Dog Adventures – Victoria

It has to be said, Victoria is one of the most dog friendly states in Australia with ample opportunities to enjoy a day out alongside your furry friend. Pet Insurance Australia takes a look at some of the top spots around town.

However, it is really important to take note of the signage at all the places you visit. Some beaches and reserves will only allow dogs off-leash at certain times or may enforce on-lead walks at all times. For all dog owners to continue to enjoy such a massive array of dog-friendly zones it’s important to abide by the rules.

Albert Park
One of the more famous doggy friendly spots, and home to the RSPCA Million Paws walk, your dog can enjoy a huge array of activities from off-leash areas and trail walks to plenty of smells and four-legged fun.

Bunurong Coastal Reserve
A great place for humans and dogs to explore with plenty of sandy beaches and headlands to investigate. A favorite amongst many dog owners and lovers. Always check the signs and don’t forget your doggy-poop bags and towel.

Cape Conran Coastal Park
Not only can you explore the great outdoors in this pristine place, you can also camp alongside your dog in certain areas. Always check the signs and abide by the rules of where your dogs are allowed to roam. However, it is important to note that all dogs must be on lead at all times, this is a very protected nature reserve, so dogs must be under control and on lead.

Hepburn Regional Park
An absolutely stunning spot to enjoy a trail walk beside your best-bud. Don’t forget that this area is also for on-lead only enjoyment so ensure you have a sturdy lead and collar on-board. Enjoy the extensive walking trails and all the sights and sounds.

BEACHES – WOOF
There are so many wonderful beaches for you and your dog to explore in Victoria. Don’t forget to check the signage for the rules and regulations when visiting. Thanks to our friends at www.dogsonholidays.com.au for providing us with such an extensive list of four-paw friendly beaches.

Bellarine Peninsula:

• Barwon Heads
• Breamlea
• Clifton Springs
• Geelong
• Indented Head
• Ocean Grove
• Point Lonsdale
• Portarlington
• Queenscliff
• St Leonards

Gippsland

• Bemm River
• Cape Paterson
• Corinella
• Coronet Bay
• Eagle Point
• Flamingo Beach
• Golden Beach
• Grantville
• Harmers Haven
• Inverloch
• Kilcunda
• Lakes Entrance
• Tyers Beach
• Loch Sport
• Mallacoota
• Marl
• Metung
• Paradise Beach
• Paynesville
• Pioneer Bay
• Port Albert
• Port Franklin
• Port Welshpool
• Raymond Island
• Sandy Point
• The Honeysuckles
• Toora
• Venus Bay
• Walkerville
• Waratah Bay
• Wonthaggi
• Woodside Beach
• Yanakie

Great Ocean Road

• Aireys Inlet
• Anglesea
• Apollo Bay
• Fairhaven
• Jan Juc
• Johanna
• Kennet River
• Lorne
• Marengo
• Peterborough
• Port Campbell
• Port Fairy
• Portland
• Skenes Creek
• Torquay
• Warrnambool
• Wye River

Melbourne Suburbs

• Altona
• Aspendale
• Beaumaris
• Black Rock
• Bonbeach
• Brighton
• Carrum
• Chelsea
• Edithvale
• Elwood
• Hampton
• Mentone
• Middle Park
• Mordialloc
• Parkdale
• Port Melbourne
• Sandringham
• St Kilda
• Werribee
• Williamstown

Mornington Peninsula

• Balnarring
• Blairgowrie
• Dromana
• Flinders
• Frankston
• Hastings
• McCrae Mornington
• Mount Eliza
• Mount Martha
• Point Leo
• Portsea Rosebud
• Rye
• Safety Beach
• Seaford
• Shoreham
• Somers
• Sorrento

Phillip Island

• Cape Woolamai
• Cowes
• Newhaven
• Rhyll
• San Remo
• Smiths Beach
• Sunderland Bay
• Surf Beach
• Ventnor

Before you head out it’s important to abide by the rules of the area and read where your pet is allowed and where they are not. Picking up after your dog is also important, so ensure you have plenty of poo bags and that you dispose of them correctly. Keeping the area clean will ensure these great spots are available for dogs to enjoy for many years to come.

Training and behaviour is also very important. Your dog must have a strong recall command and not exhibit any aggressive behaviours to keep these areas open to pets. Please abide by all the rules and regulations and read signage as rules may have changed since print.

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