32 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars, Walks and more in Bellarine Peninsula
32 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars, Walks and more in Bellarine Peninsula (Queenscliff, Portarlington, Ocean Grove…)
Bellarine Peninsula is home to picturesque seaside resort towns such as Queenscliff, Portarlington and Ocean Grove with Victorian Era facades that withstand the changing of tides and the passing of time. There is a lot for the eyes to see from abundant marine life to historic architecture.
If you come along with your pup, then you must go for a few pleasant dog friendly walks and visit the local dog friendly wineries. Choose among the many dog friendly cafes and bars to have a nice meal, a local wine or a decent coffee overlooking the harbour. This is your Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Bellarine Peninsula.
DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES
1. Barwon Heads Front Beach
Barwon Heads
Great place for puppies to have a swim. Dog are allowed on leash 7pm to 9am from Christmas to end of April and then off leash May to December.
2. Breamlea Beach
Breamlea
Beach west from Stingray bay is a 24h off leash Dog Friendly Beach in Breamlea. Plenty of room to run and play or have a quick dip in the water. Just ask Murphy 🐶
3. Thirteenth Beach
Connewarre
Long stretch of soft sand awaits, 24h off leash from beach marker 30W to 40W except between 34W and 35W beach markers (you are allowed to walk through the area but dogs must be on leash).
4. Ocean Grove Beach
Ocean Grove
Dog friendly beach located between Hodgson Street and Aldebaran Road, and welcomes pups off leash at all times. Long stretch of soft sand awaits, from beach marker 30W to 40W except between 34W and 35W beach markers (you are allowed to walk through the area but dogs must be on leash).
5. Point Richards Beach
Portarlington
This is a dog friendly beach at all times, all year round. It expands from the boat ramp to Portarlington Sailing Club.
6. Narrows Beach
Queenscliff
Locals call it ‘Dog Beach’ for this stretch separating Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale is the only year-round off-lead beach in the area.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
DOG FRIENDLY WALKS
7. Bellarine Rail Trail
Geelong – Queenscliff
A 35km trail that extends from Queenscliff Railway Station all the way to South Geelong Station. If you are up for a long walk, you can reach Geelong through a flat, tranquil path and catch the train back (dogs on lead with muzzles allowed). Or you can walk along the foreshore of Swan Bay on the section that connects Queenscliff to Point Lonsdale, rich in marine life, birds and native coastal vegetation.
8. Point Lonsdale to Queenscliff beach walk
Point Lonsdale
Take your dog on a leash at low tide on this 5km walking path from the lighthouse in Point Lonsdale to the one in Queenscliff. About halfway there is Narrows Beach, an all-year-round off-leash dog beach between Roddick Grove and Fraser Street.
9. The Esplanade
Portarlington
This easy 15.8 km long trail connects Portarlington with Indented Heads in around 3 hours. Dogs are allowed on leash.
10. Lovers Walk
Queenscliff
Explore native flora, local wildlife and beach viewpoints through the Coastal Moonah Woodland with your pup on lead.
11. Ferry to Pier Trail
Queenscliff
Wander through the coastal foreshore reserve linking the ferry terminal and Queenscliff Harbour with the Queenscliff Pier and the town of Queenscliff. Keep your pup on the lead along this flat gravel and timber boardwalk.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
DOG FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
12. Portarlington Market
Portarlington
This monthly volunteer run community market welcomes you to stroll around their stalls in the company of your pup on lead.
13. Searoad Ferries
Queenscliff
At Searoad Ferries they love to see their regular and new doggy travelers who are welcome, when time permits, with doggy treats. They have watering stations on board, and pups should remain on lead and on the outer decks during the 40 minute journey between Queenscliff and Sorrento.
DOG FRIENDLY PUBS & BARS
14. At The Heads
Barwon Heads
Modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Enjoy the panoramic views of Barwon Heads Bluff in their dog friendly partly covered deck.
15. The Whiskery
Drysdale
This dog friendly distillery offers home style food to go with a gin or a whisky. They are absolutely dog friendly, with many furry friends coming through their doors most days.
16. The Dunes
Ocean Grove
Dog friendly restaurant in Ocean Grove, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner all week long. They have an outside deck with umbrellas where your pup can relax by your side.
17. The Grand Hotel
Portarlington
This newly refurbished heritage building in Portarlington welcomes dogs in their Atrium and Lawn areas.
18. Saints & Sailors
Portarlington
This seafood bar and grill in Portarlington with live music shows is dog friendly and fully covered.
19. 360Q
Queenscliff
This iconic casual dining restaurant was voted the #1 restaurant in Queenscliff on Tripadvisor. Enjoy the waterfront of Queenscliff Harbour from their dog friendly covered terrace.
20. Queenscliff Brewhouse
Queenscliff
Hotel, brewery and distillery with a beautiful dog friendly beer garden that is undercover and spacious for all to enjoy this beer haven.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES
21. Banks Road Vineyard
Marcus Hill
Boutique winery, cellar door and restaurant. The entire family can enjoy their lovely estate on the Bellarine peninsula, including four-legged buddies who are free to wander around under supervision, as long as they are friendly with children and other dogs.
22. Scotchman Hills Winery
Drysdale
Dog friendly winery with a new outdoor courtyard. Pups are welcome at the Bistro and wine terrace.
23. Basils Farm
Swan Bay
Artisan wines, farmhouse cafe and cellar door with stunning views across Swan Bay to Queenscliff. Dogs enjoy themselves in this picturesque vineyard that welcomes them on the verandah or outside under the large umbrellas.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
DOG FRIENDLY CAFES
24. Cheeky Cow Cafe
Ocean Grove
This dog friendly cafe is located over from the dog friendly beach, serving well deserved coffee and food after running around in the sand all day.
25. The Olive Pit
Ocean Grove
An obligatory stop on your visit to Ocean Grove, this deli has outdoor tables on the mainstreet that are covered and dog friendly. They even offer buckets with water for the pups to stay hydrated.
26. Edina Waterfront Cafe
Portarlington
Dog friendly cafe in Portarlington, with views of the waterfront and the Bellarine peninsula. They offer specialized coffee and meals for any time of the day, which you can enjoy next to your pup. Their instagram shows cute records of their furry guests.
27. Advance Mussel Supply
Portarlington
This family owned and operated cafe in Portarlington with a dog friendly undercover deck area for you and your pooch to enjoy some fresh mussels.
28. Nelly’s at the Pier
Queenscliff
Named after their family dog, Nelly’s offers simple food and decadent homemade treats in Queenscliff’s Princess Park. Even your pup can indulge on some free dog treats in the undercover dog friendly garden.
29. Shelter Shed
Queenscliff
Enjoy quality food and strong coffee at this dog friendly venue. They have a cozy courtyard under the protection of umbrellas and olive trees.
30. Yard 58
Queenscliff
Previously known as Courtyard Cafe, this restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in their dog friendly garden and nursery. They even offer water bowls and sell treats for your pup to snack on.
31. El Barquero
Queenscliff
Fresh, simple, traditional Mexican street food and drinks just beside the beach. Dogs are most welcome in their large marquee.
32. Saltbush Fine Foods
Queenscliff
Cafe and provedore offering home style cooking, great coffee and a good selection of cakes and pastries. They have a dog friendly verandah at the front.
