September 1, 2018
Dog-Friendly Camping Victoria
Dog Friendly Camping Victoria
The weather is starting to look good and you are thinking of a camping trip but not sure where you can take your four-legged friend. Here are some dog-friendly camping areas in Victoria that permit furry travel companions as long as they are under control and don’t disturb the native plants and wildlife.
Genoa Rest Area
On the bank of the Genoa River, this disused caravan park is a popular stop off on the NSW-Victorian border. Just off the highway, it is run on donations for upkeep. A general store is just over the footbridge. Facilities include: clean toilets and picnic areas.
Park Road, Genoa 3891
Corringle Foreshore Reserve Camping Area
The Corringle Slips offer a great place to relax and take it easy. Situated at the mouth of the Snowy River Estuary in East Gippsland. Here you can enjoy bush camping in a natural setting close to the beach. Launch a boat at the ramp and explore the Snowy River and its backwaters. Features include: pets allowed, unpowered campsites, disabled facilities and BBQ area. Just south of Orbost, Princess Highway.
T 13 1963
Glasshouse Camping Area – Lake Tyers Forest Park
Situated about 20kms northeast of Lakes Entrance, Victoria you will find this free campground located in Lake Tyers State Park. The camping area looks over Lake Tyres but has no amenities so make sure you are well prepared before arrival. While dogs are allowed, they must be controlled and on a leash at all times.
11 Lake Tyers House Rd, Lake Tyers 3887
Pettmans Beach Campground
Located next to the ocean, this campsite is also part of Lake Tyers State Park, and because it’s the only site with toilets, it’s a popular choice. Dogs allowed.
Pettman Road, Tostaree 3888
Trident Arm Track Camping Area
This is a very quiet spot at the end of Trident Arm Track, off Lake Tyers Road. The area only has room for a couple of tents, so if you are looking for somewhere quiet then this is the place to come. People with dogs can also stay at Camerons Arm Camping area.
T 13 1963
Huggets Crossing
Recommended by Janelle D and her dog Elsie as their favourite most recently visited spot in Victoria, accessed by 4WD, near the town of Newry, this campsite, which sits beside the Avon River, has superb forest views from the Green Hill and Huggett lookouts.
Avon–Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve, East Gippsland
T 03 5139 7777
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Parks
Oceanfront camping with your best mate. Dogs can stay at both Golden Beach (Camp 1 to 5) but must be on a leash at all times and at Paradise Beach. Dogs are NOT permitted in other areas of the park nor between campsites seven to twenty along Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach. Dogs are also NOT permitted on boats or on land in Bunga Arm. Owners are required to clean up their dog’s litter.
Woodside Coastal Area
There 3 campsites that permit dogs; Reeves Beach, McLoughlins Beach and McGaurans Beach. Reeves Beach campsite has a grassy area and a pit loo but there is no fresh water – see more information below – it is north of McLoughlins Beach. McGaurans Beach is 21 km north-east of Woodside. North of the township, take Giffard Rd off the South Gippsland Hwy, and after 9 km take the signposted turning onto McGaurans Beach Rd.
T 13 1963
Reeves Beach Camping Area
Located a three-hour drive from Melbourne, this beachside campground is free and dog friendly! Part of the Ninety Mile Beach, it is great for fishing and whale or dolphin watching, although it is known to get busy during peak season.
Access is via Reeves Beach Road
T Parks Victoria 13 1963
Shallow Inlet Camping Area
This campground is 4 km west of Yanakie at the end of Lester Rd, just outside the boundary of the marvellous Shallow Inlet Marine and Coastal Park. The sheltered waters of the park are ideal for swimming, canoeing and fishing. The campground is only open Nov–Easter. Dogs are permitted but must be under control.
T 13 1963
Lake Hindmarsh Camping
Enjoy dog-friendly powered camping by a beautiful lake. Located in northeast Victoria. The lake is 22 km north of Dimboola, just west of Jeparit on the Nhill–Jeparit Rd. Lake Hindmarsh is the biggest freshwater lake in Victoria and as a result has a large number of wild birds so dogs must be kept under control.
T 03 5391 4444 (for Four Mile Beach)
Nug Nug Reserve Camping Ground & Caravan Park
This dog-friendly camping ground is located in North East Victoria approximately 14km South of Myrtleford on the Buffalo River Rd. Located next to Mt Buffalo National Park, facilities include a tennis court, toilet blocks (1 with disabled access), cold showers, limited powered sites, a BBQ, a basketball/netball court, fireplaces, and a swimming waterhole.
While dogs are welcome, they MUST be kept on a lead at all times. The park is run on a first come first serve basis – no bookings.
Nug Nug Reserve Rd, Nug Nug 3737
M 0428 336 272
https://www.nugnugreserve.com.au/fees.html
Blackwood Springs Caravan Park
This dog-friendly park is only 1.5 hours from Melbourne and has rivers on both sides of the park and offers a variety of powered & unpowered camping sites, suitable for caravans, Tents, 4WD’s, Camper Vans, Buses & Motor Homes. Facilities include communal BBQ’s, a playground and communal camp kitchen.
41 Golden Point Road, Blackwood 3458
https://www.blackwoodcrownreserves.websyte.com.au
Beauchamp Falls Camping
Dogs are permitted on leads at this small grassy shaded campground in the northern section of Great Otway National Park. There is a great little walk that leads to the waterfall and creek. Turn off at Skeens Creek just before Apollo Bay. Facilities include well-maintained toilets, campfires.
T 13 1963
Aireys Inlet Holiday Park
This park allows pets during the off-peak season on powered sites only – check the website for dates. Easy walking distance to sensational beaches, restaurants, art gallery, shops, and a cosy pub.
19-25 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet 3231
T 03 5289 6230
Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Pets are allowed on camping and caravan sites at this tourist park but are not permitted in cabins. They must be leashed at all times.
Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay 3233
T 03 5237 6577
www.apollobayrecreationreserve.com
Henty Bay Beachfront Holiday Park
Located just 5 minutes along the coast from Portland, this beachfront park welcomes pets with onsite bookings. Dogs can also stay inside the Fishermans Shack and 2 bedroom budget cabins.
342 Dutton Way, Portland 3305
T 03 5523 3716
Sunny Acres Farm Camping and Farmstay
Close to nature, this wonderful farm getaway is located 2km from Waranga Basin where you can fish, swim and do water sports, situated 40 mins from Bendigo, 30 mins from Echuca, and about 37km from Shepparton – not far from the Goulburn River. There are no powered sites but generators are welcomed. Camping facilities include a shower/toilet, a camp kitchen with basic cooking, BBQ, electric hot plate, microwave, kettle, toaster, and entertainment for the kids. Say hello to “Sunny” the name & face of the farm, and all the other dogs.
1353 Middle Rd, Rushworth 3612
M 0419 518 729
Ludlows Reserve – Hume Weir
Located off the Murray Valley Hwy south of Wodonga, you will find a spacious dog-friendly free campsite with safe swimming areas, BBQs, picnic areas and toilets. This campsite was recommended by @keepingupwiththekendalls
2932 Murray Valley Hwy, Bonegilla 3691
Photo credit (Lake Hindmarsh): Jessica Anne Gervinas