best day trips from melbourne with dogs
In fact, you can even play with penguins at the Florida Aquarium! While dogs may not be able to head inside (and we werent either during our visit, due to university exams), its still a great spot to visit and view the imposing exterior (keeping your pup on a leash). Geelong VIC 3220, Australia. Or head just downriver to Arbory Afloat, a floating cocktail bar that is especially popular on sunny afternoons in summer. Melbourne is deservedly world famous for its street art. Werribee Open Range Zoo. Take the Monash Freeway (M1) to either South Gippsland Freeway (M420), Clyde Road (C407) or Koo Wee Rup Road (C422) exit. If you're looking for a quick day trip from Melbourne, going to the Dandenong Ranges is one of the best you can do. In the winter season, you may not want to travel very far. You can also book doggie birthday parties and weddings. 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. Search for the Community Forest Fenced Dog Park pin on Google Maps. The most well-known destination for street art in Melbourne is Hosier Lane in the city centre, not far from Federation Square. Grab Dinner at Chinatown. On the menu are a range of treats for your dog, from pugichinos to muffins and cookies. Visiting the Yarra Valley wineries is an all time favourite day trip. 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. Try break up the trip with overnights in pet-friendly hotels or campsites. Best day trips from Melbourne: Six top national and state parks to visit. 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. Before or after, drop into the Salty Dog Cafe located right next to the beach access track. Phillip Island is famous with Melbourne residents thanks to its magnificent coastal roads and assortment of sea animals such as seals and penguins. Dandenong Ranges. If youre driving, the hotel can reserve you a discounted 24-hour parking space in the parking garage around the corner, with the option of starting the 24-hour period whenever you want. 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. 10. Available Now. Grand Haven City Beach is a great place to go with your pup on a warm summer day. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne. The only public transport option that doesnt allow pets are the V/Line coach services. Whether you're keen to meander an interactive exhibit. Donna Buang. Best dog friendly pub would have to be College Lawn Hotel Prahran! Just make sure your dog stays on-leash. 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. This leg of the Perth to Melbourne drive takes you further along the Nullarbor and on to the '90 Mile Straight'. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach. If you keep on driving past Frankston, youll arrive at the Mornington Peninsula proper. More info:Torquay, Bells Beach and Jan Juc are along the Great Ocean Road, 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD. 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. Its a scenic 4km ride through a narrow gorge each direction. However, during the rest of the year dogs are allowed all day long on this wonderful ocean-facing beach. Travel time between Melbourne and Ballarat varies from around 65 minutes to 2 hours 48 minutes. 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. Here are my top five recommendations. 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. Pack a scrumptious picnic for a shady rest after enjoying the sights and sounds. The Somerset on Elizabeth manages to provide the privacy and autonomy of an apartment while still offering the hospitality of a hotel. Additionally, if you decide to take a punt tour on the lake, well-behaved dogs can join you for free. 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. Tours run daily, with a single tour on most weekdays but multiple tours on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. (Although this may change once the construction of the interior is complete.) 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. And you dont need to leave your dog behind, with Melbourne River Cruises permitting dogs on board their public Yarra River Cruises. Day One - Exploring the CBD. As well as large fenced grass expanse, theres also a dog agility course. Otherwise you can catch the 21 bus from Ballarat Station. Wine Compass. There are also regular special events. Dont forget to pack their bag too. 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. More info:Hepburn Regional Park, Creswick. 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. I hope I can inspire you to travel with your dog! Given its seaside location, when you head to Queenscliff for the day, pack your bathers and towel. Here's what to see and do - and check out our . Queenscliff is 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne. Fur real. VICTORIA ROAD TRIP | Our ultimate 7-day Victorian road trip guide. Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A wonderful dog-friendly destination in the centre of Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Melbourne Gardens. For more creature comforts, curl up in a pet-friendly cottage, holiday house or apartment. One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne is the French creperie Chez Misty in St Kilda. With a scenic Central Highland setting and a healthy dose of style, Daylesford makes for an easy day out. End point: Mount Gambier. They say the best things in life are free - turns out, they were right! Theres multiple historic train rides located not that far from Melbourne where you can enjoy a ride with your dog. There are both whole home and private room options available on Airbnb that allow pets. Probably the closest option to Melbourne is Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Ranges, departing from Emerald Station, just over an hour east of Melbourne. One of the best short dog-friendly walks is the short hike up to Camels Hump, the highest point in the Macedon Ranges. 