Gippsland and Phillip Island are among our favourite dog friendly destinations in Victoria. While they’re only a drive from Melbourne’s CBD, they’ll give you the dose of coastal charm when you want a break from the city. Phillip Island is all white beaches and amazing wildlife, where you can enjoy reclining on the sand just as much as diving into some water-sports. Gippsland is known for it’s incredible natural beauty, with tons of vineyards, national parks and farm-stays.
Both areas offer lots of options when it comes to pet-friendly travel. From local produce eateries to beach houses to farm-stays, you’ll find something for the whole family to enjoy.
GIPPSLAND
ACCOMMODATION:
Golden Beach Cabins
Golden Beach Cabins is the place to go when you need a sea breeze change from city life. Less than 3 hours from the Melbourne CBD and right across the road from 90 Mile Beach, this dog friendly accommodation is ideal for a budget family holiday. You can choose from 2x self-contained cabins.
Each sleeps up to 5 people, with Cabin 1 comprising of a double and single bed bunk and double sofa bed, and Cabin 2 comprising a double bed, double sofa bed and single fold-out. Both are fitted out with bathrooms, heating and cooling, all kitchen appliances and a BBQ. Golden Beach Cabins welcomes dogs inside. With the beach only a stones throw away, it’s a great spot for daily doggie exercise too.
Tyntynder Garden Cottages
Tyntynder Garden Cottages are a short walk from the township of Bright. Only 100 metres from the Ovens River, this is a gorgeous spot to holiday with family and fur babies alike. It’s also ideal all year round; in summer, you can dine on the back verandah, while in winter you can cozy up by the fireplace. Each cottage is fully self-contained, with 2x bedrooms and bathroom, kitchen, living and dining room. All linen is provided.
Your pets can play outside safely in the fully fenced backyard. Plus, there’s toys, bowls, towels and poo bags provided – just BYO bedding! If you feel like exploring, the township is super close with lots of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants on offer. The Ovens River is a perfect place to walk your dogs leash-free or take them for a leisurely swim.
Anchorage Holiday Units
Anchorage Holiday Units are a family-run business located near Lakes Entrance in the Gippsland region. The recently renovated units comfortably sleep up to 6 people and have two bedrooms apiece. They have all the amenities you need for an easy and relaxing stay including electric blankets, linen, air-con and TV/DVD player. Your family will love making use of the fantastic outdoor covered BBQ area, the solar-heated pool and children’s play equipment.
While the accommodation is situated in a private area where you can enjoy peace and quiet, it’s only a short distance to the township of Lakes Entrance. There’s plenty of recreational activities on offer, including winery tours, squash, tennis and golf, boating and water-skiing. You’re also only a short drive from tourist hot-spots like Metung, Paynesville and the Buchan Caves. Your pets are more than welcome at Anchorage Holiday Units, both inside and outside your units.
CAFES:
Bayside Lady
This family owned and operated eatery is located in the heart of Inverloch. Bayside Lady is known for their exceptional coffee and diverse food menu. Whether you’re going for the passionfruit panna cotta, slow-cooked beef eggs benny or a classic bacon and egg roll, the brekky options are total crowd-pleasers. For lunch, you can feast on an Asian bento roll, pork belly burger or Vietnamese beef roll.
A highlight of this establishment is their stunning beer garden at the rear of the venue. Perfect for the warmer months, they even have a retro caravan serving drinks. Your doggos are more than welcome to be in this outdoor area.
PHILLIP ISLAND
ACCOMMODATION:
Farmhouse Cottage Phillip Island
This is a fantastic option for a family getaway. Farmhouse Cottage is located only 2km from Phillip Island’s popular, family-friendly Smiths Beach, but it also boasts a secluded street position perfect for getting some much needed peace and quiet. This property sleeps 5 occupants comfortably and is equipped with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, laundry and a 6-burner BBQ. All linen and towels are included and you can enjoy aircon and heating, making it a super comfy stay any time of the year.
Kick back and relax on the deck with a book, dip into the selection of DVDs and board games, and entertain themselves with the playstation. Pets are more than welcome to come along and will be safe and secure in the fully fenced backyard.
Verandah Retreat
Enjoy a little bit of luxury when you stay at Verandah Retreat. Only 200m from Bay Beach in Cowes, this boutique accommodation suits any occasion. It comfortably suits 6 guests. The name comes from it’s delightful, spacious verandah – the heart and soul of the holiday home. It’s an ideal spot to entertain or watch the sunset, with an outdoor dining set, BBQ and swing fan. With a fully fenced garden, outdoor shower and entertainment area, kids, pets and adults alike will have plenty of room to relax and play.
The kitchen is fully equipped with all your needs, including a coffee machine, and guests are welcome to grab fresh herbs and limes from the garden as they whip up a feast. Plus, there’s a laundry, two large living areas, wifi, air-con, heating, a natural wood-fire and linen provided. Only a stone’s throw from tennis courts, oval, golf course, playground and pet-friendly beach, there’s plenty to do in the neighbourhood too. Verandah Retreat is fully pet-friendly and the spacious, fenced yard will keep them safe and secure.
CAFES:
Silverleaves Store
Located in Silverleaves, this gourmet eatery nails everything you’re looking for in a classic cafe feed. With excellent coffee and tons of muffins, slices and cakes, it’s perfect for a mid-morning fuel-up. There’s a compact breakfast and lunch menu, with a great selection of burgers, toasties and specials like housemade sausage rolls. Plus, every Friday night is all about burgers, from 5-8pm. Silverleaves Store is fully licensed with a take-away wine list to boot!
Puppy patrons are welcome too. There’s room for them to recline under the front verandah or spread out in the spacious rear courtyard, which is fenced for their safety.
Madcowes Cafe
Madcowes is a local favourite on Phillip Island. Situated on the Esplanade, you can enjoy amazing coastal views, great coffee and filling, nutritious cafe fare. There’s plenty of outdoor seating where your dogs can scope out the comings and goings of the neighbourhood.
Madcowes are fully licensed and also have a food-store on site. Made famous in the Lonely Planet Guide for their renowned roast beef sandwich, they also do a mean vanilla panna cotta or bircher muesli if you’re looking for something lighter. Feeling famished? You’ll want to dig into their signature hash with kasundi mushrooms, potato croquette and fried egg, or sample their Euro prawns, steak sandwich or chicken burger.