May 8, 2025
Melbourne Getaways with Your Dog
Melbourne Getaways with Your Dog: Where to Stay, Play & Explore. There’s nothing quite like a getaway – except one that includes your four-legged best friend. Every time I visit Melbourne and its surrounding regions, I am happy to find more and more truly dog-friendly gems on offer, from coastal escapes to forest retreats. Whether you’re after a city staycation or a nature-filled weekend, there’s something to suit all tastes, so let’s dive into the best dog-friendly getaways around Melbourne.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Melbourne and regional Victoria have a growing list of accommodation that welcome dogs with open arms. Here are our top picks.
- Dorsett Melbourne – Yes, luxury can be pet-friendly! This elegant hotel offers a “Holidays for Hounds” package that makes travelling with a pet hassle free.
- Spring Creek Cottage, Hepburn – Ideal for long walks and chill nights by the fire, this cottage makes dogs feel very welcome.
- Roost Johanna’s Cottages, Great Ocean Road – This private, hidden oasis offers a rare opportunity to experience this picturesque section of the Great Ocean Road region. Located just near the iconic Great Ocean Walk route.
- Big4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park – Stay in fully fenced enclosed pet-friendly sites, where dogs can roam free or in dog-friendly cabins. There’s also a fully fenced, dog play area.
*Pro tip: Always check if there are size restrictions or extra fees for pets.
Off-Leash Beaches & Parks
Nothing makes tails wag faster than a stretch of sand or green space.
Beaches
When the weather heats up, there’s no better way to bond with your pup than a trip to one of the city’s many dog-friendly beaches. Whether your dog loves to run, swim, or just relax in the sand, these beaches offer the perfect spots for off-leash fun. So grab the leash (and the sunscreen), and check out some of the best dog-friendly beaches around Melbourne!
- Brighton Dog Beach – A fenced, off-leash beach paradise right near the city.
- Altona Dog Beach – Shallow waters and lots of space to run.
Parks
- Albert Park – Large off-leash zones and great lake views.
- Yarra Bend Park – Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park, ideal for a full-day doggy adventure.
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Get active together with these paw-friendly trails:
- Dandenong Ranges – Some trails like the Olinda Creek Track are dog-permitted (on leash).
- Lerderderg Gorge – A scenic, rugged hike perfect for adventurous dogs and their humans.
- You Yangs Regional Park – Wide-open spaces and gentle climbs for great views.
Dog-Friendly Cafés & Breweries
Melbourne’s café culture isn’t just for humans.
- The Dog Café, Boronia – A social hub for dogs with puppuccinos on the menu.
- The Farm Café at Collingwood Children’s Farm – Great food and dogs welcome in outdoor areas.
- Moon Dog World, Preston – A funky brewery with a dog-friendly beer garden.
Final Woof
A weekend getaway or even a day trip with your dog is a great way to bond, explore, and make memories. Melbourne’s pet-friendly scene is booming – so pack the leash, grab some treats, and hit the road together.