22 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars, Wineries and Walks in Gippsland
Stretching from Melbourne’s eastern outskirts all the way to the state border with New South Wales in Victoria’s far east, the Gippsland region is an extensive and charming area known for its natural beauty. Enjoy spectacular coastlines, rolling hills, rugged terrain, and some incredible businesses using gourmet and regional produce. The Gippsland region is also incredibly dog friendly, with a range of breweries, wineries, cafes, holiday parks and more that love furry visitors. Here’s our list of the best dog friendly beaches, bars, walks and wineries to visit with your pooch.
Before we start the list, here are some dog friendly accommodation options to stay with your dog.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
Dog Friendly House | Venus Bay
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3
Relax & enjoy Venus Bay’s pristine beaches, coastal nature & wildlife and visit the local cafes and boutique shops in the town, nearby Inverloch, Phillip Island & Wilson’s Prom. With a relaxed and welcoming feel, this dog friendly accommodation is contemporary, generously furnished and located a short distance to Venus Bay’s stunning & unspoilt Beach No.5.
Dog Friendly House | Metung
Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2
A world of ships and history where you can be the captain of your own adventure. We love the dark moody hallway as you enter reminiscent of the lower deck steerage on a boat with cabin numbers on the doors and interiors that can take you to the 1940s.
Walking up the steps to the dark and moody Captains Quarters with portraits of the infamous ‘Sea Dogs’ and a cosy fire, built in bookcase and day bed.
On sunny days open the doors and sit on the deck looking out to the lake and the water. On the upper level the light and bright lounge is reminiscent of an ocean liners deck complete with lifejacket and water hose. Such a beautiful light and bright space with dining and a galley style kitchen.
Dog Friendly Lake House | Metung
Sleeps 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 1
We love the uniqueness of this beautiful dog friendly Lake House accommodation. It’s a three-storey weatherboard cottage painted a striking Ironstone Blue with white trim, reminiscent of the houses in the Hamptons. Take the dogs for a walk through the garden and a private walkway through native bushland (the property is on 1 acre) to the lake and Cantrills Jetty. Throwing a tennis ball into the water the dogs love to swim out to catch it.
Dog Friendly House | Kilcunda
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2
It’s always a warm yet laidback welcome at this dog friendly accommodation. Perfectly located beachside with some of the most amazing views across a 12km section of coastal sandy beaches, this house is ideal for large or multiple families.
The town of Kilcunda itself is 10 minutes drive to Phillip Island bridge and then onto the penguins & Philip Island nature parks and 20 minutes to the beach town of Inverloch. The “Killy” Pub is a short walk, as is the exquisite cafe at the iconic Kilcunda General Store, you certainly won’t be disappointed if you like a good coffee!. You are also spoilt for activities from surfing, scenic walks and bike trails to the heritage listed Kilcunda Trestle Bridge – every photographer’s dream, along with fishing & kayaking in the mouth of the Powlett River with its wide, slow flowing waters.
Dog Friendly House | Inverloch
Sleeps 7 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 3
It’s always a warm yet laidback welcome at this dog friendly accommodation. Perfectly located beachside with some of the most amazing views across a 12km section of coastal sandy beaches, this house is ideal for large or multiple families.
The town of Kilcunda itself is 10 minutes drive to Phillip Island bridge and then onto the penguins & Philip Island nature parks and 20 minutes to the beach town of Inverloch. The “Killy” Pub is a short walk, as is the exquisite cafe at the iconic Kilcunda General Store, you certainly won’t be disappointed if you like a good coffee!. You are also spoilt for activities from surfing, scenic walks and bike trails to the heritage listed Kilcunda Trestle Bridge – every photographer’s dream, along with fishing & kayaking in the mouth of the Powlett River with its wide, slow flowing waters.
Dog Friendly Beaches
1. Port Albert Beach
Port Albert
If you’re visit the charming port town of Port Albert then you can’t miss its dog friendly beaches. Dogs are welcome off leash in all beaches and parks in Port Albert except at Rutter Park.
