Dog-friendly Victoria: things to do in Victoria with a dog

House sitting in Victoria or welcoming a Victoria pet sitter and want to get clued-up on all the best pooch-friendly spots? 

Look no further, fellow pet lover. Here, we’re diving into all that dog-friendly Victoria has to offer. Find dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, pubs and hikes in some of the state’s busiest areas.

Dog-friendly beaches Victoria, Australia

One of the most popular - if not the most popular thing to do in Australia is to visit the beach - daily. That’s why if you’re house sitting in Victoria and you’re looking after a new canine companion, you’ll want to know all the dog-friendly beaches Victoria has to offer. Take a look below for a list of beaches where your pooch pal is welcome in Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Phillip Island.

Dog-friendly beaches Melbourne

• Brighton beach - Sandown Street. Sandown St, Brighton VIC 3186, Australia
• Port Melbourne dog beach. Bay Trail, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
• Tassells Cove. Marine Dr, Safety Beach VIC 3936, Australia

For more local recommendations, visit our blog on dog-friendly Melbourne.

Dog-friendly beaches Geelong

• Avalon beach. Port Phillip Bay, VIC, Australia
• Rippleside beach. Rippleside VIC, Australia
• Eastern Reserve beach. Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Dog-friendly beaches Phillip Island

• Cape Woolamai dog beach. The Esplanade, Cape Woolamai VIC 3925, Australia
• The Collonades. The Blvd, Cape Woolamai VIC 3925, Australia
• Ventnor beach. 608 Ventnor Beach Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922, Australia

It’s always worth noting that there are often restrictions on the times your dog is allowed on the beach, and the parts of the beach they’re allowed on. Some beaches also require dogs to be kept on a leash. So, plan your trip ahead and make sure you’re following up-to-date rules.

Dog-friendly restaurants Victoria, Australia

There’s nothing quite like settling down with your furry pal after a long day of walkies and games of fetch. To find somewhere that’ll allow both you and your furry pal to do just that, explore some of the dog-friendly restaurants Victoria has to offer below.

Dog-friendly restaurants Melbourne

The Angry Dog

A self-confessed ‘quintessentially west-Melbourne’ spot, The Angry Dog has an industrial feel, serves up both hot dogs and puppuccinos, and boasts a perfectly relaxed atmosphere.

Location: 435 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia

Arbory Bar & Eatery

Sit outside in this riverside restaurant with your furry friend, and choose from light plates and sharing platters.

Location: 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Rudimentary

Ever had lunch in a shipping container? Head to Rudimentary for a unique, dog-friendly dining experience.

Location: 16-20 Leeds St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

For more dog-friendly restaurant recommendations in Melbourne, head to our local guide to dog-friendly Melbourne.

Dog-friendly restaurants Geelong

Sailor’s Rest

For both a child and dog-friendly restaurant in Geelong, you could check out Sailor’s Rest, where you’ll find a reliable global menu.

Location: 3 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Edge

This spot also welcomes four-legged customers, as well as two. Pop along for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even cocktails and bring your furry friend along, too.

Location: 6/8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

King of the Castle Cafe

More of a gourmet burger kind of diner? Head to King of the Castle where pups are welcome in the outdoor courtyard.

Location: 24 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants Ballarat

Boatshed

Head to this spot’s dog-friendly deck and choose from a varied menu of pizzas, sharing plates and indulgent, upmarket mains.

Location: 27A Lake Wendouree Foreshore, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia

Pipers by the Lake

Enjoy bistro food with a view and even order your pup a puppuccino at this lakeside, dog-friendly restaurant.

Location: 403 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia

Golden City Hotel

Choose from salads, pizza and bistro plates on the hotel’s dog-friendly verandah.

Location: 427 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants Phillip Island

Rusty Water Brewery

Choose from hearty dishes and local brews, and relax with your four-legged friend in one of the brewery’s outdoor areas.

Location: 1821 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Hotel Phillip Island

Whether it’s for the water views, the dog-friendly outdoor area or the easy-going dinner menu, Hotel Phillip Island certainly is a crowd pleaser.

Location: 11/13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Isola Di Capri

If Italian fare is your vibe, head to Isola Di Capri, where the outdoor area is totally dog-friendly.

Location: 2 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs Victoria, Australia

Fancy a cold one after a long day of exploring in Victoria, but not sure where your four-pawed pal will be welcome? Start with our list below of the dog-friendly pubs in Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat.

Dog-friendly pubs Melbourne

The Park Hotel 

For hearty pub grub in a traditional-style tavern, head to The Park Hotel where dogs are welcome outdoors.

Location: 191 Nicholson St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia

The Spirit Vaults

Visit this traditional brewpub in the heart of Melbourne and enjoy a local beer with your furry pal for company.

Location: The Blue Bell Inn, 53 Church St, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8EJ

Great Northern Hotel

Head to this 1800s watering hole for laid-back vibes, well-reviewed food and a dog-friendly beer garden.

Location: 644 Rathdowne St, Carlton North VIC 3054, Australia]

For more local pubs in Melbourne, head to our guide to dog-friendly Melbourne.

Dog-friendly pubs Geelong

Elephant and Castle Hotel

Stop by for homely fare and a cold one with your furry pal in the Elephant and Castle Hotel’s dog-friendly garden.

Location: 158 McKillop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Little Creatures Brewery

Serious about beer? Call ahead to book yourself a dog-friendly table at this Geelong brewery.

Location: R9P6+2M Geelong, Victoria, Australia

The Inn Hotel

Looking for somewhere cosy to get a roast or traditional pub grub? Head to The Inn Hotel’s outdoor seating area.

