The twin cities of Albury and Wodonga lie on either side of the NSW and Victorian borders, separated by the Murray River. Situated along the busy Hume Highway, many visitors to the cities are just passing through. However, with plenty of dog-friendly attractions, from walks to museums to breweries to explore, these twin cities deserve a longer stay.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Albury-Wodonga
There’s plenty of dog-friendly things to do in both Albury and Wodonga, including some terrific walks you can enjoy with your pup, as well as the chance to get up close to local history.
#1 Stroll Along the Murray River
Albury and Wodonga are separated by the Murray River, that snakes and bends in between the twin towns. While the southern banks of the river are predominantly lined with bushland reserves, the streets of Albury run right up to the river and some beautiful parks alongside it.
For a great easy stroll with your pup, head to the recently redeveloped Murray River Precinct in Albury. Here there are paved walking paths and boardwalks with lookouts that edge the river, making for easy walks no matter what the weather. There’s plenty of parking at the end of Hume Street and on Noreuil Parade.
Included in the precinct is the Hovell Tree Park, home to the Hovell Tree that was marked by the explorer William Hovell, the first European to visit the area along with Hamilton Hume in 1824. Another interesting sight that I didn’t have time to visit is the elevated boardwalk next to Bungambrawatha Creek.
Dogs generally need to be kept leashed, except for the off-leash area in Oddie’s Creek Park (see below), which is also a popular swimming spot for dogs.
#2 Follow the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
The Wagirra Trail starts in the Murray River Precinct and follows the Murray downstream to the end of Kremur Street and the start of the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. This beautiful 5.3km paved trail loops through the wetlands adjacent to the Murray River, home to a wide variety of birds and dotted along the way with sculptures.
There are over a dozen sculptures that have been installed in recent years, reflecting the local Aboriginal culture and environment of the Wiradjuri people. Take the time to read the descriptions. Some of my favourites included Googar, an enormous replica of a wooden goanna toy, and the joyful Guguburra sculptures, better known across Australia as kookaburras.
Allow 90 minutes to walk the full 5.3km trail, which consists of two smaller loops. It’s also possible to walk just the 2.4km southern loop or the 2km northern loop, parking either at the end of Kremur Street or the Horseshoe Lagoon carpark respectively. My pick of the two is probably the Southern Loop for its tranquil and shady section along the Murray River.
After the short detour to The Big Picture sculpture, you can continue along the Wagirra Trail to the Wonga Wetlands. Pets are allowed on leash along the rest of the Wagirra Trail, but not on any of the trails within the Wonga Wetlands.
Be aware that the path is shared with cyclists, and keep your dog leashed at all times. Also note that the lagoons are part of the local waste water treatment, so keep your dog out – there are instead a few spots your dog could paddle on-leash along the river.
#3 Or Walk Along the Crossing Place Trail
On the Wodonga side of the Murray River, another similar length trail that you can follow is the Crossing Place Trail. This trail largely follows a large bend in the river across from the Murray River Precinct in Albury, where the original river crossings were located. Along the way it features a number of sculptures, as well as historical points of interest, sharing stories of local history.
The best place to access this trail is by parking at the Gateway Island complex, then follow the footpath underneath the Lincoln Causeway to the starting point with a sign and map. The 5.1km loop trail is a dirt path, but I believe it is fully flat and easy to follow. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to also complete this walk with Schnitzel.
#4 Tour the Historic Buildings of Albury
One aspect of Albury that I found quite surprising was the rich architectural history of the city. There’s a wealth of historic buildings from different eras, ranging from Victorian colonial buildings through to Federation style works and art deco gems.
The local visitor centre has put together a Historic Buildings Walking Tour, that loops around the city centre highlighting 21 buildings. You can pick up a brochure with map from the Albury Visitor Information Centre (inside the Albury LibraryMuseum) or download the latest app.
The walking tour technically starts outside of the impressive Albury Railway Station, once the last stop on the Great Southern Line, but you can start the tour anywhere along the loop. Note that pets are not allowed inside the botanic gardens at the opposite end of the loop, that largely follows Smollett and Dean Streets, with bollard marking the stops. Allow about 90 minutes for the walk.
#5 Visit the Jindera Pioneer Museum
To discover more about the early European pioneer days in the surrounding region, head to the Jindera Pioneer Museum. This excellent volunteer-run museum is situated in the small town of Jindera, just a 20 minute drive north of Albury.
The museum is partially located in the former Wagners Store and their adjacent residence, with some fascinating collections of merchandise displayed on the shelves of the former store. While dogs are not allowed to continue into the inside gallery and former residence, they are welcome to join you on leash in the outdoor spaces of the museum.
Out the back of the store and residence is an impressive collection of outdoor machinery and carts, partially displayed in a large open-air shed (whose roof was handy when a heavy rain shower passed by). There’s also a Wattle and Daub Cottage, the oldest known cottage in the district, plus another historic slab cottage – peer through the windows to the interiors. Don’t also miss visiting the original blacksmiths shop and stables across the road.
#6 Walk Across the Hume Dam Wall
Another great excursion from Albury-Wodonga is to the Hume Dam Wall, about a 25 minute drive to the east along either side of the Murray River. The wall is best accessed from the northern NSW side of the dam, with plenty of parking next to it in Lake Hume Village.
Built between 1919 and 1936, with modifications over the years, the dam is one of the largest in the world. Lake Hume can hold approximately six times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour when it is full.
From the carpark, it’s a 300m walk to the lookout platform at the northern side of the wall. There’s also a sign for a 3.5km dam walk, but like most visitors I simply walked back and forth over the 318m long concrete spillway. The concrete columns are massive – not surprisingly it’s a National Engineering Landmark.
