LOCH VILLAGE | Our guide to Gippsland's cutest little town, Loch. Its a moderate hike through bushland with beautiful views from the lookout at the summit, across to Hanging Rock and the surrounding countryside. And you dont need to leave your dog behind, with Melbourne River Cruises permitting dogs on board their public Yarra River Cruises. Many always make a point of going to The Nobbies and stroll on one of the many boardwalks. 2.6 Grampians National Park. How far from Melbourne: The Great Ocean Road starts at least 1.5-2 hours from the city, and is at LEAST a 3-hour drive to the end. While youre here, subscribe to our newsletter, check out our magazine, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Canova Dog Beach Canova Beach Park in Indialantic, FL, is home to Brevard County's only dog-friendly beach. Have a picnic among the trees. Looking for a fun day out with your dog around Melbourne? This full-day excursion covers all the highlights, including wildlife viewing at Maru Koala and Animal Park, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. Theres also a shop selling treats and toys, and the option to order dog birthday cakes. The entire property is fenced and safe for your pup to roam while you take a relaxing dip in the outdoor hot tub. Car parking is on the side of Mount Macedon Road and can be difficult on busy days. At the time of our visit, they offered a Puppy Parma for dogs on Tuesday nights, along with their discounted parmas. With a walled front courtyard, beautiful interior, and great coffee, Patch has something for everyone. Stay here:For pet-friendly accommodation, try Beachy Keanin Jan Juc. Another surprise is that pets are welcome to join you in visiting the stupa, both outside and even inside. Ferns, waterfalls, gumtrees and the songs of native birds make Toolangi State Forest the perfect dog (and human) oasis. This Melbourne based company offers curated hikes, walks, picnics, high teas, wine tours, and even truffle hunts designed to be enjoyed with your pets. They have a special hang out spot with water, lead hooks, and lots of pals for them to socialise with. 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). Take a short detour down to Central Springs Reserve, where theres an historic hand pump you can use to fill up your bottle, or stop at the Wombat Flat Mineral Spring. 449km / 4hr 35min. 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. Dont also miss the short walk to the top of this granite outcrop, just a 100m stroll from the carpark. If so Geelong is one of the destinations that is considered short day trips. Its an easy 80-minute drive the opposite direction from Melbourne to Geelong. 1. Luckily then its dog-friendly, so the perfect spot to head for Instagram snaps with your pooch! Try Tasmania! 2.7 Macedon Ranges Tour. Lake Jubilee/Daylesford. In early 2022, Karkarook Park will receive new picnic tables as part of the early works for the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. For just $5, our dog was served up some chicken schnitzel topped with ham and cheese, along with some dog treats and dog biscuits. Twilight and sunset cruises are also available during summer. (On the dog sign-in form, dogs are permitted to be left in the room as long as you put the do-not-disturb sign on the door.). That sadness and separation anxiety can easily be alleviated with one of these dog-friendly weekend trips. Copyright 2023 by Shandos Cleaver | All rights reserved. Its a scenic 4km ride through a narrow gorge each direction. In the decades since, theyre worked hard at perfecting a pet paradise, and now offer gourmet dog biscuits too. St Kilda has long been a popular day trip destination in Melbourne, and its also a terrific destination to visit with your pup. 4. Daylesford. 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. I also highly recommend the nearby ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place, which are generally less crowded. 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). It takes about an hour to complete the full circuit around the lake, which is largely flat and just under 3km long. 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. 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. As well as sweet crepes and savoury galettes for humans, they have a dog menu with a variety of doggy crepes and puppyccinos, sure to tempt even the fussiest pup. 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 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. 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. (We selected for it to start at 11am, so we could spend our arrival day exploring the city.). Dont let your dog wander around the car. Hate leaving your pup at home while you go to work? After missing out on visiting these famous colourful bathing boxes on previous trips to Melbourne, when I visited with my dog I was determined to visit them. 2.5 Dandenong Ranges Tour by Puffing Billy Train. 11. A dog enjoying brunch at the Farm Cafe. 2. Shelby Farms Park in Memphis is one of the country's largest urban parks. Phillip Island. For an arty dog-friendly experience on the edge of Melbourne, head to McClellands Sculpture Park near Frankston. However, there are quite a few beaches that allow dogs off-leash all year round. 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. Find out more about visiting Walhalla with a dog. Before or after, drop into the Salty Dog Cafe located right next to the beach access track. The stupa is open daily, entry by donation, and there is a cafe onsite with plenty of dog-friendly tables. At Malmsbury, dont miss the views of the grand Malmsbury Viaduct, located at the southern edge of the gardens. 