Whether you visit Geelong as your first stop along the Great Ocean Road or on a quick getaway from Melbourne, the city of Geelong in Victoria has more to offer that you expect, including plenty of dog-friendly fun. Find out what to do in Geelong when visiting with a dog, plus ideas on pet-friendly places to stay in Geelong.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing Around Geelong
When visiting Geelong with your dog, considering adding these dog-friendly walks, beaches and more to your itinerary.
#1 Stroll Along the Waterfront
Geelong has a beautiful waterfront and naturally it’s a popular spot for local dog owners to go for a stroll with their pups. So follow in their footsteps, and make a beeline for the Geelong Waterfront as well.
It’s a 950m walk from the Carousel, the location of the the visitor information centre, to Eastern Beach. Dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water at Eastern Beach, although they need to be kept on a leash, the same as along the rest of the waterfront.
Perhaps make a detour along this stretch to the recently opened Wangim Walk. This 440m long Wave Attenuator partially encloses the yacht club, and is a chance for everyone including your dog to walk on water. It’s particularly recommended at sunset.
Heading the opposite direction, it’s a 1.8km walk from Cunningham Pier to Rippleside Park. Both Western Beach, that you’ll pass along the way, and Rippleside Park, including its foreshore area, are off-leash before 10am and after 5pm.
Along the entire waterfront stretch, keep an eye out for the many decorated bollards, with over 100 installed in between Rippleside Park and Limeburners Point.
#2 Visit the Botanic Gardens
Just metres away from the Geelong Waterfront and Eastern Beach is Eastern Park, which includes the Geelong Botanic Gardens. These beautiful gardens were established in 1851 and many of its trees and avenues are recognised for their heritage value. There’s a number of fine fountains, plus an historic Sunken Glass House.
Not that everything about the gardens are old-fashioned. Upon entering the garden you’ll pass through the 21st Century Garden, with its collection of cacti and boab trees.
Dogs on a leash are welcome to join you in the gardens, which are open daily. Mosquitos can be a problem, so use some insect repellant.
The gardens are home to a small tea house. After closing for renovations, the cafe reopened in December 2023 as Where You Meet (WYM), open daily. Dogs (and cats, and goats…) are warmly welcome at the outdoor seating area, as long as they are kept leashed. Water bowls and puppacinos are on offer!
#3 Hit the Beach in Torquay
If you’re not a fan of the beaches around Geelong (being located well inside Port Phillip Bay means the water quality isn’t the best), for some excellent dog-friendly ocean beaches drive 25 minutes south of Geelong to Torquay and Fishermans Beach.
It’s best to visit this off-leash beach with your pup during the cooler months of the year, rather than at the height of summer. During December, January and February, plus over Easter, dogs are only allowed off-leash on the beach before 9am and after 7pm. They’re prohibited during most of the day. However, during the other months of the year (like when I visited), Fishermans Beach is off-leash all day long.
Before or after visiting Fishermans Beach, drop into The Salty Dog Cafe. Just off the sand, this cafe has literarily gone to the dogs – I think I counted more dog water bowls than tables! Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, plus sometimes the undercover section of the cafe.
Other dog-friendly beaches in the area include Whites Beach in Torquay (on the other side of Deep Creek), part of Thirteenth Beach at Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove Beach east of Hodgson Street, and Point Lonsdale Dog Beach at Narrow Beach, Queenscliff. (Check out the maps.)
#4 Head to the You Yangs
When driving on the freeway from Melbourne to Geelong its hard to not notice the You Yangs. Named for the local Aboriginal word for “big mountain in the middle of the plain”, this granite outcrop is enclosed in the You Yangs Regional Park, where leashed dogs are allowed. It’s a 25 minute drive north of Geelong.
There’s a variety of walking trails within the park, as well as picnic areas. The most popular track is the Flinders Peak Walk. This 3.5km track has plenty of steps as you ascend to the park’s highest peak, named after Matthew Flinders who ascended it in 1802. At the top and along the way are excellent views towards Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Allow about an hour return.
If a steep climb isn’t your thing, or your dog has short legs like my Dachshund, another interesting spot is Big Rock. It’s just a 100m walk from the carpark onto the top of the rock. There’s also a gentle 800m loop walk around the area.
Find out more about visiting the You Yangs with a dog
#5 Ride on a Steam Train
I recently discovered another dog-friendly historic train ride in Victoria, the Bellarine Railway. Pet dogs are welcome to join aboard the Swan Bay Express, an historic train hauled by steam engines, complete with old-fashioned old train carriages.
The 45 minute train trips depart from Queenscliff Railway Station, about a 40 minute drive from the centre of Geelong. There are about three departures daily on Sundays, most public holidays and selected extra days during school holidays. See the list of upcoming dates on the website.
Friendly pets are welcome to join you on the steam train rides. You’ll be allocated to selected carriages by the volunteers. While there is no charge for pets, all pups will be issued with a special dog ticket as a memento!
#6 Enjoy a Beer at Little Creatures
While its original brewery is across the country in Fremantle, Geelong is also home to a Little Creatures Brewery. Located in a former industrial complex, these days it’s a village experience devoted to beer.
