The joy of road trip adventures reaches new heights when your dog joins the journey. Victoria offers some of Australia's most diverse landscapes – from the winding Great Ocean Road to snow-capped alpine villages – with an impressive array of locations that happily welcome our dogs.

Victoria has earned its reputation as a premier destination for pet owners with its unique blend of historic gold rush towns, acclaimed wine regions, and picturesque coastal drives. The Garden State provides both city-loving and adventure-seeking dogs with experiences ranging from beachside romps to tranquil forest trails.

Throughout Victoria, you'll discover an abundance of pet-accommodating beaches, off-leash parks, and scenic walking paths, alongside restaurants and accommodations that extend a warm welcome. What makes Victoria particularly appealing is the accessibility of these diverse experiences – you can travel from Melbourne to mountains, beaches, or wine country within a couple of hours.

Join us as we explore Victoria's top 10 dog-friendly destinations that promise unforgettable experiences for the entire family – humans and canines alike.
 

1. Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula isn't just for wine lovers and beachgoers – many areas welcome four-legged visitors also. The relaxed coastal atmosphere extends to its pet policies, with several beaches allowing dogs to enjoy the sand and surf.

  • Mothers Beach in Mornington permits dogs on-leash during specified hours
  • Flinders Beach allows dogs off-leash during certain times
  • The Balcombe Estuary Reserves Boardwalk (3km return) offers a scenic on-leash walk through wetlands
  • Point Leo Foreshore Trail (2.5km) provides stunning coastal views while walking your dog on-leash
  • Green Olive at Red Hill welcomes dogs in their outdoor dining areas
  • Harmony Bed & Breakfast and Tulum Coastal Retreat offer pet-friendly accommodation options

Summer mornings (before 9am) are best for beach visits as sand can become too hot for paws by midday. In winter, the peninsula is much quieter but coastal walks can be windy – the inland trails around Red Hill offer more protection. Autumn brings stable weather patterns and fewer visitors, making it ideal for dog-friendly adventures.
 

2. Great Ocean Road

Known for its breathtaking coastal views, the Great Ocean Road also offers plenty of spaces for your dog to enjoy.

  • Anglesea Beach has designated dog-friendly areas
  • Johanna Beach permits dogs off-leash in certain sections
  • The Aireys Inlet to Fairhaven Beach Walk (4.5km one-way) welcomes dogs on-leash with spectacular ocean views
  • Split Point Lighthouse to Step Beach Trail (1.8km) offers a dog-friendly scenic walk
  • The Wye General Store provides dog-friendly outdoor seating
  • Pet-friendly accommodation at Lorne Coachman Inn and Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn

Strong winds can affect coastal walks during winter, but this is also when you'll find the most peaceful beach experiences. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic along the Great Ocean Road – consider weekday visits when possible. Spring offers the perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and moderate tourist numbers, with wildflowers adding colour to many walking tracks.

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3. Daylesford and Hepburn Springs

Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the spa country offers charming villages and plenty of dog-friendly walking trails outside the mineral springs reserves.

  • Lake Daylesford Circuit (2.8km) has a scenic walking track where dogs are welcome on lead
  • The Twin Bridges Walking Track (5km return) follows Sailors Creek with beautiful forest sections
  • Tipperary Springs Track (3km) offers a moderate dog-friendly walk with natural mineral springs
  • The Chocolate Mill in Mount Franklin welcomes dogs in their outdoor area
  • Farmers Arms Hotel has a dog-friendly beer garden
  • Daylesford Country Retreats and St Andrews Retreat offer pet-friendly accommodation

Winter brings misty mornings and occasional frost – perfect for a morning walk followed by a visit to a dog-friendly cafe with a fireplace. Summer temperatures can reach the high 30s, so morning walks by the lake are preferable. Autumn brings spectacular golden and red foliage along the trails, particularly in April and May, making it particularly photogenic.

 

4. Yarra Valley

Victoria's premier wine region isn't just for wine enthusiasts – many Yarra Valley wineries welcome well-behaved dogs at their cellar doors.