Location: 58 Corio St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs Ballarat

Royal Oak Hotel

Dating all the way back to the 1860s, get a taste of 19th century Australia and relax in this spot’s dog-friendly beer garden.

Location: 402 South St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

Queens Head Hotel

Love a beer garden? If you’re anywhere near Ballarat East, head to the Queens Head Hotel where your pooch will be welcome.

Location: 146 Humffray St N, Ballarat East VIC 3350, Australia

Bunch of Grapes Hotel

If you’re a wine lover, book ahead for a dog-friendly table in this vintage pub in Ballarat Central.

Location: 406 Ascot St S, Ballarat Central VIC 3350, Australia

Dog-friendly hikes Victoria, Australia

Of all the dog-friendly activities Victoria has to offer, a stroll, run or even a hike is likely to be your furry pal’s favorite. So for a few ideas on places to walk your dog in Victoria, take a look below.

Dog-friendly walks Melbourne

When planning your walkies route with your furry best pal, make sure you’re clued-up on local rules. For example, according to the City of Melbourne website, the entire city is - by default - an on-leash area, and dogs should only be let off in designated areas or during off-leash hours. 

So for a few ideas on dog-friendly places in Victoria’s Melbourne area to walk your pup, take a look below and explore more ideas in our dog-friendly guide to Melbourne.

• Brooklyn Reserve fenced dog park. 6 Heather Ave, Brooklyn VIC 3012, Australia
• Clayton Reserve. 201-241 Macaulay Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
• Victoria Gardens off leash area. 52 Murray St, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia
• Yarra Park off leash area. 56 Vale St S, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia

Dog-friendly walks Geelong

• The Barwon River walk. 1 Queens Park Rd, Highton VIC 3216, Australia
• Dooliebeal Reserve. 87 Stewarts Rd, Armstrong Creek VIC 3217, Australia
• Begola Wetlands. Ocean Grove VIC 3226, Australia
• Bellarine Rail Trail. Victoria, Australia

Dog-friendly walks Ballarat

• Woowookarung Regional Park. Recreation Rd, Mount Clear VIC 3350, Australia
• Union Jack Reserve. Buninyong VIC 3357, Australia
• Yarrowee River trail. Sebastopol VIC 3356, Australia
• Pioneer Park. 5 McKenzie Dr, Wendouree VIC 3355, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes Victoria, Australia

Nothing quite beats a coffee stop with your furry friend by your side - check out these dog-friendly cafes in Victoria’s Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat where you’ll find barista brews, pastries and breakfast plates.

Dog-friendly cafes Melbourne

The Farm Cafe

If you’re after somewhere that’s both child and dog-friendly, head to The Farm Cafe, where you’ll find wholesome, home-cooked plates of eggs, hearty sandwiches and toasts.

Location: Children's Farm, Main Yarra Trail Collingwood, 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia

Sweet Evelyn

Head to Union Street for coffee, pastries, acai bowls and burgers.

Location: 128 Union St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

The Lawson Grove Shop

Want somewhere for bacon, eggs, and dog treats? Head to Melbourne’s Lawson Grove Shop where four-pawed customers are more than welcome.

Location: 1 Lawson Grove, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

For more cafe recommendations, head to our dog-friendly guide to Melbourne.

Dog-friendly cafes Geelong

• Sodi Cafe. 149 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218, Australia
• Box Office Cafe. 77 Preston St, Geelong West VIC 3218, Australia
• The Pickers Union. 3 Mackey St, North Geelong VIC 3215, Australia
• Orchid & Co. 26 Garden St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes Ballarat

• Common Ground. 306 Howitt Street, Ballarat North VIC 3350, Australia
• Racers Cafe. 2 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350, Australia
• Tin Roof. 302 Macarthur St, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350, Australia
• Lydiard General Cafe & Diner. 313 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350, Australia

Tips for pet parents

So you pet parent a pooch in Victoria, Australia, and naturally, you want to keep your pup happy and safe while you’re both at home, and away. Right? Follow our tips below for keeping pups calm and content at home in dog-friendly Victoria.

• Adhere to beach restrictions. As is the case in many countries, there are a variety of restrictions in place when it comes to taking dogs to beaches. So when planning a day out at a dog-friendly Victoria beach, double check that you stick to the zones your pup is permitted in.
• Check restaurant, pub and cafe rules. It’s totally down to the business owner whether they let your furry friends in their outdoor space, so double check the rules before turning up, just in case the spot has changed hands.
• Plan ahead for your holiday. Want to keep your furry friend just as happy when you’re both at home and away on holiday? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider welcoming an in-home Victoria pet sitter next time you’re planning a trip. Click below to find out how it works.

Tips for pet sitters

Want to explore Great Ocean Road with a four-legged friend by your side? Naturally - follow our tips below for house sitting in Victoria.

• Explore local dog parks. If you need somewhere reliable to let your new furry pal run free, head to your local, fenced dog park. Only let your pup pal off the leash if pet parents permit it, and let your furry friend catch up with their local buddies.
• Check for beach rules. It’s more than possible to explore local beaches and soak up the sun with your new furry friend, but be sure to double check which areas you’re both allowed before taking a stroll.
• Live the local life. While exploring new areas, head to local spots where you’re likely to meet other likeminded pet and travel lovers - they always give the best recommendations and it’s a great way to truly immerse yourself in local culture.
• Experience Victoria through house sitting. So, fancy discovering Victoria with a place to stay in exchange for pet care, and new furry friends for life? Naturally - click below to learn more about how it works.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly NSW: things to do in NSW with a dog
• Dog-friendly guide to Melbourne: things to do in Melbourne with a dog
• Dog friendly guide to Perth: things to do in Perth with a dog