2. Ned Neale’s Lookout
Sandy Point
Sandy Point beach is a wide beach that stretches for miles. Ned Neale’s lookout western end of Beach Parade is a 24h dog beach in Sandy Point.
3. Inverloch Beach
Inverloch
Grab a ball and let your pup run free along the sandy shore of Inverloch beach. Running along the front of the town, there is plenty of space for a splash and a play.
4. Golden Beach
Golden Beach
This dog friendly beach (on lead only) is part of a ninety mile long stretch of pristine golden sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait. Golden Beach is often secluded and offers plenty of space for you to walk with your dog. Dogs are welcome on lead in the following beaches in The Lakes area: Barrier Landing, Ocean Grange, Paradise Beach, Loch Sport Causeway, The Wreck, Flamingo Beach, The Honeysuckles between campsites one to six on Shoreline Drive at Golden Beach.
Dog Friendly Cafes
5. Bayside Lady
19 Abeckett Street, Inverloch
Established in 2015, The Bayside Lady is located in the heart of the beautiful coastal town of Inverloch. The family owned and operated restaurant aims to deliver quality homemade food using fresh and local ingredients, while providing unbeatable customer service to all two legged and four legged guests. Serving all day breakfast and lunch, pizza and pasta from 5pm, plus delicious coffee and a selection of house baked cakes in between, this dog friendly cafe has something for whatever you and your pup fancy. They are fully licensed, and have a spacious beer garden for you to enjoy with your fur baby.
6. Croajingolong Cafe
3/14 Allan Drive, Mallacoota
Overlooking the lake, Croajingolong Cafe has a vintage nautical theme and a beautiful terrace area with views over the water. It’s a great place to hang out with your canine pal and there are big umbrellas to shelter under on hot days, plus water to cool down with.
7. Fozigobble
79 Princes Highway, Yarragon
A unique name with unique food, Fozigobble is a dog friendly cafe that caters for all dietary needs, using local, organic products. Indulge in their Sri Lankan menu and enjoy the serene garden area with your pup by your side.
8. The Fig Cafe
59 The Esplanade, Paynesville
Drop in for coffee and cake or feast on a homemade meal from the friendly team at The Fig Cafe. With sensational water views, you and your pup will love the shaded outdoor seating area. They offer breakfast and lunch 7 days a week from 7am-5pm and Dinner until late on Friday’s and Saturday’s. It’s time to kick back and enjoy the view with your pooch.
9. Cabbage Tree Creek General Store & Cafe
2757 Princes Hwy, Cabbage Tree Creek
Nestled in one of the most pristine parts of East Gippsland, the Cabbage Tree Creek General Store & Cafe has the perfect deck area for you to chill out on with your fur baby. The dog friendly cafe and store has an array of home made delicious food as well has historical and eclectic items for sale. Admire the forest views with your pooch as you kick back with a delicious meal lovingly made by the friendly, local owners. Your pup may even get their photo in the cafe’s very own Yappachino Club!
Dog Friendly Wineries
10. Cannibal Creek
260 Tynong North Rd, Tynong
With its rolling green outlook, Cannibal Creek proves the ideal pit-stop for a weekend sipping session, especially if you have a furry friend in tow. Grab a prime position on the sunny deck with your pooch, order one of their many award-winning wines and dig into the restaurant’s menu before heading out to explore the vines up close — well-behaved canines are free to explore the surrounding lawns off-leash.
11. Toms Cap Vineyard Retreat
322 Lays Rd, Willung South
Escape to this serene and award-winning vineyard retreat in the heart of Gippsland. A small boutique vineyard situated in Central Gippsland and surrounded by the forests of the Strzelecki Ranges, the ninety-mile beach at Woodside and the natural flora and fauna of the Tarra Bulga national park. Relax on the verandah with your pup as you enjoy delicious wines. The Cellar Door is open Thursday to Monday, from 10am to 4pm.
12. Lightfoot & Sons
717 Wy Yung-Calulu Rd, Calulu
Lightfoot and Sons is a family owned and operated vineyard, winery and cellar door in the Gippsland Lakes district, specialising in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz. The tasting space shares a story with the local region, using reclaimed timber from the old Calulu Bridge and Gippsland Lakes jetties. The vineyard and sensational Lindenow Valley views can be enjoyed with a local tasting platter on the dog friendly deck.
