Best Dog Friendly Day Trips Melbourne – Looking for fun and different activities for your dog in rural Victoria? Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, exploring the state’s fascinating history, or just enjoying a good drink (and your dog), I’ve rounded up these fun, dog-friendly experiences across Victoria. . Which of these dog charities in Victoria is your favorite?
One of the highlights of my trip to Melbourne with my dog was going on a dog-friendly winery tour in the Yarra Valley with my dog. Pooches and Pinot host wine tasting tours for small groups and dogs. This is the ultimate luxury experience with your dog near Melbourne.
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Full-day and half-day tour options available. I would also recommend staying a night or two in the Yarra Valley to make the most of your time. Pooches and Pinot can arrange a package for you that includes accommodation.
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One of my childhood memories is visiting the famous town of Echuca on the Murray River and paddle boarding. I was finally able to come back in 2021 when it was closed, and of course I brought my dog.
If there is no floating restaurant, most Echuca cruises allow your pet on board. For example, the Echuca paddle steamer has multiple one-hour trips daily on PS Pevensie and PS Alexander Arbuthnot, and pets are welcome on board. When the whistle blows, be sure to hold your child!
Victoria is home to many popular towns, the best example of which is Beechworth, three hours’ drive north of Melbourne. Beechworth has some of the finest pubs in Victoria, built from local sandstone.
To get the most out of Beechworth with your dog, I recommend purchasing a self-guided walking book from the Visitor Information Center for a small fee. Then take a walk through the main streets of the city.
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While in Beechworth, it’s also worth taking the Gorge Scenic Drive through Beechworth Heritage Park in the north of town. This can be a walk or a walk with your dog all or part of the time. Make sure you are on a leash.
Most ski resorts in Australia do not allow dogs, either on site or due to other restrictions. But that’s not the case with the Victorian Highland Sled, which means your dog can go on snowy excursions with you during the winter months. If you’re not into tobogganing or fun in general, this retina sled is an easy combo for beginners.
Please note that there is a park around the house, not a fence, so your dog will have to be on a leash most of the time. The Website contains certain non-binding features. Also see the Dinner Plains website for links to local dog boarding facilities.
There may be plenty of trains lining the streets of Melbourne’s city centre, but did you know there’s a vintage train in the heart of Bendigo? It’s a great way to explore this famous city, especially with a good dog to accompany you on your tram rides.
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A narrated tram ride through the city (approximately 45 minutes) allows you to hop on and off as often as you like with a full-day ticket.
Along the way you’ll pass the Central Deborah Gold Mine (dog-friendly indoor tours are allowed), the courthouse and Veterans Memorial, and Lake Verona (great for walking the kids).
Bright is a popular destination for dog owners. There are many dog-friendly hiking trails. But if you want something different, consider biking with your dog.
There are many cycle routes near Bright, including the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which starts nearby. If you don’t have your own bike, there are plenty of bike rental shops in town. One of them, E-Bike, also rents out dog strollers, although other shops offer those too if you ask directly. Weight limit doubled.
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The most popular route for new cyclists is the relatively flat Wandiligon circuit, just 5.5km from Bright and Home to the Nightingale Brothers Apple Orchard. Then, take a dip in the Oven River or sample a local beer at Bright Brewery.
There are many places in Victoria where you can see koalas in the wild, but one of the best places is Raymond Island in East Gippsland, not far from the entrance to the lake.
To get to Raymond Island, I recommend parking in Painesville and then taking the short ferry ride to the Free Crossing. The Koala Trail starts just in front of the ferry terminal and is a great walk giving you the chance to see koalas.
The main route is 1.2km long but there are some variations. To support local volunteers, please consider purchasing a ticket at the launch location or making a donation on the website. Always keep your dog on a leash, even if your dog is like us, he probably doesn’t know what it’s like to sleep on a gum tree!
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Paddle steamers aren’t Victoria’s only traditional form of transport, there are also many popular trams. Near Melbourne, you can ride a vintage steam train on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, which connects the gold towns of Castlemaine and Maldon.
When selecting a carriage, you must select “travel class” (service dogs are only allowed in first class carriages). The tourist cabin features traditional wooden carriages and a family room with opening windows, perfect for an authentic experience. Dogs are free to roam, but please ensure they are well behaved and allow dogs to ride with the authority of the stationmaster.
To make the most of this day, book a train trip for Wednesday or a train trip for Sunday morning. The former requires a 2 1/2-hour drive through the famous gold mining town of Maldon, and the latter requires a 90-minute layover. (It’s just a short drive away on Sunday afternoons.) For a dog-friendly lunch, head to the Maldon Hotel and its beer garden, or eat at one of the cafe’s outdoor tables.
Castlemaine is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, or transfer to a V/Line train for the full rail experience (small dogs and dogs are allowed, see here).
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Malden isn’t the only former gold mining town in Victoria where your pooch can enjoy a train ride. For another popular train station, head to Walhalla, about 2 1/2 hours east of Melbourne. But the train (diesel this time) isn’t the best option to get to Valhalla…
For a completely different experience, take a long-distance gold mining tour. One of the largest gold mines in Victoria, today you can take a 50-minute walk along the main road to see the original gold mine and listen to the fascinating stories from your guide.
The tunnels were dark and wet at times, so I took my pup along for the ride. Decide in advance if you think your dog will be comfortable and happy to take the trip. Advance reservations are recommended for large groups.
There’s plenty to see and do in Valhalla, including exploring the village on foot and reading over 30 signs explaining its history. Dog rentals are also welcome on the Goldmine Trail.
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If you are considering driving the Great Ocean Road with your dog, I will warn you in advance, it is not very dog friendly. Many popular roadside attractions, such as the Twelve Apostles Lookout, are dog-free. Many beaches also ban dogs during the summer.
However, there are plenty of activities for your dog, and you can go on short or long trips with your dog as long as you’re prepared. I recommend you read my guide on what is dog-friendly and book your accommodation in advance. If possible, go in the spring or other cooler months of the year when many beaches let dogs play in the sand.
For another dog-friendly road trip, exploring beautiful examples of silo art around the Victorian countryside is a fun trip with your pup.
Although there are examples of silo art around Victoria, a great way to get it done is the original Silo Art Trail. The original route is 200 kilometers from Rupnyup to Patchewallock in western Victoria, but there is a new route.