If you’re visiting with a dog, head to the Little Creatures Canteen. When you round the corner you’ll discover an alleyway of colourful tables, where your dog is welcome to join you, although they’ll be limited to slurping water from the provided dog bowls.
It’s best to skip on rainy days, as it’s not properly undercover. Unfortunately, bookings are not available for these outdoor tables, so it’s best to arrive early on busy weekends.
#7 Head to FarmDog Brewing
If you’d prefer to enjoy some beers surrounding by green fields and vineyards, instead make the short 25 minute drive east to FarmDog Brewing. Located on McGlashan’s Wallington Estate, you can taste some of the craft brew and boutique gin made onsite, plus the local wines.
Given the cute dog logos on the beers and gins, it’s no surprise that the brewery and cellar door is quite dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome at the spacious outside tables, as long as they are on a leash.
Currently, the brewery and cellar door is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for both tastings and meals. Double check the hours in advance – I suspect the hours may be extended over the busy summer holiday period.
#8 Pick up Some Treats
If your dog has been a good boy or girl (I’m sure they have!) head to Pure Paws Dog Bakery in Geelong. Since I first visited them, they have moved to a cute new industrial location on the southern end of Pakington Street. They are open from 10am to 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
With plenty of treats available, your dog will be treated to the best, with only human-grade meat and sustainably caught fish used. Schnitzel particularly loved the Doggy Donuts! Also available are puppiccinos, pupcakes and made-to-order birthday cakes. Note that everything on the menu is for dogs only!
Dog-Friendly Parks in Geelong
There’s plenty of off-leash dog parks in the Geelong region. For a complete list, refer to the map on the City of Greater Geelong website. Sporting grounds and ovals are also allowed to be used by off-leash dogs outside of regular sport and training sessions.
For a great fenced off-leash dog park, head to Stead Park in the northern suburb of Corio. There’s two areas with high, secure fencing, along with water fountains, seating, shade and even some agility equipment.
The three ovals at Eastern Park, just south of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, are also off-leash when organised sports and events are taking place. Alternatively, head to Western Beach, which is off-leash before 10am and after 5pm. The same off-leash hours apply at Rippleside Park, including the foreshore area.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Geelong
There’s quite a few dog-friendly cafes along the waterfront in Geelong, perfect for brunch, lunch or just a coffee before or after a waterfront walk.
We visited Edge Geelong, just across the road from the Carousel. The menu includes lots of traditional favourites, plus coffee by St Ali. As well as some tables out the front, there’s also plenty of tables along the side, including heating for the colder months. (Or anytime of year as I learnt during November!)
Another highly rated dog-friendly cafe is Sodi Cafe. Over in Geelong West on Pakington Street, this cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. Their food is meant to be amazing, plus they serve up puppycinos with lactose free milk and bacon dust.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Geelong
Take your pick from these options for a pet-friendly stay in Geelong.
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Pet-Friendly Hotels in Geelong
An excellent dog-friendly accommodation option in Geelong is R Hotel Geelong. These serviced apartments just a couple of blocks back from the waterfront have six dog-friendly one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, each with their own secure outdoor courtyard and balcony, plus direct access from the street (pets are not allowed in the hotel reception).
Up to two dogs are allowed per apartment and a flat $50 cleaning fee applies per stay, charged on departure. Make sure you bring along your pet’s own bed, blanket, towels and bowls.
The recently opened Quest Geelong Central also allows pets in selected rooms. Located minutes from the waterfront and the botanic gardens, the self-contained apartments range in size from studios to three bedrooms.
Inform the hotel that you will be bringing a pet when you make a booking. Check directly about the latest pet fees – a pet bond will apply, plus additional charges.
Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks & Camping in Geelong
If you’re looking to camp or stay in your own caravan, up until recently the three caravan parks closest to the centre of Geelong didn’t allow pets. The same prohibition applies to many of the other caravan parks on the Bellarine Peninsula.
However, pets are now welcome at Tasman Holiday Parks – Geelong. As well as on powered sites, pets are also allowed in selected two-bedroom Budget Cabins. It’s best to call the park to make a booking and find out the full details.
Dogs are also welcome at the Eldorado Tourist and Residential Park, a basic park on the northwestern edge of Geelong. Short term stays are welcome in caravans and campervans, but not in tents, with up to two dogs permitted per site – enquire for permission for large dogs. There is a large fenced off-leash dog exercise area onsite.
Another option are the Geelong Showgrounds. There are both powered and unpowered sites available. Only a single dog is allowed per site, unless your request for additional animals has been approved.
Alternatively, we stayed a 25-minute drive outside of Geelong at the Maude Recreation Reserve and Bunjil Lookout. This delightful spot features clean toilets, BBQ facilities, playground and a fire pit. It’s permitted to camp for up to 48 hours, with donations appreciated.
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- Dog-Friendly Great Ocean Road
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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.
The tea house at the Geelong Gardens is now open (2024). Presume they are still dog-friendly outside.
Thanks for the update Chris!