  • Yering Farm, Helen & Joey Estate and Punt Road Wines all welcome dogs in outdoor areas
  • Warburton Rail Trail (40km total, but can be done in sections) offers a flat, easy walk for dogs of all fitness levels
  • The O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail (30km total) can be accessed at multiple points for shorter walks (typically 4-6km sections)
  • Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail sections near Yarra Glen (5km) are perfect for a casual dog walk
  • The Healesville Hotel has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome
  • Yarra Valley Lodge and Wiggley Bottom Farm offer pet-friendly accommodation

During grape harvest (February-April), some wineries may be busier with production activities, but this is also when you'll see the vines at their most vibrant. Winter (June-August) brings occasional morning fog that creates magical scenery along the rail trails, though some paths can become muddy. Spring offers comfortable temperatures for longer walks, with many gardens in bloom.

 

5. Phillip Island

Phillip Island offers numerous dog-friendly beaches and reserves within easy reach of Melbourne, making it perfect for day trips or weekend stays.

  • YCW Beach has a designated off-leash dog area
  • Ventnor Beach allows dogs on-leash during specific hours
  • The Rhyll Inlet Walking Track (4.5km loop) offers bird watching opportunities with dogs on-leash
  • Oswin Roberts Reserve Walking Track (2.5km) provides a peaceful bushland walk
  • Conservation Hill Track (3km) offers gentle walking with bayside views
  • The Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant and Island Whole Foods welcome dogs in outdoor areas
  • Clifftop Boutique Accommodation and Phillip Island Apartments offer pet-friendly options

Strong winds can affect coastal areas in winter, but beaches are virtually empty. During penguin breeding season (September-March), some beach restrictions may apply in the evening hours. Autumn brings stable weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for longer beach walks. Summer weekends can be extremely busy with day-trippers, so arrive early or stay overnight to enjoy quieter mornings.

 

6. Macedon Ranges

With its charming country towns and beautiful gardens, the Macedon Ranges offers a different pace of life – and plenty of places that welcome our dogs.

  • Leash-free areas in Gisborne's Dixon Field and Woodend's Buffalo Stadium Reserve
  • Macedon Ranges Walking Trail (30km total, but can be done in shorter 5-8km sections) allows dogs on-leash
  • Campaspe River Walk in Kyneton (4km return) offers a gentle riverside path
  • Black Hill Reserve Trails in Kyneton (4km network) provide options for various fitness levels
  • The beautiful walking trails at Hanging Rock (3.8km base circuit) welcome dogs on leash
  • The Trading Post in Macedon and The Corner Store Café in Kyneton have dog-friendly outdoor areas
  • Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat and Campaspe House offer pet-friendly rooms

Winter temperatures often drop below 5°C, with occasional snowfall on Mount Macedon, so dog coats may be necessary. Autumn (April-May) brings spectacular colour to the deciduous trees throughout the region, especially along the Avenue of Honour. Spring offers gardens in bloom but can bring unpredictable weather – pack rain gear for both you and your dog.

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7. Wilsons Promontory Surrounds

While dogs aren't allowed in the national park itself, the surrounding areas offer stunning coastal scenery and dog-friendly accommodation options.

  • Sandy Point Beach offers an expansive area for dog walking, with a 6km stretch allowing plenty of exercise space
  • Venus Bay has designated dog-friendly sections along its 5km main beach
  • Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk (4km) offers dramatic coastal scenery
  • Shallow Inlet Walking Track (3.5km) provides a gentle coastal walk with beautiful viewThe Fish Creek Hotel and Guarry's in Foster welcome dogs in outdoor areas
  • Prom Coast Holiday Lodge and Shallow Inlet Caravan Park provide pet-friendly accommodation options

This region experiences strong winds in winter and spring, but these times offer the most dramatic coastal views with powerful waves. Summer brings warmer waters but also more visitors – early morning beach visits (6-8am) offer the best experience during peak season. Autumn brings stable weather patterns and fewer crowds, with mild temperatures perfect for longer walks.

 

8. Gippsland Lakes

This network of lakes, marshes and lagoons creates Australia's largest inland waterway system – with many areas welcoming to dogs.

  • Ninety Mile Beach has several sections where dogs are permitted, with Paradise Beach offering a 10km stretch for extended walks
  • Lakes Entrance foreshore walking tracks (5km) welcome dogs on lead
  • Paynesville-Raymond Island Ferry allows dogs, with the Raymond Island Koala Trail (1.2km) being dog-friendly (on leash)
  • Eagle Point to Paynesville Track (4.8km) offers beautiful lake views
  • The Esplanade in Lakes Entrance has several cafés with dog-friendly outdoor seating
  • Captains Cove Resort and Lakes Entrance Recreation and Camping Reserve offer pet-friendly accommodation

Summer brings perfect swimming conditions in the lakes, which are calmer than ocean beaches and ideal for dogs who enjoy water. Spring can bring unpredictable weather with occasional strong winds across the lakes. Winter offers peaceful exploration with virtually no crowds, but bring warm gear for both you and your dog as the lake winds can feel particularly cold.

