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Dog Friendly Trips Victoria – Looking for something fun and different to do with your dog in rural Victoria? Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, exploring the state’s fascinating history or just enjoying fine wine (with your dog), I’ve rounded up these fun dog-friendly experiences you can find in Victoria. What are your favorite dog attractions in Victoria?
One of the highlights of my trips to and around Melbourne with my dogs was a dog wine tour in the Yarra Valley with my pup. Pooches and Pinot offer private winery tours for small groups, including dogs. This is the perfect luxury experience to spend with your dog near Melbourne.
Dog Friendly Trips Victoria
Full day and half day tour options available. I would also recommend staying an extra night or two in the Yarra Valley to really make the most of your time. Pooches and Pinot can arrange a package for you that includes accommodation.
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One of my childhood memories is visiting the historic town of Echuca on the Murray River and riding a paddle steamer. In 2021, during the lockdown, I finally managed to come back and, of course, I took my dog with me.
Most paddle boats in Echuca allow well-behaved dogs on board as long as they are not floating restaurants. Echuca Paddlesteamers, for example, runs multiple one-hour cruises daily to historic PS Pevensey and PS Alexander Arbuthnot and welcomes pets. Just be sure to hold your pup tight when the whistle blows!
Victoria is home to many charming historic towns and cities, one of the best examples of which is Beechworth, located 3 hours north of Melbourne. Beechworth is home to Victoria’s finest collection of public buildings in the country, built from the beautiful local honey granite.
To best enjoy Beechworth with your dog, I recommend picking up a walking route brochure from the Visitor Information Center for a small fee. Then take the tour through the main streets of the city.
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While in Beechworth, it is also worth a visit along the Gorge Scenic Drive through Beechworth Heritage Park on the north side of the town. It can be driven or you can walk all or part of the walk with your dog. Just be sure to keep them on a leash.
Most ski resorts in Australia do not allow dogs, either because they are located within a national park or because of other restrictions. But Dinner Plain in the Victorian Highlands is an exception, which means your dog can accompany you on your snow adventures during the winter months. This ski area has gentle slopes, perfect for beginners or just to enjoy sledding or general fun.
Note that the village is surrounded by a national park and is not fenced, so you must keep your dog on a lead most of the time. There are some areas for belts as described on the website. Also visit the Dinner Plain website for links to dog friendly accommodation in the village.
While Melbourne has many trams on its city streets, did you know that the city of Bendigo has an old fashioned talking tram? This is a great option for exploring this historic city, especially since well-behaved dogs can ride the tram with you.
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There is commentary along the way and you can choose to take the tram around town (it takes about 45 minutes) or hop on and off as you like, and tickets are valid all day.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Central Deborah Gold Mine (dogs are allowed on a self-guided tour), the historic courthouse and Soldiers’ Memorial, and Lake Verona (a great place to walk your dog).
Bright is an increasingly popular destination, also with dog owners. This Highland town has plenty of dog-friendly walks to explore. But if you want something different, consider cycling with your dog.
There are many cycling routes near Bright, including the Murray Range Rail Trail, which starts nearby. If you don’t have your own bike, there are many bike rental shops in the city. At least one of the e-bikes also offers dog sled rental, although other shops may also offer this service if you ask directly. Double check all weight restrictions.
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A popular option for novice cyclists is the relatively flat cycle path to Wandiligon, just 5.5 km from Bright and the home of the Nightingale Brothers Apple Orchard. Afterwards, take a dip in the Ovens River or try 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 places is Raymond Island, located in East Gippsland not far from the mouth of the lake.
To get to Raymond Island, I recommend parking in Painesville and taking the free short ferry as a foot passenger. The Koala Trail starts right across the ferry terminal and is best done on foot for a chance to see a koala.
The main route is 1.2 kilometers long, but there are some longer routes. To support local volunteers, please consider purchasing a brochure or making a donation on the site from the start. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash at all times, although if your dog is anything like ours, he may not know there’s anything sleeping in the gum!
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Paddle steamers aren’t Victoria’s only dog-friendly historic mode of transport, there are also a variety of dog-friendly historic train routes. Near Melbourne, you can ride a vintage steam train on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, which connects the Goldfield towns of Castlemaine and Maldon.
If you do choose a carriage, make sure to select “Short Distance Transport” (only service dogs are allowed in premium first class carriages). The tourist cabin has historic wooden family wagons with opening windows, perfect for an authentic experience. Dogs may travel for free, provided they are well behaved and it is at the station master’s discretion whether they allow dogs on board.
Book a full day train journey on Wednesday or a train journey on Sunday morning. The former includes a 2 1/2-hour stopover in the historic gold mining town of Maldon, while the latter has a 90-minute stopover. (Sunday afternoon walks stop only briefly.) For a dog-friendly lunch, go to the Maldon Hotel, which has a beer garden, or dine at a table outside in one of the cafes.
Castlemaine is a 90 minute drive from Melbourne or transfer on the V/line train for the full train experience (small dogs allowed, see here).
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Maldon isn’t the only historic gold mining town in Victoria where you can let your dog ride a historic train. For another historic, dog-friendly trail, head to Walhalla, about 2 1/2 hours east of Melbourne. But a train ride (diesel this time) isn’t the only dog-friendly attraction in Valhalla…
For a completely different experience, visit the Long Tunnel Extension Gold Mine. Once home to one of Victoria’s most productive gold mines, you can now take a 50-minute guided tour along the main tunnel to see the original gold mining operations and hear lots of great stories from your guide.
The tunnels are quite dark and sometimes damp, so I took my puppy along on the tour. Decide in advance if you think your dog will be well behaved and happy to take part in the trip. Due to group size restrictions, it is recommended to book in advance.
There is much more to see at Walhalla, including exploring the village on foot and reading over 30 signs explaining its history. Leased dogs are also welcome to accompany you on the tram route to the Long Tunnel Extension Gold Mine.
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If you are thinking of taking your dog for a ride along the Great Ocean Road, I will warn you in advance that this road is not completely dog-friendly. Many of the most famous sights along the route, such as the Twelve Apostles Observatory, are dog-free. Additionally, many beaches have dog restrictions in the summer.
However, there are many things you can do with your dog and it can be a great short or long trip, especially if you are prepared. I recommend that you read my guide in advance on what is and isn’t dog friendly and book your accommodation well in advance. If possible, go in the spring or other cooler months of the year when more beaches allow dogs to play in the sand.
For another great dog-friendly road trip, take a fun trip with your pup to visit beautiful examples of silo art around the Victorian countryside.
While examples of silo art can be found throughout Victoria, the most worthwhile route to complete is the Original Silo Art Trail. The original route is about 200km from Rupanyup to Patchewolock in western Victoria, but new silos are under construction.
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