Theres a small cafe onsite, as well as plenty of room to enjoy a picnic. 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. 13. Book Now. Scratch Pet FoodCollingwood, Vic 3066 Australia, All content 2021 Scratch Pet Health Pty LtdABN 40625813694, Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl. Take a wander through the main street of the historic town, which is largely unchanged since the 19th-century. DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide, plus the best Daylesford Airbnbs to stay in while you're there! Many of the cafes have dog-friendly tables out the front, or else the beer garden at the Maldon Hotel is pet-friendly. For a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beach areas in Melbourne, click. Phillip Island's Penguin Parade. Treat your pup to a doggy day bed and a puppa-cino from their menu. Geelong. (Although this may change once the construction of the interior is complete.) 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. Dont also miss the short walk to the top of this granite outcrop, just a 100m stroll from the carpark. That sadness and separation anxiety can easily be alleviated with one of these dog-friendly weekend trips. Try Tasmania! For more information on taking pets on all types of public transport within Victoria, see the full guidelines. 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. 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. 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. Plus, there is no cost to access Mt Donna Buang. Along the way, perhaps detour onto the recently opened Wangim Walk. 4. 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). Lavandula swiss italian farm. Research the areas youre travelling through and to and make sure that roads are open and towns are welcoming visitors. 3. Flickr/Richard Elzey. Some of the best historic botanic gardens to visit around Melbourne include fine examples in Kyneton, Malmsbury, Daylesford and Castlemaine. DAY TRIPS | 9 amazing day trips from Melbourne. 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 . Take your time travelling via the Great Ocean Road and Grampians, including accommodation. This Melbourne based company offers curated hikes, walks, picnics, high teas, wine tours, and even truffle hunts designed to be enjoyed with your pets. Dogs are also allowed in the park in designated on and off-lead areas. 12 Best Day Trips from Melbourne Within 3 Hours: Breathtaking Hikes, Hot Springs & More. 28. The Mornington Peninsula. Famous for its food and dog-friendly caf culture, the highlight of a Melbourne trip is often eating. Make a booking for a booth, where you can enjoy a coffee and your dog a fancy dogachino, or make a birthday party booking. Theres multiple historic train rides located not that far from Melbourne where you can enjoy a ride with your dog. This likely only occurs once a year. Perhaps the most exciting part of the hotel is that you can bring your whole family fur babies included. Great Ocean Road. Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Melbourne. 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. Open since 2000, Cafe Bones has the honour of being Sydneys first expressly dog friendly cafe. Dogs are allowed off-leash all day long, year round, both on the beach and in the adjacent fenced PA Burns Reserve off-leash park. Check out Flinders St Station and Federation Square. View, 1. Located around the famous mineral springs townships of Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs, this park allows dogs on leash at all times on the extensive walking tracks surrounding the famous Mt Franklins springs. 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. I hope I can inspire you to travel with your dog! Punt for a lazy 30 minutes by day or choose an evening hour-long tour. Youll first of all enjoy a 1-hour Stand Up Paddleboard session with your pup, then breakfast together back at Chez Misty. However, they are still dog-friendly in their outdoor beer garden and still offer $15 params on Tuesday nights. Baits had been recently laid at the Punchbowl Road end when we visited in November 2021, although there were no signs at the other end. Visit the Nobbies on Phillip Island. Here are my top five recommendations. Naturally, plenty of photos are also taken! Each night at sunset, visitors gather along the shore to watch adorable penguins waddle up the beach at the Phillip Island Nature Park. Want more opportunities to learn paddleboarding with you pup? Queenscliff - Swim with Dolphins and Seals. Located less than an hour from the centre of Melbourne, this regional park welcomes dogs to join you, as long as they stay on a leash. For just $5, our dog was served up some chicken schnitzel topped with ham and cheese, along with some dog treats and dog biscuits. A popular spot for dog walking, the reserve contains a number of old mining relics, including some open cut mines. In any case, its best to head here early to avoid the crowds, and nab some great photos with your pup. Cats and small dogs need to travel in a container, while larger dogs are permitted if they are wearing a leash and muzzle. Tanglefoot Loop is a ten-kilometre . The best spot for a doggie swim in the river is just below Deep rock. A solid 3-hour road trip from Melbourne, Lakes Entrance is found in the eastern corner of Victoria. 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. The only public transport option that doesnt allow pets are the V/Line coach services. If visiting on a Sunday, check out the market along the Esplanade. 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. During our visit to Melbourne in 2019, we visited the Newmarket Hotel in St Kilda. The reserve contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a picnic with your pup. 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. Pack a picnic and hop into your car with your pup to enjoy a country outing at any of these gardens. VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide. If youd prefer to not head all the way into the city centre, theres also lots of great examples in other inner city suburbs, ideal for combining with brunch at a cafe or a drink at a local pet-friendly pub. Live interstate and want to fly to Melbourne with your pet? Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. 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 Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA. 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. The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free. Not many people know that Spirit of Tasmania has kennel decks where your dog can take the ride along with you across the pond. 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). LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland's cutest little town, Loch. Now, this is more of a lagoon than a beach, but we doubt youll get any complaints from your dog. 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. 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. Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. 