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. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach. 8) Hanging Rock Reserve. If you keep on driving past Frankston, youll arrive at the Mornington Peninsula proper. In any case, its best to head here early to avoid the crowds, and nab some great photos with your pup. For pet owners, watching your furry friend's tail droop as you pack your bag for a weekend away makes it hard to even consider leaving home. There are both whole home and private room options available on Airbnb that allow pets. 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). Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Travel on the safari bus through Australian grasslands to spot koalas and kangaroos. The reserve contains large picnic grounds, perfect for a picnic with your pup. 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! 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. There's places to set free all your wags and wiggles - until you're all tuckered out. The grassy lawns of Carlton Gardens are also perfect for a picnic. Get the camping bug and bring along your pooch to clean up the burnt snags you accidentally obliterated (always check fires are allowed first, naturally). This is our home town, and we think its a pretty great city to be a dog (or a dog owner). DAYLESFORD | Our Daylesford and surrounds day trip & weekend getaway guide, plus the best Daylesford Airbnbs to stay in while you're there! Dj vu! Yarra Valley. Small pets in a container are allowed on trams and buses across Victoria, including in Melbourne. All over Geelong, dont miss spotting the colourfully decorated bollards, with over 100 installed in between Limeburners Point and Rippleside Park. However, during the rest of the year dogs are allowed all day long on this wonderful ocean-facing beach. 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. 6 Best Day Trips from Melbourne 1 | Daylesford. Sandringham Harbour Dog Beach: Located within Sandringham Harbour. Eighty per cent of the country's mineral springs are in this region, which makes . A popular spot for dog walking, the reserve contains a number of old mining relics, including some open cut mines. Some of the best historic botanic gardens to visit around Melbourne include fine examples in Kyneton, Malmsbury, Daylesford and Castlemaine. 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. The best spot for a doggie swim in the river is just below Deep rock. They even offer dog swimming lessons for less confident pups! I'm Shandos Cleaver and I've travelled to 35 countries around the world with my Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. Especially considering its a full-time off-leash spot. Discover picturesque views, long and short walks, cycling or simply a place for a cuppa after leisurely strolls through the wilderness. 3rd - 8th Coffs Harbour. The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes only about 2 hours by road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A tired dog will be more relaxed in the car. 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. In Richmond, head to Citizen Park when football isnt being played. Best day trips from Melbourne: Six top national and state parks to visit. Which one of these fun ideas will you next tick off with your pup? Renowned for its mineral springs and fine dining, the top dog-friendly activity in Daylesford is taking a stroll around Lake Daylesford. Itll help them get comfortable and associate the car with good things. One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne with families, Phillip Island won't disappoint. The most welcoming option are the metropolitan trains. Book the best day trips from Melbourne, Australia directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. If youd prefer to not head all the way into the city centre, theres also lots of great examples in other inner city suburbs, ideal for combining with brunch at a cafe or a drink at a local pet-friendly pub. This cafe is very popular with dog owners, with dogs welcome at the outdoor tables and plenty of water bowls on hand. Adventure Best Seller Hiking/Bush Walk Beach Wildlife. Rutherglen (3 hours from of Melbourne CBD) Along the Murray River, Rutherglen is known as one of premier wine regions in Victoria. ), I love thisitinerary for 7 days in Melbourne. In the winter season, you may not want to travel very far. Highlights include the sprawling Paradise Bookshop, the atmospheric Convent Gallery and artist David Bromley's spectacular . Great Ocean Road Extended to South Australia. Yarra Valley Wineries. This 440m-long Wave Attenuator partially enclosing the yacht club is a chance to walk on water! Distance: 7.25km. If youre travelling interstate, check that the laws around driving with dogs dont vary. Another on-leash option within the city is Flagstaff Gardens. Just make sure your dog stays on-leash. It takes about 4 hours to complete the entire 14km walk, or else just walk partway and then return along the same route. 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. Visit the Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach, 4. While dogs are permitted on leash and its well-known as a dog-friendly walk, keep an eye out for signs about 1080 baiting. Allow an hour or more to stroll around the many gardens, including the Japanese-style gardens that are a particular highlight. If youre wanting to find an off-leash park, your options are more limited and youll have to head further afield.