Hate leaving your pup at home while you go to work? Daylesford. Another dog-friendly option nearby on the northern bank of the Yarra is the The Wharf Hotel. Find day trips to take today or this coming . 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. West Coast of Australia Road Trip. The historic gold mining town is home to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, with trains running on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Phone +61 3 5272 5272. It takes about an hour to complete the full circuit around the lake, which is largely flat and just under 3km long. 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. Much appreciated. Allow an hour or more to stroll around the many gardens, including the Japanese-style gardens that are a particular highlight. 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. 3,200 km | 14 - 19 days. During our stay in Melbourne, we stayed at the Best Western Melbourne City Hotel, the first hotel in Melbourne city to be pet-friendly. View the original change rooms, blacksmiths shop and engine room, although staff ask you to minimise time in the museum with your dog. It doesnt have to be thoughmany animals love jumping in the car and exploring. Meaning you can turn your beach day into a park day without having to get back in the car. The container is restricted to a maximum size of 56cm long x 30cm wide x 38cm high, with a maximum weight of 15kg. Theres plenty of ocean-side outdoor seating, but the best part is that the beach right in front has an off-leash play spot. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. The Great Ocean Road is difficult to beat for Melbourne road trips by automobile. Your pooches can also be looked after during lunch or tastings if needed. 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). Probably the closest option to Melbourne is Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges, departing from Emerald Station, just over an hour east of Melbourne. If so Geelong is one of the destinations that is considered short day trips. With hardly any waves and shallow water its suitable for any level of swimmer. Luckily then its dog-friendly, so the perfect spot to head for Instagram snaps with your pooch! Maldon isnt the only dog-friendly gold mining town in central Victoria, with the city of Bendigo a superb dog-friendly destination and under 2 hours drive from Melbourne. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free. LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland's cutest little town, Loch. From the top of this granite outcrop theres superb views back towards Melbourne and across the Bellarine Peninsula. Dog Park Safety Tips If your dog-friendly day trip includes a dog park stop, be sure to check these tips first. Out the back are couches for canines, while there is also an indoor off-leash relaxing room. 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. Find out more about visiting Walhalla with a dog. Start point: Melbourne. Over the 2022-23 summer, Paddle and Brunch runs on multiple days per month, a mixture of Saturdays and weekdays. These local roasters take their coffee seriouslynot only making sure its delicious, but also sustainably produced. 12 Best Day Trips from Melbourne Within 3 Hours: Breathtaking Hikes, Hot Springs & More. 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. 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. Take a wander through the main street of the historic town, which is largely unchanged since the 19th-century. Afterwards, make use of the new dog wash-down area next to the carpark, with multiple spraying taps at different heights for all sizes of dogs. Note: The author received media rates at Best Western Melbourne City. Familiar items like toys and blankets will help them relax. This 9.1-acre community beach park includes a small pavilion, grill, picnic shelter, benches along crossover, restrooms, drinking fountain and outside showers. 449km / 4hr 35min. Phillip Island is found just off the south coast of Victoria and makes for one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne. But as it can get quite crowded, which some dogs might not appreciate, I recommend heading a few blocks further east, to the less crowded ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place. The Florida Aquarium. Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. During the Autumn months, Mount Macedon is a popular destination for viewing its colourful Autumn leaves and enjoying its cooler climate. Although known for being spa territory, Daylesford also offers the opportunity to visit interesting shops, markets, and unique galleries, including my personal . Have a Poke Around the Laneways and Markets. The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road. Interested in taking your pup out on the river? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I hope I can inspire you to travel with your dog! 10. The obligatory Nullarbor photo . Day trips from Melbourne without the long drive Tuesday 25 January, 2022 . In the mood for a rooftop bar? All thats missing is your pet trying to hog the couch, right? Many of the beaches surrounding Torquay are dog friendly, and some just outside town are even off-leash, like Jan Juc and Bells Beach. 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! Make sure your dog stays on a leash and is well behaved. 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. Find out more about visiting the Yarra Valley with a dog. Built in 1900, Puffing Billy is Australia's oldest steam railway. Definitely stop by Hosier Lane, where you are likely to spot some new works being sprayed onto the walls. The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic. This bushland reserve might only be 15 minutes out of Brisbane, but it can feel like youre miles away from the hustle and bustle. (Theres a huge selection!) This includes within the convenient free tram zone in the city. 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 an excellent option further out of the city (a car is necessary), head to Aranga Reserve, just off the M3 motorway in Donvale. With a walled front courtyard, beautiful interior, and great coffee, Patch has something for everyone. But make sure you dont wander off course, as dogs are prohibited on other parts of the beach. This length of the road is one of the straightest in the world with no bends for the whole 90 miles. They can get in a good run too, thanks to the grassy dunes in the park area. Where: a 90-minute drive north-west of Melbourne. The Somerset on Elizabeth manages to provide the privacy and autonomy of an apartment while still offering the hospitality of a hotel. Perhaps order one of their meal deals for your dog and enjoy it at one of the many tables. 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. In Richmond, head to Citizen Park when football isnt being played. If you have time, follow the Tramline Walkway with your pup, which starts opposite the old post office, then runs for 700m to the entrance of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. 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. Car parking is on the side of Mount Macedon Road and can be difficult on busy days. The stupa is open daily, entry by donation, and there is a cafe onsite with plenty of dog-friendly tables. While Melbourne and Sydney pride themselves on food and leisure, Brisbane manages to combine the best of both cities. This makes this one of the greatest day trips from Melbourne with dogs. St Kilda has long been a popular day trip destination in Melbourne, and its also a terrific destination to visit with your pup. 