2. Check out Flinders St Station and Federation Square. Eighty per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes . 14. Treat your pup to a doggy day bed and a puppa-cino from their menu. Great Ocean Road comes in at number 5 on our list of the best day trips from Melbourne. Location: Melbourne City Royal Botanical Gardens. The 7km-long walking track is accessible from either end. 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. Theres plenty of small boutiques and cafes that line the main street. Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. 12 - 15th Byron Bay - Brunswick Heads. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach for the whole weekend. Phillip Island's Penguin Parade. Being right in the city, yet feeling as though you are a million miles away lost in a beautiful oasis is hard to top. 10 Best Day Trips from Adelaide, Australia. Adventure Best Seller Hiking/Bush Walk Beach Wildlife. Find out more about staying in the Melbourne CBD with your dog. 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. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach, 4. Once youre done visiting these dog-loving beaches, and probably starving, you wont have to look far for somewhere great to eat. Travel on the safari bus through Australian grasslands to spot koalas and kangaroos. They have a special hang out spot with water, lead hooks, and lots of pals for them to socialise with. For just $5, our dog was served up some chicken schnitzel topped with ham and cheese, along with some dog treats and dog biscuits. One easier option is the 800m circuit around Big Rock. Highlights include Kununurra and Lake Argyle, Parrys Lagoon boab forest, Wyndham, Geike Gorge National Park and Broome. Although, if you do make it to the top, youll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view 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). If you feel like heading out and exploring, there's a shallow river nearby that's safe for your pup to splash around in. Dont let your dog wander around the car. The area has recently been revamped, with some new rules in places. It's a wonderful option for a quirky date in Melbourne. Melbourne day trips. 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. If so Geelong is one of the destinations that is considered short day trips. Tour the MCG. No matter how many breaks you take, most dogs will struggle with a whole day of driving. Queenscliff - Swim with Dolphins and Seals. A tired dog will be more relaxed in the car. Its also worthwhile taking a wander through the historic town centre of Walhalla, reading the many signs explaining the towns history. The best tours in Warrnambool are: From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip; From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Rainforest Full-Day Trip; Adelaide to Melbourne: 3-Day Ultimate Overland Journey; From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Otway Overnight Tour; From Melbourne: 4-Day Great Ocean Road Tour to Adelaide Stay close, go fur-ther. Let us suggest a mosey up Australias east coast, taking in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane as you go. Theres a small cafe onsite, as well as plenty of room to enjoy a picnic. 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. 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. Lavandula swiss italian farm. Hike, bike and take in the sights of this lovely town. This length of the road is one of the straightest in the world with no bends for the whole 90 miles. Along the way, stop and sample some of the local spring water. The return transfer coach departs from Sovereign Hill at 3.25 pm on weekdays and 3.50 pm on weekends. Less than 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, Mount Coot-tha is a convenient nature break for you and your dog. 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. 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. The stupa is open daily, entry by donation, and there is a cafe onsite with plenty of dog-friendly tables. Road trips are a great activity for the warmer months, but in Australia that means you could also be travelling during bushfire season. 3 8 Incredible Weekend Getaways in Victoria. If youd prefer a walk amongst nature rather than gritty alleyways, one of the best destinations to head to just outside of Melbourne is the You Yangs Regional Park. For more information, download one of the free audio guided tours. 13. See snow near Melbourne at Mt Donna Buang. It needs to be stored in an assigned storage location and off-peak travel is recommended; for more information, see here. Want more opportunities to learn paddleboarding with you pup? Coastal Road Trips Victoria. Escape the city and take a day trip from Melbourne into nature. Puffing Billy Half Day. An easy way to visit this top tourist attraction is on the Phillip Island Penguin Highlights Day Trip from Melbourne. Find out more about visiting Walhalla with a dog. 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