13. Avon Ridge Vineyard
446 Maffra-Stratford Road, Maffra
An established boutique vineyard set between the picturesque country towns of Stratford and Maffra overlooking the Avon River Valley. Stop by for stunning vineyard views and wine tasting. Your tail-wagging friend can join you in the partly covered outdoor seating area as you admire the views.
14. Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door
76 Tyers Street, Stratford
Originally opening in 1999 for wine and cheese sales, Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door has since developed a reputation as a great coffee stop. A cellar door for all Gippsland wineries, you can taste your way through the regions finest wines and produce. They serve breakfast and lunch seven days with a local produce menu, and have a fantastic alfresco dining area that is dog friendly.
Dog Friendly Breweries
15. Burra Brewing
12 Commercial St, Korumburra
The Burra Brewing Co. is a dog friendly microbrewery located in the beautiful rolling hills of Korumburra, the gateway to South Gippsland. Try a delicious wood fired pizza and one of the beer sample paddles with your pup by your side in the sunlit beer garden, where there’s plenty of shade.
16. Blizzard Brewing
Lot 5 Cattle Pen Dr, Dinner Plain
Located in Dinner Plain, at an altitude of 1550 metres above sea level. The brewery site at 5 Cattle Pen Drive is 50 metres from the Cobungra ski lift. As well as being Australia’s highest brewery, Blizzard Brewing is a great place to unwind after a great day on the snow. The brewery welcomes dogs and their owners into the warmth of their tap room, where the friendly team will serve up a range of their fresh brews and delicious snacks.
17. Howler Brewing Company
47 Westernport Rd, Lang Lang
With beer made by locals for locals, Howler Brewing Company are passionate about craft beer. A hidden gem located in Lang Lang, the brewery love when furry guests visit with their humans. Kick back in the dog friendly beer garden with your pooch and dig into their delicious burgers and beers.
Dog Friendly Pubs & Bars
18. Waterwheel Beach Tavern
577 Lake Tyers Beach Rd, Lake Tyers Beach
Enjoy cold craft beers, great food and magic views at Waterwheel Beach Tavern. Situated on the Ninety Mile Beach, the “Wheel” offers tranquil water views from every one of their bistro tables and their expansive dog friendly deck. There are umbrellas to keep all two legged and four legged guests cool as they admire the beautiful Lake Tyers Beach ahead.
19. Meeniyan Hotel
117 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan
Experience country hospitality in this charming hotel in the heart of Meeniyan. The Meeniyan Hotel is one of the South Gippsland’s most iconic hotels and recognised as a local institution that’s been around since 1930. Enjoy a tipple from the pub’s stellar range of wines whilst enjoying an extensive range of gastronomy pub style meals. Take a seat with your doggo out on the dog friendly beer deck where there’s plenty of shade to keep you both cool.
20. Metung Hotel
1 Kurnai Avenue, Metung
The popular Metung Hotel has been a key watering hole in the region since 1870. It’s the perfect space to enjoy locally produced and sourced fresh seafood, friendly service and amazing views over Bancroft Bay. Dogs are welcome to join owners for a bite to eat or a drink on the outdoor deck area or the waterfront tables, all of which offer fantastic water views plus shade.
21. Lakeview Bar & Bistro
Basin Blvd, Loch Sport
Enjoy the slower pace life at Lakeview Bar and Bistro in Loch Sport. Sit with a beer in hand and gaze out over the lake, or take in the sunset while digging into seafood and pub classics. There is dog friendly seating outside with water views and umbrellas for shade.
22. Port Albert Cafe & Wine Bar
71 Tarraville Road, Port Albert
In the sleepy town of Port Albert, lies the impressive Port Albert Cafe & Wine Bar. Feast on baked treats and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with love by local hero Kim Wherret. Fresh, seasonal produce is all that’s on the menu here and they also have an impressive wine list featuring the region’s finest. There is a fenced and sheltered courtyard beside the cafe that is dog friendly and the perfect spot for a glass of vino in the afternoon.
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