Why Victoria rewards dog owners who plan properly
Victoria has some of Australia's most beautiful landscapes and some of its most complicated rules for dog owners. Most of the iconic scenery sits inside national parks where dogs are prohibited.
The reward for planning properly is access to destinations that are genuinely extraordinary. The Mornington Peninsula is the best peninsula destination in Australia for dogs. The High Country around Bright is one of the great autumn experiences in the country.
Mornington Peninsula: the standout destination
The Mornington Peninsula is the best dog destination in Victoria without serious competition. Close to Melbourne, genuinely dog friendly on both the bay and ocean sides, with excellent wineries, outstanding cafes, and more off-leash beach access than anywhere else in the state.
The Mount Martha Beach Walk passes through four separate off-leash areas. Rye Dog Beach is reliable year round. Flinders Dog Beach on the ocean side is dramatic and beautiful.
Simon Tolley Cellar Door runs Pinot and Pooch Days on the third Sunday of every month. Miss Drew's Bakery and Dog Cafe in Tyabb is a cafe built entirely around dogs.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road requires careful planning for dog owners. Most of the dramatic scenery sits inside Great Otway National Park where dogs cannot leave the car.
The dog friendly sections are genuinely worth doing. Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay all have council managed beach areas where dogs are welcome.
Drive the road eastbound from Warrnambool to Torquay. This way you do the national park sections knowing you will stay in the car, and arrive at the more dog friendly eastern end with beach time waiting.
Note that the Great Ocean Road coastal scrub is prime tiger snake territory. Keep dogs on a short leash near any coastal scrub or trail edges.
The High Country and Northeast Victoria
Bright in autumn is one of the great Australian travel experiences for dog owners. The deciduous trees turning creates some of the most extraordinary colour in Australia, the main street is welcoming to dogs, and the Ovens Valley river walks are beautiful.
Beechworth nearby is a heritage town with outstanding food, outdoor dining that welcomes dogs, and good walking throughout the surrounding bushland.
Time a Bright visit for late April through May when the colour is at its peak. Accommodation books out months in advance for peak autumn weekends.
Daylesford and Gippsland
Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges are genuinely relaxed about dogs. The mineral springs, walking tracks through state forest, and the cafe culture in Daylesford township make it one of the better weekend escapes from Melbourne for dog owners.
Gippsland is underrated for dog owners. The coastline around Inverloch and the Ninety Mile Beach region all have dog friendly beach access and genuinely beautiful scenery.
Victoria rewards the dog owner who plans properly. The destinations that work well are genuinely extraordinary. Write to us at hello@pawtrips.com.au with your Victoria recommendations.
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