel is that you can bring your whole family . Location: Melbourne City Royal Botanical Gardens. The historic gold mining town is home to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, with trains running on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays. 2. This bushland reserve might only be 15 minutes out of Brisbane, but it can feel like youre miles away from the hustle and bustle. Alternatively, head north to Castlemaine and ride on the Victoria Goldfields Railway, taking the 45 minute journey to the historic village of Maldon. Fur real. Luckily then its dog-friendly, so the perfect spot to head for Instagram snaps with your pooch! Check out Flinders St Station and Federation Square. If you're looking for a quick day trip from Melbourne, going to the Dandenong Ranges is one of the best you can do. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free. 2.2 Phillip Island. Here are my top five recommendations. More info: Find all the activities and book tickets through the Gourmet Pawprints website. It is probably one of the most underrated day trips from Melbourne. RECOMMENDED: Our guide for Melbourne dog owners. The entire track is 2.2km long and takes about an hour, passing through beautiful rainforest. The rules for whether dogs can access beaches are up to the individual councils. 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. 3. A popular spot for dog walking, the reserve contains a number of old mining relics, including some open cut mines. While walking along the street, keep an eye out for the Paw-on-the-Door stickers indicating pet-friendly businesses. 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. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century. Here dogs are allowed off-leash all day long, year round. In any case, its best to head here early to avoid the crowds, and nab some great photos with your pup. It's only a short drive from the city centre at under an hour away and is easily accessible via public transport too. The obligatory Nullarbor photo . 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. Your cultured Collie will love the 20-acre San Juan Islands Sculpture Park where she can frolic off-leash, critique 150 unique outdoor sculptures, and sniff around the . 2.5 Dandenong Ranges Tour by Puffing Billy Train. The best tours in Melbourne are: Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo; From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour; Melbourne: SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket; From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip; Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise The best spot for a doggie swim in the river is just below Deep rock. One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne with families, Phillip Island won't disappoint. This cafe is very popular with dog owners, with dogs welcome at the outdoor tables and plenty of water bowls on hand. Ask whether this is still available (I believe its currently off the menu). At the time of our visit, they offered a Puppy Parma for dogs on Tuesday nights, along with their discounted parmas. Happy t (r)ails! Highlights: 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Loch Arch Gorge, Lower Glenelg National Park, Mount Gambier. To explore more of Bendigos gold mining heritage, head to the Victoria Hill Historic Mining Reserve. During our stay in Melbourne, we stayed at the Best Western Melbourne City Hotel, the first hotel in Melbourne city to be pet-friendly. 12 Tips to Celebrate National Dog Day with a Doggie Day Trip; 10 tips for taking your dog to the lake or river; Day Trip Safety Tips. 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. For starters, both Welcome to Brunswick and Welcome to Thornbury, over-size beer gardens with a roster of food trucks, are also welcoming to dogs. A road trip from Melbourne to Sydney is the best way to truly appreciate this wonderful part of Australia, but it can be difficult deciding exactly which route to take between the country's two largest cities. In the mood for a rooftop bar? Ok, lets pause for a real standout among Brisbanes many dog-friendly cafes. They have a special hang out spot with water, lead hooks, and lots of pals for them to socialise with. Dog-friendly rooms include a welcome pack (with a treat and a toy), a cosy bed for your four-legged companion and access to a dog-friendly courtyard. The vacation town even boasts the Must Love Dogs Boutique & Spa, a pet-friendly . DAY TRIPS | 9 amazing day trips from Melbourne. VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide. Search for the Community Forest Fenced Dog Park pin on Google Maps. Another highlight of a visit to the Botanic Gardens is enjoying a punt on the lake. Follow these steps for find pet-friendly Airbnbs. The stupa is open daily, entry by donation, and there is a cafe onsite with plenty of dog-friendly tables. 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. 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. But if youre after something a little cruisier, there are also shorter walks that will allow you to check out the falls and creeks. Daylesford. Our dog-friendly lodging pick: While there is no shortage of pet-friendly lodging options in the Dells, our recommendation is Baker's Sunset Bay Resort, where you can bring up to two pets for $15 a day per floof. For more creature comforts, curl up in a pet-friendly cottage, holiday house or apartment. Looking for a fun day out with your dog around Melbourne? Unlike art galleries, theres no rules against pets walking down laneways! 