The start of the 90 Mile Straight on the Nullarbor. Phone: (03) 5988 6644. Between the third and fourth jetties at Bonna Point reserve its off-leash all day. Phillip Island. Which one of these fun ideas will you next tick off with your pup? It's a wonderful option for a quirky date in Melbourne. 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. Chez Misty isnt just a dog-friendly creperie, they also offer Paddle and Brunch events for adventurous pups. All thats missing is your pet trying to hog the couch, right? While dogs are not surprisingly not permitted on the underground mine tours, theyre welcome to join you on leash in exploring the surface of the former gold mine for free, including ascending halfway up the poppet head along the trestle way (if they can be carried up the stairs). After all that action, make sure you save some energy and appetite for Brisbane. 10) Wilsons Promontory national park. Cats and dogs of all sizes are allowed on the metropolitan trains. More info: Read about Somerset's pet options here. For an excellent option further out of the city (a car is necessary), head to Aranga Reserve, just off the M3 motorway in Donvale. It sits on one side of the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. 2.7 Macedon Ranges Tour. 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. More info: Find all the activities and book tickets through the Gourmet Pawprints website. 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). The goal of taking a day trip with your dog is to share a stress-free adventure together. Dandenong Ranges. 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. 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. Keen to take a break but dont want to leave your best mate at home? A trip to Melbourne isnt complete without exploring some of the citys famous yet ever-changing street art. Chances are, you and your pet are itching to get out of town. 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. For an arty dog-friendly experience on the edge of Melbourne, head to McClellands Sculpture Park near Frankston. One easier option is the 800m circuit around Big Rock. 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. 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). Check out the latest calendar. Just past Eastern Beach are the Geelong Botanic Gardens, located in the larger Eastern Park. If you're looking for a quick day trip from Melbourne, going to the Dandenong Ranges is one of the best you can do. As the name suggests, this cafe is part of the Collingwood Childrens Farm so its great for pets and people who love all sorts of animals. The beautiful historic town of Bendigo (Courtesy City of Bendigo) Bendigo 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. Note that dogs need to be kept on a leash. Organise a restraint your dog is comfortable with (pet shops offer a wide range). San Remo Bridge connects Phillip Islands to mainland Victoria and is only 120 Kms from Melbourne. Here are my top five recommendations. 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. HEAD FOR BUSHWALKS, BEERS AND BELLY RUBS. Flickr/Richard Elzey. DAY TRIPS FROM MELBOURNE WITHIN TWO HOURS HEALESVILLE AND SURROUNDS. Distance from Melbourne: 244km (one way) 9-10 hours return.Recommend 1-2 Days. 2.6 Grampians National Park. Melbourne day trips. A popular spot for dog walking, the reserve contains a number of old mining relics, including some open cut mines. To explore more of Bendigos gold mining heritage, head to the Victoria Hill Historic Mining Reserve. If you head further afield in Melbourne, theres plenty more great dog-friendly dining options. For a listing, download the visitor guide from the website. Melbourne is deservedly world famous for its street art. Pay attention to how often your dog usually needs to go to the toilet and plan plenty of stops along the way. View the original change rooms, blacksmiths shop and engine room, although staff ask you to minimise time in the museum with your dog. At the time of our visit, they offered a Puppy Parma for dogs on Tuesday nights, along with their discounted parmas. Theres plenty of ocean-side outdoor seating, but the best part is that the beach right in front has an off-leash play spot. Brighton Dog Beach: At the end of Sandown Street in Brighton. 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. While Melbourne and Sydney pride themselves on food and leisure, Brisbane manages to combine the best of both cities. We set ourselves the challenge of seeking out some great pet-friendly accommodation in Victoria and as Victoria is quite a big area, splitting them in to manageable dog friendly road trips. In any case, its best to head here early to avoid the crowds, and nab some great photos with your pup. 2.3 Healesville Sanctuary. To take the hassle out of organising a wine tasting tour, I recommend booking a dog-friendly private winery tour with a company such as Pooches and Pinot. 