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. While people tend to head on to the Dandenong Ranges, Healesville or elsewhere in the Yarra Valley, Warburton packs a bunch for nature enthusiasts. Along the way, stop and sample some of the local spring water. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome to join you on the underground tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. 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. And you dont need to leave your dog behind, with Melbourne River Cruises permitting dogs on board their public Yarra River Cruises. Happy t (r)ails! Phone +61 3 5272 5272. They also operate an increasing variety of other tours, from city exploration tours to picnic days out. 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). The scenic route takes you through stunning ocean vistas with dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests and a rendezvous with amazing native Australian birds and animals. They are most welcome on small group private tours of the best dog-friendly vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Heathcote. When staying in the city with our dog, we choose to dine at The General Assembly, near the convention centre. Populated with wineries, this popular place makes for a great long weekend getaway. Doggie Road Trip Around Victoria No. Find out more about visiting the Yarra Valley with a dog. Find out more about taking adog-friendly getaway to Daylesford. Donna Buang. Victoria's your best friend's paw-fect place. The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic. I'm Shandos Cleaver and I've travelled to 35 countries around the world with my Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. Dogs are welcome in the gardens, as long as they are kept on a leash, including at the outdoor tables at the small tea house. The Somerset on Elizabeth manages to provide the privacy and autonomy of an apartment while still offering the hospitality of a hotel. Phillip Island. The Melbourne to Perth road trip is LONG - 5,000kms long to be exact. 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. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. San Remo Bridge connects Phillip Islands to mainland Victoria and is only 120 Kms from Melbourne. 16th - 22nd Gold Coast. More info:Torquay, Bells Beach and Jan Juc are along the Great Ocean Road, 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD. 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. The closest dog-friendly beach at St Kilda is on the western side of the pier, near Pier Road until the draining channel. HEAD FOR BUSHWALKS, BEERS AND BELLY RUBS. The rooms are spacious and have been recently redecorated, with modern lines and colourful accents. 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. Especially considering its a full-time off-leash spot. 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. From $ 565. 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. 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. In the mood for a rooftop bar? 5. Mt. Alternatively, combine both together on a 2-hour Melbourne Highlights Cruise. More info: Torquay, Bells Beach and Jan Juc are along the Great Ocean Road, 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD. One easier option is the 800m circuit around Big Rock. Its also possible to visit Maldon on the pet-friendly Victorian Goldfield Railways departing Castlemaine (see #12). For an arty dog-friendly experience on the edge of Melbourne, head to McClellands Sculpture Park near Frankston. One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne is the French creperie Chez Misty in St Kilda. As well as large fenced grass expanse, theres also a dog agility course. Try the pretty campsite at Marengo Holiday Park with stunning views over the water, perched just aboveApollo Bayon the border of the Otway National Park (1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD). The best day trips from Melbourne. How to Get There: Follow signs to Geelong and join the Great Ocean Road just past Anglesea. Warburton. However, there are quite a few beaches that allow dogs off-leash all year round. There's a reason that Daylesford is known as a haven of relaxation. It is probably one of the most underrated day trips from Melbourne. Another popular dog-friendly beach in Melbourne is Altona Dog Beach, just west of the city and Williamstown. However, all opinions are entirely her own. This French creperie has a whole menu of crepes and puppyccinos just for dogs, as well as savoury galettes and sweet crepes for humans. Phone: 1300 339 463. Or head just downriver to Arbory Afloat, a floating cocktail bar that is especially popular on sunny afternoons in summer. Chez Misty isnt just a dog-friendly creperie, they also offer Paddle and Brunch events for adventurous pups. 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! The open parklands, picnic and barbecue areas and native bushland of Cardinia Reservoir Park are abounding with native wildlife and flora. St Kilda has long been a popular day trip destination in Melbourne, and its also a terrific destination to visit with your pup. Even more incredibly, they lay claim to being home to the worlds first caf-style dog beveragethe famous Pupaccino. Finally, it goes without saying, but NEVER leave a dog in a car by themselves. However, Mount Macedon is also worthwhile to visit anytime of year with your dog, thanks to the dog-friendly Forest Glade Gardens. Best day trips from Melbourne: Six top national and state parks to visit. Time from Melbourne: 2hr 30mins. Shallow Inlet to Sandy Point Beach. 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. The rules for whether dogs can access beaches are up to the individual councils. Phillip Island. Adventure Best Seller Hiking/Bush Walk Beach Wildlife. If youre wanting to find an off-leash park, your options are more limited and youll have to head further afield. For more information, download one of the free audio guided tours. 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. 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 . Its a scenic 4km ride through a narrow gorge each direction. St Kilda Beach to the east of the pier only permits dogs over the winter months, but instead head to the western side, near Pier Road, where dogs are allowed off-leash all day long, year round. The You Yangs were named after the local Aboriginal word for big mountain in the middle of the plain. 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. Along the trip, visit the Surf World Museum in Torquay and look for massive waves at the famed Bells Beach. Dogs must be on leash. Canova Dog Beach Canova Beach Park in Indialantic, FL, is home to Brevard County's only dog-friendly beach. Dont let your dog wander around the car. Werribee Open Range Zoo. 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. Dog Park Safety Tips If your dog-friendly day trip includes a dog park stop, be sure to check these tips first. More of a Melbourne trip is long - 5,000kms long to be exact train located. Yangs were named after the local Aboriginal word for Big mountain in the River is just below Deep rock free. 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