Pet-Friendly Day Trips from Melbourne: Exploring Regional Victoria with Your Dog
One of the best things about living in Melbourne is what surrounds it. Within two hours of the CBD, you have surf beaches, wine country, alpine foothills, goldfield towns, and some of the best coastal walks in Australia. And a surprising amount of it is accessible with a dog.
But "dog-friendly" in regional Victoria requires more planning than in the city. National parks generally prohibit dogs. Many wineries and restaurants have their own policies. Some beaches have seasonal restrictions. And if you are heading into bushland, there are real safety considerations around snakes, heat, and terrain.
This guide covers the best day trips from Melbourne where your dog is genuinely welcome, the rules you need to know, and the practical details that make the difference between a great day and a frustrating one.
Mornington Peninsula
Distance from CBD: 60–90 minutes Best for: Beach dogs, wine lovers, coastal walks
The Mornington Peninsula is Melbourne's backyard beach escape, and it is one of the most dog-friendly regions in Victoria.
Beaches
Rye Ocean Beach has an off-leash section that runs for several hundred metres, and the surf beach environment is different from anything you get on the bay. The waves provide entertainment for dogs that love water, though the surf can be strong — confident swimmers only.
Sorrento Back Beach has off-leash access during restricted hours (check the Mornington Peninsula Shire website, as these change seasonally). The rock pools at low tide are fascinating for dogs, and the beach itself is dramatic.
Safety Point and Shoreham Beach are quieter options on the Western Port Bay side, with calmer water and fewer crowds. Off-leash rules vary by section.
Walks
The Two Bays Walking Track connects Dromana on Port Phillip Bay to Cape Schanck on Bass Strait. Dogs are permitted on-leash on most sections of the track that run through state forest (but not the sections through national park). The walking is excellent — bushland, coastal views, and varied terrain across about 26 kilometres total.
The Bushrangers Bay Walk from Cape Schanck is one of the most popular coastal walks on the Peninsula. Dogs are not permitted on this walk (it passes through Mornington Peninsula National Park). This catches people out regularly — check before you set out.
Food and Wineries
Many Peninsula wineries welcome dogs in outdoor areas. Montalto, T'Gallant, and Red Hill Estate all permit dogs on their outdoor terraces or gardens. Call ahead to confirm, as policies can change.
The township of Mornington itself has several dog-friendly cafes, and the Sunday market on the waterfront is dog-accessible.
Great Ocean Road (Torquay to Lorne)
Distance from CBD: 90 minutes to Torquay, 2 hours to Lorne Best for: Coastal walks, beach play, scenic drives
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's great coastal drives, and the stretch from Torquay to Lorne offers several dog-friendly stops.
Beaches
Torquay Main Beach has off-leash sections during restricted hours. The beach is wide and sandy, and the waves are manageable for most dogs.
Point Addis just south of Anglesea is spectacular — a long, wild beach backed by scrubland. Dogs are permitted on-leash. The walk down from the car park is steep but worth it for the scenery.
Fairhaven Beach near Aireys Inlet has off-leash sections and is less crowded than the Torquay beaches. The beach is long enough that you can find your own space even on busy days.
Walks
The Surf Coast Walk connects Torquay to Aireys Inlet along the coast, covering about 44 kilometres total. Dogs are permitted on-leash on sections outside the national park boundaries. The most popular dog-friendly section runs from Jan Juc to Anglesea, with ocean views and cliff-top paths.
The Anglesea River Walk is a shorter option — a pleasant loop along the river that is popular with families and dogs alike. Off-leash in designated sections.
Important Restrictions
Dogs are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park, which means many of the famous walks and waterfalls between Lorne and Apollo Bay are off-limits. This includes Erskine Falls, Sheoak Falls, and the Otway Fly. Plan accordingly — if your day includes these stops, your dog will need to wait in the car (not advisable in warm weather) or you will need to adjust the itinerary.
Daylesford and Hepburn Springs
Distance from CBD: 90 minutes Best for: Town walking, cafe hopping, forest trails
Daylesford is Victoria's spa country capital, and the town itself is remarkably dog-friendly. The main street has multiple dog-friendly cafes, and the general vibe is relaxed enough that dogs on-leash are welcome in most outdoor settings.
Walks
Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is the centrepiece — a beautiful hilltop garden with a lookout tower and walking paths. Dogs are permitted on-leash, and the gardens are manageable for dogs of all fitness levels.
Jubilee Lake is a short walk from the town centre and has a pleasant loop track around the lake. Dogs on-leash. It is a good option for a post-lunch walk before driving home.
The Wombat State Forest, which surrounds Daylesford, has numerous walking tracks and fire trails where dogs are permitted on-leash. The forest is beautiful — tall eucalyptus, fern gullies, and wildlife. Keep an eye out for wombats (who give the forest its name) and keep your dog close — wombats can deliver a nasty bite if cornered.
