Best Dog Friendly Day Trips Melbourne – Looking for fun and diverse activities with your dog in country Victoria? Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, learning about the country’s fascinating history, or just enjoying some great wine (with your dog by your side), I’ve put together this fun adventure collection. very dog friendly became friendly across country Victoria. Which of these dog friendly places to do in Victoria is top of your list?
One of the highlights of my trip to Melbourne with my dog was taking my dog on a dog friendly wine tour of the Yarra Valley. Pucci and Pinot run private wine tours for small groups, including dogs. This is the perfect luxury experience near Melbourne with your dog.
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Full-day and half-day tour options are available. I also recommend staying a night or two in the Yarra Valley, really make the most of your time. Pooches na Pinot can arrange a package for you including accommodation.
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One of my childhood memories was visiting the historic town of Echuca on the mighty Murray River and riding a paddle steamer. I finally managed to return in 2021, between lockdowns, and of course I brought my dog with me.
Most paddle steamers in Echuca will allow good dogs to join you unless they are floating restaurants. For example, Echuca Paddlesteamers operate several one-hour sailings daily at historic PS Pevensey and PS Alexander Arbuthnot, and are pet friendly. Just remember to keep your pup close when the whistle blows!
Victoria is blessed with many charming historic towns, one of the best examples of which is Beechworth, located 3 hours north of Melbourne. Beechworth is home to what is considered to be the finest set of provincial public buildings in all of Victoria, constructed of beautiful local honeycomb granite.
To enjoy the best of Beechworth with your dog, I recommend picking up a self-guided tour brochure from the Visitor Information Center for a small fee. Then a tour of the main street of the city.
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While in Beechworth, it’s also worth taking the Gorge Scenic Drive through Beechworth Heritage Park on the north side of the town. You can drive or walk all or part of your dog. Just make sure you keep them on their toes.
Most ski resorts in Australia do not allow dogs due to being in national parks or due to other restrictions. But Dinner Plain is an exception in Victoria’s high country, meaning your dog can join you on a snow adventure during the winter months. This ski resort has gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners, sledding or fun.
Keep in mind that the village is surrounded by a national park and is not fenced, so the dog often has to be left on a leash. There are several off-leash areas on the territory. Also check the Dinner Plain website for links to dog friendly village accommodation.
While there may be many trams on the streets of Melbourne, did you know that the city of Bendigo has a vintage talking tram? It’s a great way to explore this historic city, especially since well-behaved dogs are allowed to accompany you on the tram.
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With commentary accompanying you along the way, choose between traveling uptown on the tram (which takes around 45 minutes) or hopping on and off as often as you like with tickets that last all day.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Deborah Central Gold Mine (dog-friendly), the historic Courts and Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and Lake Wirun (a great place to walk your dog).
Bright is becoming an increasingly popular destination, including among dog owners. This small town in the High Country has plenty of walking trails for dogs. But if anything else, consider going for a bike ride with your dog.
There are many cycle paths near Bright, including the Murray Mountain Rail which starts nearby. And if you don’t have your own bike, there are many bike rentals in the city. At least one of them, Electric Bikes, also offers dog trailers for rent, though other shops may have them if you ask directly. Double check all weight limits.
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A popular option for novice cyclists is the relatively flat cycle path to Wandiligong, just 5.5km from Bright, home to the Nightingale Bros apple orchard. Afterwards, enjoy a beer at River Ovens or a local beer at Bright Brewery.
There are many places to see koalas in the wild in Victoria, but one of the best is Raymond Island, in East Gippsland, near the Inlet Lakes.
To get to Raymond Island, I recommend parking in Painesville and taking the free short walking ferry. The Koala Trail starts right across from the ferry terminal and is best done on foot to get a chance to see all the koalas.
The main route is 1.2 km long, although there are longer versions. To support local volunteers, consider purchasing a brochure or making an online donation early on. Make sure you keep your dog on his toes at all times, even if your dog is like us, he may not know what’s hiding in the gum tree!
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Wheel steamers aren’t the only form of historic transport in Victoria where dogs can travel on historic trains. Near Melbourne, you can ride a vintage steam locomotive on the Victoria Goldfields Railway, which connects the gold towns of Castlemaine and Maldon.
When choosing a cruise, be sure to choose “Travel Class” (only guide dogs are allowed in the luxury first class carriages). Historic wooden tourist-class carriages and family compartments with open windows are great for an authentic experience. Dogs are free to roam but please ensure they are well behaved with permission to board a dog at the station master’s discretion.
For a day full of fun, book a Wednesday trip or a Sunday morning trip. The first journey covers 2 1/2 hours in the historic gold mining town of Maldon, while the second journey has a 90 minute stopover. (There’s only a short stop on Sunday afternoon.) For dog-friendly dining, head to the Maldon Hotel with its beer garden, or grab a table at one of the cafes.
Castlemaine is 90 minutes from Melbourne or join the V / train line for the full train experience (small dogs in prams allowed, see here).
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Maldon isn’t the only historic gold mining town in Victoria where your dog can take a ride on the historic train. For another dog-friendly historical excursion, visit Valhalla, about 2 1/2 hours east of Melbourne. But a train ride (diesel this time) isn’t the only fun that allows dogs in Valhalla…
For something completely different, visit the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Once one of the most productive gold mines in Victoria, today you can take a 50 minute tour of the main tunnel, see the original gold mine workings and hear lots of interesting stories from your guide.
The tunnel was very dark and sometimes damp, so I took my little dog on a tour. First decide if you think your dog will be well behaved and happy to join the tour. Advance reservations are recommended due to group size limitations.
There is much more to see in Valhalla, including exploring the village on foot and reading about 30 signs explaining its history. You can join the dogs on a leash on the tramway to the Long Tunnel that leads to the Gold Mine.
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If you are going to drive the Great Ocean Road with your dog, I will first warn you that it is not very dog friendly. Dogs are not allowed at many of the trail’s most famous spots, such as the 12 Apostles Lookout. In addition, many beaches also do not allow dogs during the summer months.
However, there is still a lot to do with your dog, and it can be a short or a long trip with your dog, especially if you are prepared. I recommend that you read my guide in advance to find out what is dog friendly and what is not, and to book accommodation in advance. If possible, go in the spring or other cooler months of the year when most beaches allow dogs on the sand.
For another dog-friendly trip, a fun trip to take your dog is to check out the beautiful examples of silo art in country Victoria.
While there are examples of silo art throughout Victoria, a great journey to complete is the original Silo Art Trail. The original route ran approximately 200km from Rupanyup to Pachevollock in western Victoria, but with new silos.
