Daylesford. It would be cruel to bring them to this beautiful city and not have as many swims as possible. Sandringham Harbour Dog Beach: Located within Sandringham Harbour. For more information on taking pets on all types of public transport within Victoria, see the full guidelines. Adventure Best Seller Hiking/Bush Walk Beach Wildlife. San Juan Island. 1. 23rd - 29th Brisbane. But if youre after something a little cruisier, there are also shorter walks that will allow you to check out the falls and creeks. 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. 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 ). It's a wonderful option for a quirky date in Melbourne. 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 Somerset on Elizabeth manages to provide the privacy and autonomy of an apartment while still offering the hospitality of a hotel. On-leash dog friendly walk and picnic areas. During our stay in Melbourne, we stayed at the Best Western Melbourne City Hotel, the first hotel in Melbourne city to be pet-friendly. 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. Check out the full listing of participating businesses here. Check out the wide variety of lessons offered by SUPS for Pups, both at Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula. Phillip Island: Seaside boardwalk. I've got lots of tips on travelling with a dog, from dog-friendly destinations to pet-friendly accommodation to flying with a dog. Daylesford, an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne, is a day trip that will provide you with a chance to indulge in luxury and relaxation. Discover picturesque views, long and short walks, cycling or simply a place for a cuppa after leisurely strolls through the wilderness. Planning a trip? Victoria's your best friend's paw-fect place. 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. Great Ocean Road. 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. 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. 9 - 11th Illuka. HEAD FOR BUSHWALKS, BEERS AND BELLY RUBS. Looking for a fun day out with your dog around Melbourne? The rooms are spacious and have been recently redecorated, with modern lines and colourful accents. The reserve contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a picnic with your pup. Try some in-tents bonding at Johanna Beach and Lake Elizabeth, Great Otway National Park; Jerusalem Creek, Lake Eildon National Park; Shoreline Drive, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park; Lake Hindmarsh Reserve, and Howqua Hills Historic Area, Mansfield. The stickers also handily indicate which local restaurants and cafes allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas. Phillip Island. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is Australia's oldest steam railway. They might even be lucky enough to nab a taste of doggy ice-cream. Day Trip Safety with Your Dog Our safety tips both before and during your doggie day trip. In Richmond, head to Citizen Park when football isnt being played. I hope I can inspire you to travel with your dog! Daylesford. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. If youre wanting to find an off-leash park, your options are more limited and youll have to head further afield. But heads up, during the week its only off-leash before 9AM and after 4PM. This full-day excursion covers all the highlights, including wildlife viewing at Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. Australias First Notable Town, after being classified by the National Trust in 1966, its a great destination for a dog-friendly day trip. Second to coffee, their speciality is dogs. The punts depart from the landing in front of the Terrace Cafe. 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. A popular spot for dog walking, the reserve contains a number of old mining relics, including some open cut mines. Mornington Peninsula. 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. Some of the best historic botanic gardens to visit around Melbourne include fine examples in Kyneton, Malmsbury, Daylesford and Castlemaine. Another popular dog-friendly beach in Melbourne is Altona Dog Beach, just west of the city and Williamstown. Donna Buang. Probably one of Australia's most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road never . In any case, its best to head here early to avoid the crowds, and nab some great photos with your pup. Great Ocean Road Extended to South Australia. Rutherglen (3 hours from of Melbourne CBD) Along the Murray River, Rutherglen is known as one of premier wine regions in Victoria. The punts can hold up to six passengers, and well-behaved dogs can join you for free. 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. This makes this one of the greatest day trips from Melbourne with dogs. Cats and small dogs need to travel in a container, while larger dogs are permitted if they are wearing a leash and muzzle. I've got lots of tips on travelling with a dog, from dog-friendly destinations to pet-friendly accommodation to flying with a dog. However, when it comes to dog-friendliness, Melbourne is way out in front and by far the most dog-friendly city in Australia. Pets are not allowed on major event days, otherwise they simply need to stay on a leash. Close enough to the city to be a spur of the . Daylesford is a popular weekend destination from Melbourne, but its also close enough for a day trip, with the drive from the centre of Melbourne taking about 80 minutes. Visiting the Yarra Valley wineries is an all time favourite day trip. More info: Read about Somerset's pet options here. It doesnt have to be thoughmany animals love jumping in the car and exploring. Highlights: 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, Loch Arch Gorge, Lower Glenelg National Park, Mount Gambier. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free. Other dog-friendly escapes: You can book this home on Apollo Bay orthis cottage in Daylesfordfor you and your furry friend. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Check out the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens. 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. If this is your first long trip, get them used to things by taking a few shorter rides to places they enjoy. One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne with families, Phillip Island won't disappoint. The Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford contain a short scenic drive loop, plus the dog-friendly Wombat Hill Cafe. Once youre done visiting these dog-loving beaches, and probably starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere great to eat. 28. When staying in the city with our dog, we choose to dine at The General Assembly, near the convention centre. While Geelong is often overlooked in favour of the Great Ocean Road that starts just past it, it is home to a beautiful waterfront that makes for a great dog-friendly stroll. 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). 30th Noosa. 