Not far south of the Hume Dam Wall is Kookaburra Point, home to two boat ramps. While I didn’t visit this spot, I’ve heard that it’s a great spot to visit if your dog would enjoy a paddle in the lake. (An exclusion zone applies around the actual dam wall.)
Dog-Friendly Parks in Albury-Wodonga
Both Albury and Wodonga are both home to some great off-leash dog parks. One of the best dog parks (and a convenient stop when driving along the Hume Highway) is the Belvoir Park Dog Park in Wodonga.
This dog park is located just off the Hume Highway and next to the delightful Belvoir Park Lake, accessed from Reuss Road with parking at either end. There are two separate fenced area, the smaller one designated as a Quiet Zone, both with water fountains, seating and plenty of shade. In the larger area there is also agility equipment.
If you’re looking for a fenced dog park in Albury, head to Alexandra Park in East Albury. This sporting complex is home to a large fenced off-leash dog park on the corners of Keene and Cadell Streets. Bags and bins are supplied, along with drinking fountains and agility equipment. It’s large enough for a decent off-leash circuit with your pup.
Another popular off-leash area in Albury is Oddie’s Creek Park, part of the Murray River Precinct. This unfenced area next to the river also has a popular dog swimming spot, although the access into the river isn’t the easiest. There is an adventure playground for children, but it is fully fenced.
For more options, mainly unfenced, check out the full list of off-leash dog parks in Albury and the off-leash areas in Wodonga.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in Albury-Wodonga
A wonderful restaurant in Albury that you can visit with your dog is The River Deck Cafe. Located on the banks of the Murray River in Noreuil Park, not far from the off-leash Oddie’s Creek Park, dogs are allowed on the outdoor deck. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch.
Alternatively, there is also a takeaway window next to the door where you can easily order takeaway drinks and from a short takeaway menu. I ordered an excellent chai, with my dog at my feet, then enjoyed it at one of the many picnic tables alongside the river.
Another great dog-friendly cafe in Albury is Rise Espresso, a surprising find on the northern edge of the city in an industrial area. Part of Kirinari Community Services, all profits from the cafe supports locals with disabilities.
With no indoor seating areas, just a window to order from, instead sit at one of the outdoor tables or inside one of the two converted shipping containers – both with heating, plus also a stack of blankets during the winter months. Water bowls are supplied for pups.
As well as an extensive range of drinks, the cafe offers an all-day menu with everything from breakfast staples (I ordered eggs on toast) to burgers. Note that it is closed on Sundays.
For a dog-friendly cafe in Wodonga, I recommend heading to Junction Place, a newly redeveloped urban area where the former railway station was located and the location of monthly markets.
Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables at BeanStation Cafe, located on the historic railway platform. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, water bowls are provided and there are overhead heaters.
Alternatively, head a little further down to Gum Tree Pies Wodonga, one of three stores of the award-winning pie shop from Yackandandah. Grab a takeaway pie and enjoy it at one of the surrounding tables. My Lamb and Mint Pie was full of flavour!
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Albury-Wodonga
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a drink around Albury-Wodonga with your pup by your side, I recommend heading to the Thirsty Devil Brewery. Located in South Albury, dogs are welcome in both beer gardens on a leash, plus inside.
The beer garden out the back is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, while the inside area is heated during the cooler months. There’s a long list of beers on tap to choose from, including a tasting paddle option. The Hungry Devil food van operates during peak periods, with a menu starring burgers and wings.
Another pub that I visited during my time in Wodonga is the Edwards Tavern, conveniently located across the road from my accommodation. Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables. Alternatively, head to Beer DeLuxe Albury on Sundays, when Paws & Pints is held and dogs are welcome to join you in the beer garden out back – enter by the side gate.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Albury-Wodonga
During my recent visit to Albury-Wodonga, I stayed at the Econo Lodge Border Gateway Wodonga. Located just off the Hume Highway in Wodonga, while convenient for a stopover, it’s also a great choice for a longer stay in the twin cities.
I stayed in one of the recently renovated King Bed Rooms, which was beautifully furnished and very spacious, with plenty of room for pets. The room was more like the size of a large studio apartment, with a kitchenette (including fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster), dining table, lounge and TV with cable channels. I loved the little touches like the bedside lamps.
Outside is a large grassed area, perfect for on-leash bathroom breaks with your pup. It was also very convenient that each room has a parking space right outside the door – so handy for unloading my car while my dog stayed in his dog bed on the back seat! There are also EV chargers accessible from every parking space.
Pets are welcome to stay in all rooms, with no size restrictions and up to two pets allowed per room. Currently, a pet fee of $30 per night per pet applies, although this is reduced to $25 for members. Pets are even allowed in the swimming pool area, although not in the pool itself.
Note: The author was a guest of Econo Lodge Border Gateway Wodonga.
Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks in Albury-Wodonga
If you’re not looking for a motel for your stay, there are also some great pet-friendly caravan parks in and around Albury-Wodonga. A particularly pet-friendly option is the BIG4 Borderland Wodonga Holiday Park.
This caravan park has its own off-leash dog run at the rear of the park, perfect for burning off energy after a long drive along the Hume Highway. Pets are allowed on all sites in the park, plus in selected Dog-Friendly Cabins – look out for the paw print. These cabins sleep four, with a double bed and pair of bunks.
It’s also possible to stay in other cabins at the park with a dog, although dogs are not allowed inside. Instead, the park has two portable dog kennels that can be placed outside any cabin.
Alternatively, a great spot to stay outside of town in the area is a Lake Hume. Dogs are welcome at the Discovery Parks – Lake Hume NSW (not to be confused with the non-dog-friendly Discovery Parks – Lake Hume Victoria). Located just north of the Hume Dam Wall along the shores of the lake, dogs are allowed both on powered and unpowered sites, but not in cabins.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.