Top pet-friendly places to eat, stay, swim and visit in Victoria

From pupachinos and pupcakes to winery tours and dog-friendly dining, it has never been easier to enjoy a day trip or weekend away in Victoria with your four-legged friend.

Taking your pooch along will make it as happy as Captain (follow Captain’s adventures on Instagram @tomandcaptain)

Exploring our state just isn’t the same without your best mate.

From pupachinos and pupcakes to winery tours and dog-friendly dining, it has never been easier to enjoy a weekend away in Victoria with the fur baby.

With more than 65 per cent of Melburnians owning a pet, a growing number of luxury accommodation, gourmet restaurants, sun-soaked pubs and world-class producers are putting out the welcome mat for the family pooch.

YOGA SESSIONS FOR DOGS HELP PETS MATCH OWNERS’ HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

DOG-FRIENDLY DINGER IS PERFECT FOR LOVED-UP PUPPIES

WHY OWNING A DOG IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Not only will you avoid the long face looking on as you pack your bags, you will also save on costly kennels as making memories with man’s best friend is no longer restricted to dog parks and patrolled beaches.

DOGGY DAY TRIPS

From truffle hunts in the Daylesford/Creswick area to indulgent Paws and Pours high teas in the Yarra Valley, Gourmet Pawprints makes it easy for pup and owner to create holiday memories as they travel across regional Victoria in the dog-friendly Bella the bus.

Other pet-friendly itineraries include Mornington, Yarra Valley and Melba trail winery tours and picnic adventures in the Dandenong Ranges and at Hanging Rock.

“It’s designed to be an effortless day bringing together food, wine and the joy of being with your dog,” says Gourmet Pawprints founder Kerry Watt, who created the business to offer people an inclusive holiday experience with furry family members they cannot bear to leave behind.

You can also wander through the gardens with your dog on a leash at Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm in Hepburn Springs.

Fozigobble Cafe in Yarragon encourages guests to enjoy the garden surrounds with their pets.

FINE DINING FOR BOOZE HOUNDS

Connoisseurs of fine food and drink no longer need to choose between their furry companion and a gourmet experience.

Countrywide Cottages, holders of a 5 Paw Rating for Dog Friendly Accommodation since 2008 from Holidaying with Dogs, has launched a Dogustation Package in conjunction with Brae for culinary aficionados and their canines.

On the doorstep of the Otways National Park, a stay at the four-star pet-friendly accommodation, which includes fenced yards, cosy dog bed, blankets, bowls and homemade dog treats, includes return-transfer to the world’s 58th best restaurant.

Several wineries and breweries will happily let you take your pooch for a bite to eat.

Innocent Bystander at Healesville is a dog-friendly restaurant with an outdoor deck.

after sea breezes, warm weather and a cold beer.

Head to Phillip Island’s Ocean Reach Brewing for a taste of the good life with your best friend by your side.

With 12 rotating beers on tap and food van on site, this family and pet-friendly venue has all the makings of a great holiday venue.

DOG-FRIENDLY CAFES

Furry visitors are also being embraced across the state, with a host of cafes and retailers catering for the extended family.

Ballarat’s Pipers by the Lake serves pupachinos, Bright’s Ginger Baker dishes up all-natural dog biscuits while the Taste of the Region at Queenscliff Brewhouse sells dog-friendly Beer Dog Bitter.

A food truck dedicated to dogs has popped up in the central Victorian city of Bendigo, with Wally’s Dog Cafe launched to celebrate, spoil and show off our furry best mates.

Have a cuppa with your bestie by your side on the sun-drenched deck at Harvest in Halls Gap, or perch yourself and your pooch overlooking the water at At The Heads in Barwon Heads.

Let your dog get a sniff of the countryside.

DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS

Dogs are not allowed in most national and state parks, but they can visit many other parks and reserves.

Take in the views from the top of the You Yangs Regional Park between Melbourne and Geelong, explore the sandy coves and rocky headlands of the Bunurong Coastal Reserve near Cape Paterson, or discover a network of on-road and off-road tracks with your canine friends in the rugged Cape Conran Coastal Park near Marlo in East Gippsland.

There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches across the state.

GREAT BEACHES FOR DOGS

Our furry friends are spoilt for choice when it comes to sand between the toes.

Get them chasing waves at Marengo Beach, near Apollo Bay, or Bells Beach and Jan Juc, Torquay; taking a dip at Great Otway National Park’s Johanna Beach or sniffing out seaweed at Mornington Peninsula’s Royal Beach.

For a change of pace — and a peninsula to peninsula beach escape — take a ride aboard the SeaRoad Ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff.

Hire a houseboat on the Murray for a pet-friendly stay.

PET-FRIENDLY GETAWAYS

Camping is generally off limits for dogs, but there are some exceptions.

You and your dog can camp under the stars at Jerusalem Creek in Lake Eildon National Park, Shoreline Drive, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park or Mansfield’s Howqua Hills Historic Area. And if you’re looking for that extra special treat, Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel has pet-friendly cottages at Mt Sturgeon Station.

Or set up camp at dog-friendly Marengo Holiday Park in the Otways for a true-blue adventure.

There are plenty of breathtaking walks nearby for you and your pooch to enjoy.

Mildura Houseboats ensures no dog is left behind with pet-friendly vessels ready to receive a lick of approval.

Sail along the Murray River, taking in the sights and soaking up the sun knowing you’ve made your four-legged friend’s day.

MORE TO EXPLORE IN OUR GREAT STATE:

WHERE OUR TOP CHEFS TO GO EAT

WHAT TO DO IN 48 HOURS IN CASTLEMAINE

IS THIS VICTORIA’S BEST-KEPT DINING SECRET?