11. For more creature comforts, curl up in a pet-friendly cottage, holiday house or apartment. https://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au. Probably the closest option to Melbourne is Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges, departing from Emerald Station, just over an hour east of Melbourne. The gardens are home to many heritage-listed trees and avenues, as well as a new 21st Century Garden. Shallow Inlet to Sandy Point Beach. Before or after, drop into the Salty Dog Cafe located right next to the beach access track. Located behind the Tyabb Packing House and surrounded by antique shops, the dog cafe is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Eighty per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes . The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road. Wine Compass loves dogs! 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. Even more incredibly, they lay claim to being home to the worlds first caf-style dog beveragethe famous Pupaccino. 1 Melbourne - The Gippsland Lakes - Phillip Island - Mornington Peninsula But considering most of it is covered and fitted out with outdoor heaters, its still a welcoming spot come the coldest and rainiest Melbourne night. Definitely stop by Hosier Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being sprayed onto the walls. Try break up the trip with overnights in pet-friendly hotels or campsites. With an off-leash area including a sandpit and ballpit, on the menu are puppacinos and dog treats, as well as coffees and simple bites for humans. Have a Poke Around the Laneways and Markets. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA. St Kilda has long been a popular day trip destination in Melbourne, and its also a terrific destination to visit with your pup. 11. There's a reason that Daylesford is known as a haven of relaxation. Coastal Road Trips Victoria. 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. The Doghouse Dog Cafe in Collingwood is Melbournes first cafe for dogs (with humans welcome). Many of the cafes have dog-friendly tables out the front, or else the beer garden at the Maldon Hotel is pet-friendly. ; Use our free Walking Maps website to search your area and tick 'Dog off-leash area' for walks featuring a free-roaming space for your pup. Now, this is more of a lagoon than a beach, but we doubt youll get any complaints from your dog. Werribee Open Range Zoo. There are also regular special events. Starting from Torquay, the four-hour drive culminates at the famous Twelve Apostles standing tall amidst the roaring ocean. While youre here, subscribe to our newsletter, check out our magazine, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water at Eastern Beach, as long as they are kept on a leash. One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne is the French creperie Chez Misty in St Kilda. Along the trip, visit the Surf World Museum in Torquay and look for massive waves at the famed Bells Beach. Phillip Island Day Trip (from USD 135.0) Show all photos. Broome to Perth Drive. I'd recommend taking at least two weeks for the road trip . 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. Tempting as it may be to exclusively explore Melbourne's tapestry of shops, restaurants, cafes, laneways and culture, there is p. 10 of the best free things to do in Melbourne. 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. 5. Tick boxes better viewed from a desk-top computer. Ok, lets pause for a real standout among Brisbanes many dog-friendly cafes. 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. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. Dogs are still not allowed off leash inside the gardens, but they are allowed to join you for a stroll on a leash. 1. However, dogs are only permitted on board the Puffing Billy Dog Express that runs one or two days a month and quickly sells out. This huge bushland reserve on the edge of Mount Martha is entirely fenced and contains multiple walking tracks, even a creek swimming spot. Phone +61 3 5272 5272. 6 Best Day Trips from Melbourne 1 | Daylesford. It needs to be stored in an assigned storage location and off-peak travel is recommended; for more information, see here. See the maps on this website. The 7km-long walking track is accessible from either end. Chances are, you and your pet are itching to get out of town. Find out more about staying in the Melbourne CBD with your dog. 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. Stay here:Lavender Farmin Healesville allows pets to stay on their six-bedroom rural property by prior arrangement. You can also book doggie birthday parties and weddings. 10. 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. Along the way, stop and sample some of the local spring water. 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. 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. Punt on the Lake at the Royal Botanic Gardens. 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. The goal of taking a day trip with your dog is to share a stress-free adventure together. I hope I can inspire you to travel with your dog! A dog enjoying brunch at the Farm Cafe. Follow these steps for find pet-friendly Airbnbs. And you dont need to leave your dog behind, with Melbourne River Cruises permitting dogs on board their public Yarra River Cruises. Make space for a break with your best mate. 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. If you have a whole day to spare, you and your dog can book in for a doggy wine tour with Gourmet Pawprints. Check out the rest of our great travel content! For an arty dog-friendly experience on the edge of Melbourne, head to McClellands Sculpture Park near Frankston. 3. The Briars Community Forest takes off-leash dog walking in a fenced area to the next level, and is a must-visit for dogs on the Peninsula. Theres also a variety of both shorter and longer walks, including some flatter options. Another highlight of a visit to the Botanic Gardens is enjoying a punt on the lake. I'm Shandos Cleaver and I've travelled to 35 countries around the world with my Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. Alternatively, combine both together on a 2-hour Melbourne Highlights Cruise. Onsite is Oliviers Cafe, open for breakfast daily or for an early lunch. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century. . 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. Hike, bike and take in the sights of this lovely town. 449km / 4hr 35min. Another on-leash option within the city is Flagstaff Gardens. Stay close, go fur-ther. Yarra Valley Wineries. A quick 1.5 hours away by ferry (ferry schedules willing) is San Juan Island, a PNW staple and a pawsitively grrreat day trip from Seattle. Distance from Melbourne: 244km (one way) 9-10 hours return.Recommend 1-2 Days. To explore more of Bendigos gold mining heritage, head to the Victoria Hill Historic Mining Reserve. I also highly recommend the nearby ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place, which are generally less crowded. Great food, great place and always amazing service. Phone: 1300 339 463. Cats and dogs of all sizes are allowed on the metropolitan trains. 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. Duffys Road Emerald VIC 3782. Many of these are still wonderfully-maintained, and also welcome leashed dogs to join you. 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. With a massive off-leash dog area, 40 miles of pet friendly trails winding through 4,500 acres, a disc golf course, canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals, and a lovely visitor center you could easily spend the entire day! 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