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. This leg of the Perth to Melbourne drive takes you further along the Nullarbor and on to the '90 Mile Straight'. A popular spot for dog walking, the reserve contains a number of old mining relics, including some open cut mines. Perhaps head here after a visit to Miss Drews Bakery and Dog Cafe (see #3)? Take your time travelling via the Great Ocean Road and Grampians, including accommodation. Second to coffee, their speciality is dogs. If youre feeling a little fancy, treat yourself at this century-old local institution. The Doghouse Dog Cafe in Collingwood is Melbournes first cafe for dogs (with humans welcome). No matter if youd prefer to head to the beaches or the mountains, stay close to the city or head out on a road trip, Ive got plenty of ideas for dog-friendly day trips all around Melbourne, all within a 2 hour drive of the city centre. And spending a few hours exploring it on foot is actually a fabulous activity to do with your pup. 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. For more information, download one of the free audio guided tours. However, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne are more welcoming. One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne with families, Phillip Island won't disappoint. It's only a short drive from the city centre at under an hour away and is easily accessible via public transport too. For more creature comforts, curl up in a pet-friendly cottage, holiday house or apartment. 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 . 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. The 3.5km return walk takes about an hour to complete, with lots of steps along the way. Once youre done visiting these dog-loving beaches, and probably starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere great to eat. 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. Ok, lets pause for a real standout among Brisbanes many dog-friendly cafes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Especially considering its a full-time off-leash spot. Stay here:For pet-friendly accommodation, try Beachy Keanin Jan Juc. VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide. 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. View, staying in the Melbourne CBD with your dog, dog-friendly attractions of the Macedon Ranges, dog-friendly historic train rides in Australia, dog-friendly attractions on the Mornington Peninsula, 8 Top Dog-Friendly Short Walks in Victoria, 9 of the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria, 11 Fun Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Country Victoria. Renowned for its mineral springs and fine dining, the top dog-friendly activity in Daylesford is taking a stroll around Lake Daylesford. The vacation town even boasts the Must Love Dogs Boutique & Spa, a pet-friendly . Organise a restraint your dog is comfortable with (pet shops offer a wide range). 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. But heads up, during the week its only off-leash before 9AM and after 4PM. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Melbourne with your dog. Book Your Tour Now. They also offer dog birthday and gotcha day parties, plus check their website for details of their regular Paddle and Brunch events. The Mornington Peninsula Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. An hour's drive from CBD, Eastern Beach in Geelong is a small, clean, and safe beach reserve. 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. Theres also plenty of picnic areas in the park. Visit the Nobbies on Phillip Island. A solid 3-hour road trip from Melbourne, Lakes Entrance is found in the eastern corner of Victoria. I've got lots of tips on travelling with a dog, from dog-friendly destinations to pet-friendly accommodation to flying with a dog. The only public transport option that doesnt allow pets are the V/Line coach services. No matter how many breaks you take, most dogs will struggle with a whole day of driving. Its just a short tramride or drive from the centre of Melbourne to the bayside suburb of St Kilda. The start of the 90 Mile Straight on the Nullarbor. Each night at sunset, visitors gather along the shore to watch adorable penguins waddle up the beach at the Phillip Island Nature Park. A wonderful dog-friendly destination in the centre of Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Melbourne Gardens. Dogs are permitted in most areas of Yarra Bend Park, although there are some areas where they are excluded. 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. 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. 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. 3 Days in Oslo: The Perfect Oslo Itinerary. However, there are quite a few beaches that allow dogs off-leash all year round. Alternatively, combine both together on a 2-hour Melbourne Highlights Cruise. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century. Note that there is a small admission charge, which covers both the sculpture park and the galleries. It is probably one of the most underrated day trips from Melbourne. Available Now. With a scenic Central Highland setting and a healthy dose of style, Daylesford makes for an easy day out. Lakes Entrance. 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. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne. For a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beach areas in Melbourne, click. 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. 23rd - 29th Brisbane. Doggie Road Trip Around Victoria No. Highlights include the sprawling Paradise Bookshop, the atmospheric Convent Gallery and artist David Bromley's spectacular . 2. 2.5 Dandenong Ranges Tour by Puffing Billy Train. 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. Finally, Walhalla is about 2.5 hours drive east of Melbourne, but well worth the longer drive. Ask whether this is still available (I believe its currently off the menu). They also operate an increasing variety of other tours, from city exploration tours to picnic days out. Gourmet Pawprints offers a number of experiences including pub crawls, winery tours, a walking tour of historic Williamstown, picnic adventures and more. Best time to visit: Low season (autumn and winter) to avoid the crowds, but for beach fun in the sun, spring or summer is best.. Don't miss: The 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach, Apollo Bay, Otway National Park, Port Campbell, Port Fairy . Theres plenty of small boutiques and cafes that line the main street. Hourly regional trains go there from Melbourne, taking 1.5 hours. The stunning and surreal landscapes of the Kimberley are like nowhere else on earth. About a two-hour drive east of Melbourne is the Toorongo Falls Reserve at Noojee. Another highlight of a visit to the Botanic Gardens is enjoying a punt on the lake. 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. 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. Just over an hour north of Melbourne is Hanging Rock, made famous by the novel and subsequent film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. Try another? 9) Daylesford. Itll help them get comfortable and associate the car with good things. There's places to set free all your wags and wiggles - until you're all tuckered out. Dandenong Ranges. 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! Tours run daily, with a single tour on most weekdays but multiple tours on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. Just past Eastern Beach are the Geelong Botanic Gardens, located in the larger Eastern Park. 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. 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. Phillip Island: Seaside boardwalk. 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