Food
Cliffy's Emporium on Vincent Street has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The food is excellent — seasonal, local, and unfussy. Koukla on the same street does superb coffee with outdoor tables.
The Daylesford Sunday Market at the railway station is dog-friendly and a good way to start a Sunday day trip.
Yarra Valley
Distance from CBD: 60 minutes Best for: Wine and food lovers, scenic countryside
The Yarra Valley is Melbourne's closest wine region, and while dogs are not welcome inside cellar doors, many wineries have outdoor areas where well-behaved dogs can join you.
Dog-Friendly Wineries
Yering Station has expansive grounds where dogs can join you on the lawn. The setting — a historic property with valley views — is one of the best in the region.
De Bortoli has a large garden area and the cellar door staff are dog-friendly. The cheese room is excellent (humans only, unfortunately).
Dominique Portet has a modern terrace with vineyard views that accommodates dogs. The wines are consistently excellent.
Walks
Maroondah Reservoir Park in Healesville has walking tracks through beautiful mountain ash forest. Dogs are permitted on-leash. The forest is dense and cool, making it a good hot-weather option.
The Warburton Rail Trail follows the old railway line from Lilydale to Warburton, covering about 40 kilometres of flat, easy walking and cycling. Dogs are permitted on-leash. You can do a shorter section — the Yarra Junction to Warburton stretch is particularly scenic.
Healesville Sanctuary
Dogs are not permitted at Healesville Sanctuary (it is a zoo with native wildlife). This is worth noting because it is one of the main Yarra Valley attractions and people sometimes assume dogs would be welcome at an outdoor wildlife park. They are not, for obvious wildlife welfare reasons.
The Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong
Distance from CBD: 75 minutes to Geelong, 90 minutes to Queenscliff Best for: Beach dogs, maritime towns, calmer alternative to the Great Ocean Road
The Bellarine is the Mornington Peninsula's quieter cousin — less developed, less crowded, and genuinely dog-friendly.
Beaches
Ocean Grove Main Beach has off-leash sections and is wide enough to absorb crowds. The surf is moderate and the beach is well-maintained.
Point Lonsdale Back Beach is wilder and less visited. Dogs are permitted in designated sections. The rock shelf at the eastern end is interesting at low tide.
Eastern Beach in Geelong is a bay beach with calm water and an art deco bathing pavilion. Off-leash rules are time-restricted.
Walks
The Bellarine Rail Trail runs 32 kilometres from South Geelong to Queenscliff. It is flat, well-maintained, and passes through farmland and small towns. Dogs on-leash. The Queenscliff end is particularly pleasant, finishing near the harbour.
Queenscliff itself is a charming maritime town with dog-friendly cafes, a historic fort, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits a late-afternoon wander.
Goldfields: Ballarat and Castlemaine
Distance from CBD: 90 minutes to Ballarat, 90 minutes to Castlemaine Best for: History, town walking, bush trails
Ballarat
Lake Wendouree is Ballarat's centrepiece — a large lake with a 6-kilometre walking loop, botanical gardens, and off-leash areas in designated sections. The loop is flat and easy, suitable for dogs of any fitness level.
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens permit dogs on-leash on the outer paths. The heritage gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit.
Castlemaine
Castlemaine is a smaller, artier goldfield town with excellent cafes and a thriving local food scene. The main street has several dog-friendly outdoor dining options.
The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park has walking tracks through former goldfield landscapes. Dogs are permitted on-leash on designated tracks — check Parks Victoria for current access maps.
Practical Tips for Day Trips with Dogs
Water: carry more than you think you need. Regional Victoria can be significantly hotter than Melbourne, and many walking tracks do not have reliable water sources.
Heat management: on days above 30 degrees, adjust your plans. Walk early morning or late afternoon. Keep your dog off hot pavement and sand. If in doubt, leave the bushwalk for a cooler day and stick to a shady cafe.
Snake awareness: tiger snakes and brown snakes are present across regional Victoria from October through April. Stay on tracks, keep your dog close, and avoid long grass and rock piles. If your dog is bitten, get to a vet immediately — do not attempt to treat it yourself.
Car comfort: a two-hour drive with a dog requires planning. Ensure shade in the car, bring water for rest stops, never leave your dog in a closed car even briefly, and consider a harness or crate for safety.
Check restrictions before you go: national park rules, off-leash hours, and venue policies all change. A five-minute check on the relevant council or Parks Victoria website can save you a wasted trip.
Planning a longer getaway without your dog? Find trusted pet sitters in Melbourne and Victoria so you can explore knowing your pet is in great hands.