26 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars, Walks and more in Bellarine Peninsula
26 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 ACCOMMODATION
Paws by the Sea
Ocean Grove
Paws by the Sea your place to enjoy a beach holiday as a family and your four legged friend. Waking up to the sounds of the ocean this abode is the perfect place to spend holidays or just a weekend away with friends or family and your four legged friend.
Both backyard and kitchen table easily sit 8 people. Newly renovated with all the kitchen amenities including a Nespresso coffee machine. There are 3 Bedrooms two with a king bed and one with a bunk double bottom and single top. (One king can be split into 2 x king single and arranged with prior notice.) Note one bathroom with a seperate toilet.
Dog/s are welcome* – more than 2 require prior approval.
2 mins walk to Dawn Cafe and a kids playground or a 2 min drive to Twelve Seas cafe on 12c Sunset Strip. A simple yet quaint holiday house with a 200 metre walk or 5 min walk with kids to a dog friendly beach. Not far to all the activities Ocean Grove has to offer. Dog friendly beach is at the end of the Sunset Strip.
Dog fee of $50 per stay is payable.
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 but please check the signs for areas allowing off leash activities as not the entire beach is off 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.
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.
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
The Dunes is a dog friendly cafe & bar in Ocean Grove, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner all week long. Great outdoor seating area with umbrellas where your pup can relax by your side.
The Dunes Restaurant serves up delicious food and beverage, in a scenic and light filled space. Just a short 30-minute drive from Geelong, they cater to all occasions. Whether you’re craving beachside fish and chips, seeking a family-friendly atmosphere, or simply unwinding with a drink on our deck.
Stunning spot to go for a walk with your pooch and finish it off with a drink (and often a free treat for your furry friend from The Kiosk)
17. The Grand Hotel
Portarlington
This newly refurbished heritage building in Portarlington welcomes dogs in their Atrium and Lawn areas.
18. 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.
DOG FRIENDLY WINERIES
19. 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.
20. Scotchman Hills Winery
Drysdale
Dog friendly winery with a new outdoor courtyard. Pups are welcome at the Bistro and wine terrace.
21. 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.
DOG FRIENDLY CAFES
22. Salty Breeze
Queenscliff
We doubt you will find a better location to combine a morning walk with your furry friend and sit down for a coffee (and treat for your pooch)! Salty Breeze is a super dog friendly cafe located in the heart of Princess Park. This hidden gem is a pawfect place to relax and unwind from the buzz.
Menu includes all the favourite breakfast and lunch items you would expect with some delicious seasonal twists. Dogs are always welcome to join you at the Salty Breeze… and don’t forget to get your furry friend a healthy Kangaroo treat from the counter!
23. The Willow Tree Cafe
Queenscliff
The Willow Tree Café is one of Queenscliff’s newest trendy and relaxed dog friendly cafes located on the famous Hesse Street with a menu highlighting fresh homemade local produce. They also serve the ever popular Jaspers Coffee and a large selection of Love Tea teas.
Dogs are always welcome at the covered outdoor seating area and they even have their own treats on the menu!
24. 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.
25. Barwon Ebb & Flow
Barwon Heads
Dog friendly cafe Barwon Ebb & Flow is set in the iconic white and blue building right across from the river. It’s the kind of spot that captures everything we love about coastal life. Dogs are always welcome.
26. 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.