 

9. Bright and Surrounds

This alpine town strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, with plenty of dog-friendly spots to explore outside the national parks.

  • The Canyon Walk (6km return) offers beautiful on-leash walking opportunities through gorges and alongside the Ovens River
  • Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (94km total, but the Bright to Porepunkah section is 6km) welcomes dogs on lead
  • Apex Park Loop (2km) provides an easy riverside walk from the town centre
  • The Cherry Walk (3.5km) offers a gentle trail with river access points
  • Bright Brewery and Sixpence Coffee welcome dogs in outdoor areas
  • Bright Caravan Park and Alpine Valley Getaways offer pet-friendly accommodation

Autumn (April-May) brings the famous changing leaves that transform the town into a spectacular display of reds, oranges and golds. Summer temperatures can reach above 35°C, but the Ovens River provides cooling swimming spots for dogs. Winter mornings often drop below freezing, so early walks require proper warming gear for both you and your dog. Spring brings comfortable walking temperatures and beautiful wildflowers along many trails.

 

10. Grampians Surrounds

While dogs aren't allowed in Grampians National Park itself, the surrounding towns and areas offer beautiful scenery and plenty of dog-friendly activities.

  • Lake Bellfield foreshore (3km) offers beautiful on-leash walking tracks with mountain views
  • Halls Gap township has several parks where dogs are welcome on lead
  • Stawell to Great Western section of the Grampians Rail Trail (6km) allows dogs on-leash
  • Halls Gap Recreation Reserve Loop (2km) provides easy walking with creek views
  • Harvest Halls Gap and Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co have dog-friendly outdoor areas
  • DULC Holiday Cabins and Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park offer pet-friendly accommodation

Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, so early morning walks (before 9am) are essential. The region can experience flash flooding in winter and spring, so check weather conditions before heading out. Autumn offers stable temperatures ideal for longer walks. Winter mornings often start with frost, but afternoons are typically clear and perfect for photography with your dog.

 

Planning Your Dog-Friendly Victorian Road Trip

Before setting off on your adventure, a bit of preparation will ensure both you and your dog have a fantastic time:

Essential Packing Items:

  • Collapsible water bowl and plenty of fresh water
  • Dog bed or mat for accommodation stays
  • Leash, harness and waste bags
  • Your dog's regular food and some treats
  • Familiar toys for comfort
  • Canine first aid kit
  • Up-to-date ID tags and vaccination records

Victorian Regulations to Know:

  • Dogs are generally not allowed in Victorian National Parks
  • Council regulations for beaches vary widely – always check local signage
  • Outside designated off-leash areas, dogs must be on a lead no longer than 2 metres
  • Always clean up after your dog

Seasonal Considerations:

Summer (December-February) brings hot temperatures that can be challenging for dogs. Plan activities for early morning or evening, and never leave your dog in a parked vehicle.

Winter (June-August) in alpine areas can be very cold – consider a dog coat for short-haired breeds.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, having the right vehicle makes all the difference when travelling with pets. The versatile Mitsubishi Triton provides the perfect balance of comfort and capability for family road trips. With its spacious cabin offering plenty of room for your dog, and the practical tub area perfect for storing all your outdoor gear, the Triton is built for adventure. The Triton's impressive ground clearance and Easy Select 4WD system give you the confidence to explore remote beaches and rugged trails that many other vehicles can't access, while advanced climate control ensures your dog stays comfortable regardless of Victoria's changeable weather conditions.

Victoria offers an incredible array of dog-friendly destinations that allow you to create lasting memories with your whole family. From coastal escapes to alpine adventures, there's something for every type of dog and owner to enjoy.

With the right preparation and a reliable vehicle like a Mitsubishi Outlander or Triton, the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination. So pack the car, bring your furry friend, and discover the best dog-friendly wonders that Victoria has to offer.

Remember to always respect local regulations, wildlife, and other visitors to ensure these beautiful places remain accessible to pets for years to come.

For more road trip inspiration beyond Victoria, check out our secret road trip hotspots - hidden gems across Australia where you can beat the crowds while experiencing the best the country has to offer.