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. These local roasters take their coffee seriouslynot only making sure its delicious, but also sustainably produced. Canova Dog Beach Canova Beach Park in Indialantic, FL, is home to Brevard County's only dog-friendly beach. Some of the best historic botanic gardens to visit around Melbourne include fine examples in Kyneton, Malmsbury, Daylesford and Castlemaine. The majority of botanic gardens around Australia and in fact the rest of the world dont permit dogs in their grounds. . It doesnt have to be thoughmany animals love jumping in the car and exploring. Theres plenty of small boutiques and cafes that line the main street. LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland's cutest little town, Loch. The best day trips from Melbourne. For a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beach areas in Melbourne, click here . Scratch Pet FoodCollingwood, Vic 3066 Australia, All content 2021 Scratch Pet Health Pty LtdABN 40625813694, Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl. If so Geelong is one of the destinations that is considered short day trips. https://www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au. Eighty per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes . However, dogs are only permitted on board the Puffing Billy Dog Express that runs one or two days a month and quickly sells out. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Melbourne with your dog. Find out more about taking adog-friendly getaway to Daylesford. 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! Phillip Island, about 140 kilometers from Melbourne's city center, is a top pick for wildlife lovers. Take your time travelling via the Great Ocean Road and Grampians, including accommodation. The reserve contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a picnic with your pup. Many of the beaches surrounding Torquay are dog friendly, and some just outside town are even off-leash, like Jan Juc and Bells Beach. It's only a short drive from the city centre at under an hour away and is easily accessible via public transport too. In Richmond, head to Citizen Park when football isnt being played. 2.4 Yarra Valley Winery Tour. Another popular dog-friendly beach in Melbourne is Altona Dog Beach, just west of the city and Williamstown. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria. Phillip Island is found just off the south coast of Victoria and makes for one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne. 9) Daylesford. Melbourne is a great destination to visit with your dog, whether on a short trip or as part of a longer lap around Australia. 3 Days in Melbourne Itinerary. Phillip Island. Plus its easy to get around the city with smaller pets. For something a bit more extravagant for your pooch, head to one of the many dog-friendly cafes round Melbourne that serve up a whole menu for pups, not just humans. After almost a year of restricted travel, most parts of Australia are starting to open up just in time for the summer holidays. A popular beach destination close to the city, it has plenty of options for entertainment. Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. Luckily, Sydney has more than its fair share of spots to take a dip. Phillip Island. Visit website. Generally there are clear sign posts, but sometimes you may need to look online at the council websites. The most popular walking track in the park heads to the summit of Flinders Peak. 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. Theres a wide variety of walks on offer in the park, from the 850m-long Bushland Circuit Trail to the 9.5km-long combined Dights Falls Trail and Westfield Extension. Try one of thesestellar doggie daycaresthat will make sure your four-legged pal isn't bored and lonely while you're working. See snow near Melbourne at Mt Donna Buang. Make sure your dog stays on a leash and is well behaved. Plus, its proximity to the Yarra River and Burnley Park's off-leash area makes it a perfect stop on a dog day out. Its also possible to visit Maldon on the pet-friendly Victorian Goldfield Railways departing Castlemaine (see #12). Great Ocean Road comes in at number 5 on our list of the best day trips from Melbourne. 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 park will receive further upgrades to the toilets, picnic . Accessible by car, train and public bus (the number 364) this is the perfect Melbourne day trip if you're short on time. If visiting on a Sunday, check out the market along the Esplanade. As winter looms, wine country calls complete with a roaring fireplace and a case of newly acquired booze. Familiar items like toys and blankets will help them relax. Planning a trip? Theres a small cafe onsite, as well as plenty of room to enjoy a picnic. Tours run daily, with a single tour on most weekdays but multiple tours on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. I've got lots of tips on travelling with a dog, from dog-friendly destinations to pet-friendly accommodation to flying with a dog. 449km / 4hr 35min. Any time spent in Sydney with a dog really has to be focused on the great outdoors. 9 - 11th Illuka. Take a wander through the main street of the historic town, which is largely unchanged since the 19th-century. Even on cold days they can be impacted and even die from heat stress. Not only do these guys have great food, coffee, plenty of space, and pats for your dogthey go beyond with a dedicated dog menu. 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. Escape the city and take a day trip from Melbourne into nature. Duffys Road Emerald VIC 3782. Dogs must be on leash. The stupa is open daily, entry by donation, and there is a cafe onsite with plenty of dog-friendly tables. 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 . Purchase a bone or occupier treat for them to chew on across the trip. 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. Open since 2000, Cafe Bones has the honour of being Sydneys first expressly dog friendly cafe. Groups are kept to a small size of four humans and dogs, plus life jackets are included and a SUP lesson from Karen from SUPsforPUPs. Source: SAKARET / shutterstock. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne. Dont let your dog wander around the car. Many fashion shops are pet-friendly (we dropped into Peter Alexander to check out their latest pyjama designs); even some of the local banks allow pets inside. 3,200 km | 14 - 19 days. (Note that dogs arent permitted on other cruises, including dinner and special event cruises.). On the menu are a range of treats for your dog, from pugichinos to muffins and cookies. Where: Lorne - Port Fairy. Shelby Farms Park in Memphis is one of the country's largest urban parks. 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. From the visitor information centre at the Carousel, its a flat 950m walk to Eastern Beach. 12 Best Day Trips from Melbourne Within 3 Hours: Breathtaking Hikes, Hot Springs & More. (Its best to double check the opening hours in advance.). Offering some of the most magnificent countryside in Victoria, experience the Dandenong Ranges in full as you enjoy a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train. Hate leaving your pup at home while you go to work? 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. And you dont need to leave your dog behind, with Melbourne River Cruises permitting dogs on board their public Yarra River Cruises. The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic. Gourmet Pawprints offers a number of experiences including pub crawls, winery tours, a walking tour of historic Williamstown, picnic adventures and more. From $ 565. All the modcons you desire are included, including cable TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a rainwater showerhead. Or head just downriver to Arbory Afloat, a floating cocktail bar that is especially popular on sunny afternoons in summer. 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. In fact, you can even play with penguins at the Florida Aquarium! 1 Melbourne - The Gippsland Lakes - Phillip Island - Mornington Peninsula The city has a lot to offer anyone looking for a relaxed or exciting break. 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. 2. While dogs are permitted on leash and its well-known as a dog-friendly walk, keep an eye out for signs about 1080 baiting. 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. The building is one of the few remaining examples of the exhibition buildings erected across the world in the late 19th century. Let me know in the comments: Melbourne day trips in winter (took the jacket off to take this pic) 1. Check out Flinders St Station and Federation Square. Word of advice though: its not great for non-dog swimming. In the mood for a rooftop bar? It is probably one of the most underrated day trips from Melbourne. On the regional V/Line trains, only small pets in a container are allowed onboard. Theres also a variety of both shorter and longer walks, including some flatter options. 3. The Florida Aquarium. Grand Haven, Michigan. Dogs are still not allowed off leash inside the gardens, but they are allowed to join you for a stroll on a leash. This cafe is very popular with dog owners, with dogs welcome at the outdoor tables and plenty of water bowls on hand. Just make sure your dog stays on-leash. All over Geelong, dont miss spotting the colourfully decorated bollards, with over 100 installed in between Limeburners Point and Rippleside Park. I'd recommend taking at least two weeks for the road trip . Theres multiple historic train rides located not that far from Melbourne where you can enjoy a ride with your dog. 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. Its an easy 80-minute drive the opposite direction from Melbourne to Geelong. They even offer dog swimming lessons for less confident pups! Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach. Find out more about dog-friendly attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. With a culinary culture that's second to none, world-class wineries on its doorstep and one of Victoria's great drives within its reaches, Healesville and the wider Yarra Valley really is the perfect day trip from Melbourne (or weekend getaway, if you're that way inclined!). 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. Itll help them get comfortable and associate the car with good things. This beach is also conveniently fenced, great for excitable pups. Lake Jubilee/Daylesford. Geelong VIC 3220, Australia. Another surprise is that pets are welcome to join you in visiting the stupa, both outside and even inside. 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. Finally, Walhalla is about 2.5 hours drive east of Melbourne, but well worth the longer drive. The You Yangs were named after the local Aboriginal word for big mountain in the middle of the plain. Note: The author received media rates at Best Western Melbourne City. One of the most dog-friendly cafes in Melbourne is the French creperie Chez Misty in St Kilda. They are most welcome on small group private tours of the best dog-friendly vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Heathcote. And dogs of all sizes are allowed to join you in visiting the stupa is open daily, by... Occupier treat for them to chew on across the world dont permit dogs in their grounds cocktail bar that especially. Are clear sign posts, but well worth the longer drive the modcons you desire included. Tours on Bella the dog Welcoming Bus region, which is largely unchanged since the 19th-century street... 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