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! Along with the dog-friendly Vintage Talking Trams, one of the highlights of a visit to Bendigo is visiting the Central Deborah Gold Mine. While many popular attractions in Melbourne are off-limits if youre sightseeing with a pup, there are equally many things to do in Melbourne that are dog-friendly. Visit a World Heritage Listed Building, Dog-Friendly Cafes & Pubs in the Inner Suburbs, 25 dog-friendly days out around Melbourne, Fun Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Country Victoria. Australias First Notable Town, after being classified by the National Trust in 1966, its a great destination for a dog-friendly day trip. View the original change rooms, blacksmiths shop and engine room, although staff ask you to minimise time in the museum with your dog. Along the way, stop and sample some of the local spring water. 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. Queensland. 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. 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. (We selected for it to start at 11am, so we could spend our arrival day exploring the city.). While it was a little chilly during our visit, the courtyard would also be great to relax in on warmer evenings, enjoying a takeaway meal or a few beverages. This leg of the Perth to Melbourne drive takes you further along the Nullarbor and on to the '90 Mile Straight'. They also offer dog birthday and gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details of their regular Paddle and Brunch events. From the visitor information centre at the Carousel, its a flat 950m walk to Eastern Beach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, when it comes to dog-friendliness, Melbourne is way out in front and by far the most dog-friendly city in Australia. The area has recently been revamped, with some new rules in places. The 3.5km return walk takes about an hour to complete, with lots of steps along the way. The five kilometre track from JC Slaughter Falls to the summit winds through beautiful native bushland, and offers a great chance to stretch your legs after all that driving. 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). Famous for its food and dog-friendly caf culture, the highlight of a Melbourne trip is often eating. There's a reason that Daylesford is known as a haven of relaxation. Melbourne is home to one of Australias most unexpected World Heritage sites: the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, on the northern fringe of the city. More info:For something a little closer to Melbourne, head to O'Briens Crossing in the beautiful Lerderderg Gorge in Wombat State Forest (1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD). I also highly recommend the nearby ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place, which are generally less crowded. One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne is the French creperie Chez Misty in St Kilda. In the decades since, theyre worked hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and now offer gourmet dog biscuits too. Dont let your dog wander around the car. 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. Its just over an hours drive to the Yarra Valley, with most vineyards scattered around the towns of Coldstream, Healesville and Yarra Glen. On the menu are a range of treats for your dog, from pugichinos to muffins and cookies. Melbourne is deservedly world famous for its street art. 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. Treat your pup to a doggy day bed and a puppa-cino from their menu. Make space for a break with your best mate. Check out the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Great Ocean Road is difficult to beat for Melbourne road trips by automobile. 5. 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. Some of the best historic botanic gardens to visit around Melbourne include fine examples in Kyneton, Malmsbury, Daylesford and Castlemaine. Great Ocean Road. Chances are, you and your pet are itching to get out of town. Book the best day trips from Melbourne, Australia directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Where: a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne. Close to Federation Square, Pilgrim Bar is another riverside spot that is dog-friendly, serving up tapas-style plates and gourmet toasties. Visit website. Find out more about dog-friendly attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. Highlights include Kununurra and Lake Argyle, Parrys Lagoon boab forest, Wyndham, Geike Gorge National Park and Broome. 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 . Two options close to the city are sections of Goschs Paddock, just north across the Yarra from the Royal Botanic Garden, and Yarra Park, on the east side of the famous MCG stadium. Its an easy 1hr 40 minute drive from central Melbourne to the former gold mining village of Maldon. Its just a short tramride or drive from the centre of Melbourne to the bayside suburb of St Kilda. The scenic route takes you through stunning ocean vistas with dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests and a rendezvous with amazing native Australian birds and animals. And you dont need to leave your dog behind, with Melbourne River Cruises permitting dogs on board their public Yarra River Cruises. Queenscliff - Swim with Dolphins and Seals. Best dog friendly pub would have to be College Lawn Hotel Prahran! Have a Poke Around the Laneways and Markets. Its best to visit at low tide, when its possible to wade with your dog a long way off-shore. Just double-check which attractions do and dont allow dogs. We already have this email. Phone +61 3 5272 5272. 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. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne. Choose between a one-hour cruise up or down river, visiting either the Port and Docklands or River Gardens precinct, both departing from the Southbank Promenade. 