Dog Friendly Experiences along the Bellarine Peninsula

Planning a quick Easter weekend getaway, with the fur babies of course? The Bellarine Peninsula is packed with dog friendly experiences for you to enjoy together from scenic wineries and good food to breathtaking natural beauty. Only a short hours drive away from Melbourne, these seaside towns will have you and your pooch wanting to never leave! Read on to discover some must-go places to visit on your trip. 

 

CHEEKY COW | cafe

Ocean Grove

Cheeky Cow offers a delicious menu from classic brunch favourites, cheeky milkshakes to quick on-the-go bites. Located right across the road from a dog friendly beach, it's the perfect dog-friendly place to bring your pooch after a post-swim adventure. 

Image credit: @alfred_and_his_butlers

 

BEAN SQUEEZE | drive-thru cafe

Geelong to Barwon Heads 

With 10 locations across Geelong to Barwon Heads, Bean Squeeze is the perfect place for a quick pit stop. Drive through and grab a quick coffee, smoothie or toastie while your furry friend enjoys a puppuccino and treat too! 

Image credit: @zeus.the.groodle

 

SCOTCHMANS HILL | winery

Drysdale

Situated in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula, Scotchmans Hill is one of the oldest wineries in the region, established over 30 years ago. Enjoy a glass or a few and soak in the views. The best part is that it welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas and vinyards, so they don't miss out on the fun either! 

Image credit: @happie.houndie

 

BASILS FARM | winery

Swan Bay

Enjoy a delightful day at Basils Farm where you and your pooch can enjoy its panaoramic views across Swan Bay. Sit back and relax with a glass of wine or enjoy a heartfelt meal in Basils Cafe and Bar. More than a winery, it also provides a large sandpit and outdoor gardens for kids to play in. 

Image credit: @hanaandgnocchi

 

THE WHISKERY | distillery

Drysdale

Enjoy gin and whisky tasting at The Whiskery, a rustic cellar door at the Bellarine Peninsula's first distillery. Make sure to stay back for a delicious pizza grazing platter. Dogs can also enjoy the gardens while being on lead. 

 Image credit: @whiskythemoodle @bellarinedistillery

 

R HOTEL | stay

Geelong

Looking for a dog-friendly stay for the duration of your trip? The R Hotel has you covered with its dog-friendly serviced apartments. You just need to bring along your pooches' bed, food and other essentials and you're all set for a weekend of adventure and fun!

Image credit: @rhotel_geelong

 

GEELONG BOTANIC GARDENS | garden

Geelong

Stroll through the scenic Geelong Botanic Gardens, filled with rich colours and scents for you and your four-legged friend to take in. The perfect place for a relaxing picnic or good game of fetch. You can even grab a bit at its Tea House cafe!

Image credit: @the_dood_wrex @_nala_thebordercollie

 

BELLARINE RAIL TRAIL | trail

South Geelong to Queenscliff

Cycle or walk along the old railway line from Geelong to Queenscliff through the Bellarine Rail Trail. Discover wildflowers and native birdlife along this 35km trail  — your pooch is sure to enjoy this adventure. 

Image credit: @woollybear2021

 

NARROWS BEACH | beach

Queenscliff

Known informally as 'Dog Beach' among locals, Narrows Beach is the only year-around off-leash dog beach in the area. Let your furry companion run free, enjoy the water and dig through the sand. Big smiles and tail wags can be guaranteed!

Image credit: @masterarthur

 

OCEAN GROVE BEACH | beach

Ocean Grove

Sprawling across the Bellarine coastline, Ocean Grove Beach offers stunning views. Dogs can run off-leash, living their best lives while you go for a cheeky swim too. Just be sure to read signs carefully as some areas require dogs to wear leads. 

Image credit: @alfred_and_his_butlers