Dog Friendly Weekend Getaway from Melbourne: Mount Macedon
Someone recently asked us, can I visit Macedon Ranges with my furry friend? Yes you can and to be honest we would absolutely recommend you to explore this stunning area less than 2h drive from Melbourne. Visiting Mount Macedon with your dog can be a wonderful experience! Mount Macedon is a prominent mountain located less than 2h drive from Melbourne known for its beautiful natural scenery, gardens, and historical attractions.
Mount Macedon offers several dog friendly hiking trails that allow you to explore its lush forests, rock formations, and enjoy stunning views from various vantage points. The trails vary in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone, from casual strolls to more challenging hikes. There are great dog friendly wineries, bars, cafes and breweries to visit.
Here’s our itinerary for a dog friendly weekend away in Mount Macedon!
Book Dog Friendly Accommodation
Go for a Dog Friendly Hike
Visit a Dog Friendly Brewery
Explore Dog Friendly Wineries
Dog Friendly Accommodation
Dog Friendly Country Retreat
Mount Macedon
Located on a picturesque setting of 15 acres abundant with Australian wildlife. There is plenty of space to unwind. Enjoy the ambiance, the fresh country air and views. Pawfect for travelling with friends and family!
The House has 3 bedrooms. 1 with king bed with large on-suite, that has a double shower and a two person spa, separate toilet, 1 double bed and 1 bedroom with 1 single and 1 double with shared bathroom. There are also 2 large lounge rooms, one with open fire and pool table, the other with a wood fire, dinning room and a beautiful country kitchen. Central heating and cooling.
The Studio is a contemporary styled self-contained studio/apartment, with your own entrance, as the studio is part of the main residence, there is a locked door between the two areas. The studio has one bedroom, with a king sized bed and an electric blanket. There is a modern spacious bathroom and a kitchenette.
Outside, guests have an undercover heated outdoor spa in a private courtyard, for their sole use and has a romantic dining/sitting area.
Property is rented in it’s entirety during the weekends, however The House and The Studio can be rented separately during the week, making it a suitable getaway for smaller groups or couples.
Dog Friendly Farm Stay
Bullengarook
In the picturesque Macedon Range, an 84-acre property offering a contemporary upmarket Bed & Breakfast with three rooms for couples or groups. Ten minutes from Gisborne (40 minutes from Melbourne airport), the deluxe rooms are designed to take in the sensational mountain views and glorious sunsets. Absolutely pawfect getaway with your dog!
The Claude Room | Sleeps 2 | Bedrooms 1
The Dove Room | Sleeps 2 | Bedrooms 1
The Mitch Room | Sleeps 2 | Bedrooms 1
Day 1 – Dog Friendly Hike and visit to Dog Friendly Brewery
Start your day by exploring one of the many dog friendly hikes in the area.
For more advanced hikers, Macedon Walking Trail is the ultimate hike in the area. This is a loop trail and takes approximately seven hours to complete the entire walk. It incorporates most of Mount Macedon’s scenic highlights, including Camels Hump, Memorial Cross and lookouts with outstanding views to Port Phillip Bay, the You Yangs and the Dandenong Ranges. Be prepared with lots of water and treats for yourself and your pup to keep energy levels up.
However, our pick for the dog friendly hike is the Camel’s Hump to Days Picnic Ground walk. Starting at Camel’s Hump, a ‘mamelon’ formed six million years ago and the highest peak in the Macedon Ranges, this is an easy to moderate dog friendly circuit track that loops around Camel’s Hump and continues over Mount Macedon Road and on to Days Picnic Ground.
The 1.8km trail offers stunning views of the countryside and is a great stretch of the legs for your pup. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
After your morning hike, it is time to take it easier in the afternoon. Woodend is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty, arts scene, and charming atmosphere. It is also home to a dog friendly Holgate Brewhouse. This historic pub and brewery is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and sample craft beers brewed on-site. Dogs are not allowed inside, however you can relax with your pup in the shady courtyard with a view up to the old village clock tower and enjoy tasty craft beers and a delicious menu.
There are also many other dog friendly alternatives in town such as The Victoria Hotel and a popular Japanese Resturant Kuzu Izakaya, both with dog friendly courtyards. And of course one of the most popular brekkie & lunch spots in town, The Milko!
Day 2 – Explore the local Dog Friendly Wineries
There are many dog friendly wineries in the area, all of which can be found from our Dog Friendly Wineries section. Our top picks for the dog friendly wineries to visit are:
Hesket Estate Winery
856 Romsey Road, Hesket
Located in the village of Hesket, the vineyard at the Hesket Estate was first established in the 1980s. The vineyard is at an elevation of 660 metres above sea level and just 5km from Hanging Rock. Today Hesket Estate is a boutique cool climate vineyard specialising in the varieties of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Dogs are welcome to join you for a wine tasting and there is shaded seating outside with water bowls available.
Parkside Winery Estate
308 Parks Road, Lancefield
All about great wine and a relaxed atmosphere, Parkside Winery Estate is family and dog friendly and offers tastings in a lovingly restored 1890’s horse stable. Relax with a glass of wine on the deck or surrounding lawn area with your canine companion.
Gisbourne Peak Winery
69 Shorts Road, Gisbourne
Sit on the open air deck with your furry friend at The Gisbourne Peak Winery, enjoy wine tasting and feast on wood-fired pizzas and tasting platters. The winery is so dog friendly it even posts a ‘Pet of the Week’ pic every Wednesday to their Facebook page. Gisborne Botanic Gardens are a great place to visit before or after your visit to the Cellar Door.
Finish off your wine tour by visiting Romsey, another local town known for its historic architecture, wineries and country hospitality. After a quick stroll around town, drop by at the dog friendly Evan’s Wine and Cheese Bar for a drink or two.