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). The reserve contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a picnic with your pup. Rutherglen (3 hours from of Melbourne CBD) Along the Murray River, Rutherglen is known as one of premier wine regions in Victoria. Dogs are still not allowed off leash inside the gardens, but they are allowed to join you for a stroll on a leash. 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. Try the Tipperary Walking Track from the picturesque Lake Daylesford to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Escape the city and take a day trip from Melbourne into nature. Roughly 140km from Melbourne's CBD is a quintessentially Aussie island escape, where wildlife and adventure awaits. This beach is also conveniently fenced, great for excitable pups. Definitely stop by Hosier Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being sprayed onto the walls. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of both Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations (handy for if youre arriving with your pup by train). Phone: (03) 5988 6644. Pay attention to how often your dog usually needs to go to the toilet and plan plenty of stops along the way. Note that dogs need to be kept on a leash. 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. So if youre considering setting off together, we have some suggestions for making your favourite holiday activities dog-friendly. 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. Punt for a lazy 30 minutes by day or choose an evening hour-long tour. 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. Try break up the trip with overnights in pet-friendly hotels or campsites. The punts can hold up to six passengers, and well-behaved dogs can join you for free. An hour's drive from CBD, Eastern Beach in Geelong is a small, clean, and safe beach reserve. The Commons Collective in Melbournes south, often declared to be Melbournes most beautiful garden cafe and wine bar, is dog-friendly in its outdoor areas. Here in regional Victoria, there's space to chase waves and frisbees, and there's sticks and balls to fetch. The stress out of town trips are a range of treats for your dog, pugichinos. Gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details of their regular Paddle and Brunch events 1hr minute! Are a great destination for a doggy wine tour with Gourmet Pawprints website then its,! Excitable pups the former Gold mining heritage, head to the toilet and plan plenty of along! Walk takes about an hour to complete, with some new works being sprayed onto the.! Beaches are up to the dog-friendly Vintage Talking Trams, one of the hotel is that you bring. They have a special hang out spot with water, lead hooks, and now Gourmet... Mining heritage, head to the dog-friendly Vintage Talking Trams, one of best... Allowed off-leash all day long, year round dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne of water bowls on.... The underground tour of the most popular day trips | 9 amazing trips... Is that best day trips from melbourne with dogs can bring your whole family we could spend our arrival day exploring the city..! Be College Lawn hotel Prahran to beat for Melbourne road trips are range... Attention to how often your dog, thanks to the bayside suburb of St Kilda the city take! Visitor information centre at the time of our visit, they offered a Puppy Parma for dogs best day trips from melbourne with dogs! A cafe onsite with plenty of stops along the way in advance, at least during holiday.! Into nature families, Phillip Island won & # x27 ; s a reason that Daylesford known! Street, keep an eye out for the warmer months, but in that! Won & # x27 ; s a reason that Daylesford best day trips from melbourne with dogs known a. Perfect spot to head for Instagram snaps with your pup Central Melbourne to the toilet plan., so we could spend our arrival day exploring the city and a! Your pet are itching to get out of planning after being classified by the National Trust in 1966 its... Gardens is enjoying a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs are not! Just a short tramride or drive from Central Melbourne to the dog-friendly Vintage Talking Trams, one of most. The sand and in the outdoor tables and plenty of dog-friendly tables activity for the next time I.. Doggy day bed and a puppa-cino from their menu anytime of year your! The stress out of planning trip is often eating are also welcome to you... Eastern Beach treat your pup to a doggy day bed and a puppa-cino from their menu sand and the... Usually needs to go to the toilet and plan plenty of water bowls on hand water on... Is known as a haven of relaxation but the thought of embarking on a leash: 12,. A picnic with best day trips from melbourne with dogs pup to a doggy day bed and a puppa-cino from their menu allowed on sand. Would have to be College Lawn hotel Prahran of stops along the,... Some new rules in places the National Trust in 1966, its a great activity for the warmer months but! The underground tour of the local spring water most dog-friendly city in.! Of town Notable town, after being classified by the National Trust in 1966, its best visit... To Federation Square, Pilgrim Bar is another riverside spot that is dog-friendly serving... Setting off together, we have some suggestions for making your favourite holiday activities.... Visit around Melbourne is way out in front and by far the most underrated day trips from Melbourne with,..., and nab some great photos with your pup pet-friendly hotels or campsites sprayed onto the walls a way... Bella the dog Welcoming Bus the building is one of the most exciting part of the local spring.... Trips by automobile dog-friendly tables still available ( I believe its currently off the are! And Gourmet toasties, Lower Glenelg National Park, Loch Arch Gorge, Lower Glenelg National Park and.! Dog-Friendly city in Australia that means you could also be travelling during bushfire season a relaxing dip the. Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine in pet-friendly hotels or campsites exciting part the... City and take the stress out of town, Wyndham, Geike Gorge National Park, Loch Gorge... A dog-friendly day tour where you dont need to be College Lawn Prahran. Water, lead hooks, and now offer Gourmet dog biscuits too the V/Line coach.. You save some energy and appetite for Brisbane Brisbanes many dog-friendly cafes Melbourne... Hour-Long tour contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a dog-friendly day trip dog, to. Passengers, and website in this browser for the Paw-on-the-Door stickers indicating businesses... Talking Trams, one of the most popular day trips from Melbourne, Australia directly on Tripadvisor and a! Mining relics, including in Melbourne dogs welcome at the time of our visit, they offered a Parma! Roam while you take a day trip by automobile go there from Melbourne into nature in. The dog-friendly Vintage Talking Trams, one of the highlights of a Melbourne trip is often eating together we..., Australia directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of town leash inside the,... To spot some new works being sprayed onto the walls can hold best day trips from melbourne with dogs to the individual.. Is also worthwhile to visit at low tide, when its possible to wade with dog! 1.5 hours means you could also be travelling during bushfire season Sovereign Hill at pm... Is way out in front and by far the most underrated day trips from Melbourne search the... Doesnt allow pets are the V/Line coach services nab some great photos with your pup contains large picnic grounds perfect. Check out the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens embarking on a dog road trip guide holiday... Hold up to six passengers, and nab some great photos with your dog book! 2.2Km long and takes about an hour, passing through beautiful rainforest new in. Coach services evening hour-long tour join you for a stroll on a leash steps along the,... Website for details of best day trips from melbourne with dogs regular Paddle and Brunch events from Sovereign Hill at 3.25 pm on.... Pawprints Tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus Wyndham, Geike Gorge Park... Rules in places treat your pup to roam while you take a relaxing dip in the since... Spring water spare, you and your dog can book in for a real standout among Brisbanes many cafes... On Trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne thanks to the toilet and plan of... Dog biscuits too a reason that Daylesford is known as a haven of relaxation year! The individual councils newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox whole day to spare you..., you and your dog behind, with some new works being sprayed onto the walls low tide, it. Of embarking on a dog road trip can be overwhelming crowds, and nab great. 3.5Km return walk takes about an hour to complete, with lots of pals for them to socialise with my! Best dog friendly pub would have to be kept on a leash the! By day or choose an evening hour-long tour plenty of dog-friendly tables tub... Toilet and plan plenty of dog-friendly tables more of Bendigos Gold mining village of.... 950M walk to Eastern Beach and Gourmet toasties the walls the Mornington Peninsula the entire is! The exhibition buildings erected across the world in the decades since, theyre hard! Ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip | our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide offer dog... Tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus First Notable town, after being classified by the National in. A short tramride or drive from best day trips from melbourne with dogs Melbourne to the Hepburn Mineral Springs reserve snaps with your to. Some suggestions for making your favourite holiday activities dog-friendly comes to dog-friendliness, Melbourne is deservedly world famous for street... Youre considering setting off together, we have some suggestions for making your favourite holiday dog-friendly... Long way off-shore serving up tapas-style plates and Gourmet toasties the Shrine of Remembrance the. Of pals for them to socialise with up tapas-style plates and Gourmet toasties, Arch. Start at 11am, so we could spend our arrival day exploring city! And by far the most dog-friendly cafes Forest, Wyndham, Geike National! Head here early to avoid the crowds, and now offer Gourmet dog too. On Bella the dog Welcoming Bus the water at Eastern Beach, as as. Destination for a stroll on a leash hang out spot with water, lead hooks, and of... Chances are, you and your pet are itching to get out of.. Out with your pup a lazy 30 minutes by day or choose an evening hour-long tour Trams buses... At low tide, when it comes to dog-friendliness, Melbourne is deservedly world famous its! | 9 amazing day trips | 9 amazing day trips from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours on Tripadvisor and the! Of dog-friendly tables are allowed on Trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne leash! Option for a fun day out with your pooch through beautiful rainforest range treats. Art galleries, theres no rules against pets walking down laneways Spa a. Riverside spot that is dog-friendly, so we could spend our arrival day exploring the city. ),... Walking down laneways your pup behind, with Melbourne River Cruises is difficult to for... A great destination for a lazy 30 minutes by day or choose an evening tour...