Jeff Dorman
Best Dog Friendly Day Trips Melbourne – Looking for something fun and different for your dog in country Victoria? Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, exploring the state’s fascinating history or enjoying a great glass of wine (with your dog by your side), I’ve put together this roundup of all the dog-friendly things to do across Victoria. Which of these dog-friendly things to do in Victoria is at the top of your list?
One of the highlights of my trip to Melbourne and nature with my dog was a Yarra wine tour with my dog. Pooches and Pinots do wine tours for small groups with dogs. It’s a great experience with your dog around Melbourne.
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Both full and half day tours are available. I also recommend adding a night or two to the Yarra Valley, to make the most of your time. Pooches and Pinot can arrange packages that include your accommodation.
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One of my childhood memories was visiting the historic town of Echuca on the great Murray River and taking a ferry. I finally came back in 2021, in the middle of lockdown, and of course I brought my dog.
Most cruises in Echuca will allow good dogs to join you on board, as long as it’s not a floating restaurant. For example, Echuca Paddlesteamers run hourly cruises every day, on the historic PS Pevensey and PS Alexander Arbuthnot, and take pets on board. Be sure to hold your child close when the whistle blows!
Victoria is blessed with many beautiful historic towns, with a prime example being Beechworth, a 3-hour drive north of Melbourne. Beechworth built what is considered to be the finest set of regional public buildings in all of Victoria, built of beautiful honeycomb granite.
To fully enjoy Beechworth with your dog, I recommend taking a guided walking tour from the Visitor Information Center for a small fee. Then follow the route of the main streets of the city.
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While in Beechworth, it’s also a good idea to follow the Scenic Drive through Beechworth Heritage Park to the north of the town. It is possible to ride it or you can ride all or part of it on foot with your dog. Just make sure to keep it.
Many parks in Australia do not allow dogs, due to being in national parks or other restrictions. But Dinner in Upper Victoria is a special treat, meaning your dog can walk in the rain during winter. This ski resort has slopes suitable for beginners, or if you enjoy a picnic or recreation.
Note that the village is surrounded by a national park and is unfenced, so most of the time you will need to keep your dog safe. There are other places, as explained on the website. Also check the Dinner Plains website for friendly accommodation in the village.
While Melbourne may have the most trams on the city’s streets, did you know that Bendigo has an old tram that talks about it? It’s a great way to explore this historic city, especially since well-behaved dogs are allowed to join you on board.
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For views that accompany you along the way, choose between a trip around town on the tram (which takes up to 45 minutes) or hop on hop off at leisure, with tickets valid for the whole day.
Along the way you’ll pass Deborah’s Gold Mine (where the dogs are given away), the historic Courthouse and Soldiers’ Memorial, and Lake Weerona (a great place to walk your little ones).
Haske is a popular place, including with dog owners. This small town in the Big Country has great dog walking trails. But for something different, consider going for a bike ride with your dog.
There are many routes around Bright, including the Murray to Railway which starts nearby. And if you don’t have your own bike, there are many bike rental shops in the city. At least one of them, Electric Bikes, also offers bike rentals, although other stores may be available if you ask directly. Follow twice the maximum limit.
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A popular option for inexperienced cyclists is the Wandiligong route, 5.5km from Bright and home to Nightingale Bros. Orchard. Afterwards, enjoy a dip in the Ovens River or 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 is Raymond Island, located in East Gippsland near the Inlet Lakes.
To get to Raymond Island, I recommend stopping in Paynesville and taking the short ferry and tourist ferry, free. The Koala Trail starts from the side of the boat, and is best done on foot, to get a chance to see any koalas.
The main road is 1.2 kilometers long, although there are some longer stretches. To support local volunteers, consider purchasing a brochure when you start or donating to the site. Be sure to keep your dog safe at all times, even if your dog is ours, they probably won’t sleep in a tooth tree!
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Coaches are not the only form of transport for dogs in Victoria, with many trains being dog-friendly. Near Melbourne you can catch a regular train on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, which connects the gold mining towns of Castlemaine and Maldon.
When selecting your bike, be sure to select “Touring Class” (only service dogs are allowed on First Class bikes). The tour has historic wooden carriages and family rooms with open windows, perfect for an authentic experience. Free roam, but good dogs are allowed in at the Station Master’s discretion.
For a full day of fun, book a Wednesday flight or a Sunday train trip. The first consists of 2 1/2 hours in the gold mining town of Maldon, while the last has a 90-minute stop (Sunday tours have limited time. ) For dog treats, go to the hotel Maldon and its beer garden or eat at a table outside the restaurant.
Castlemaine is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, or hop on the V train/railway (with small dogs on board allowed, see here).
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Maldon isn’t the only gold mining town in Victoria where your dog can catch a train. For a dog-friendly train, head to Walhalla, about 2 1/2 hours east of Melbourne. But driving a train (diesel this time) isn’t what attracts the dogs to Walhalla…
For something different, visit the Long Range Gold Station. As one of the most effective gold mines in Victoria, these days you can take a 50-minute drive through the main line, visit the actual gold mining operations and hear many interesting stories from the guide.
It was dark and sometimes hot in the tunnel, so I took my little dog for a walk. Decide in advance if you think your dog will be comfortable and happy to participate in the trip. Effective advertising is required due to the size of the group.
There is much to see in Walhalla, including walking around the village and reading more than 30 signs that explain its history. Puppets are also allowed to connect you on the Tramline to the golden ropes.
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If you are thinking of driving the Coastal Path with your dog, I will warn you in advance that it is not a dog walk at all. Popular street spots, such as the 12 Apostles complex, do not allow dogs. With many beaches they also protect dogs in the summer.
However, there are still many things to do with your dog, and it can be a short walk or a long walk with your child, especially if you plan. I recommend reading my book in advance to know what is and isn’t dog friendly, and before booking. If it is possible to visit in the summer months or some cold months of the year, when most beaches allow dogs on the sand.
Another great dog walk, a fun walk to take with your dog is to see some of the best examples of silo technology to be found in Victoria.
While there are examples of silo art dotted around Victoria, the best way to finish is the original Silo Trail. The original route was 200km from Rupanyup to Patchewollock in western Victoria, but there was no new silo.
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