The small city of Mildura is located in northwestern Victoria, on the banks of the Murray River. It’s also a common stopover point when travelling between Sydney and Adelaide. Find out what to do when visiting Mildura with a dog, plus tips for dog-friendly cafes and pet-friendly accommodation.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Mildura
I haven’t had a chance to properly explore Mildura with my dog, as last time I passed through the city I needed to quickly cross the border to South Australia due to a pending Covid lockdown. However, the city has a surprising number of dog-friendly attractions, so I’m planning to return and check these out…
#1 Go for a Ride on a Paddleboat
I’ve previously enjoyed a cruise on a paddle steamer with my dog at Echuca, further upstream along the Murray River. But it’s also possible to enjoy a paddleboat ride with your dog in Mildura.
Make a booking with the pet-friendly Mildura Paddle Steamers. Dogs are allowed on the Two Hour Lock Cruise and the weekly lunchtime cruise to Gol Gol (where dogs are allowed on the back verandah of the pub). Just skip the evening dinner cruises. Depending on the date, either a paddle steamer or a paddle vessel will be operating.
It’s essential to call up beforehand to let them know you’ll be bringing your dog along, as they limit the number of dogs on each cruise. But in return your pup will be treated to pats from staff and other guests.
#2 Hire a Houseboat
For a different kind of holiday, consider hiring a dog-friendly houseboat for a relaxing holiday on the Murray with your pup. There are multiple houseboat operators in Mildura that offer pet-friendly houseboats for hire.
Probably the most pet-friendly option are All Seasons Houseboats, who have a detailed guide to bringing your pet along when hiring one of their house boats. Currently they allow pets on board six of their houseboats, with recommendations of the best boat for different dogs.
Note that only a single pet is permitted per boat, with a pet fee of $30 per night charged. Pets must be declared at the time of booking and need to be kept off beds and furniture.
Another option are the award-winning houseboats from Mildura Houseboats. When I last checked, they had seven pet-friendly houseboats, ranging in size from six to 12 berths, some with onboard spas. Up to two pets are permitted (double check this is still the case), for an additional charge of $50 per pet.
Finally, pets are now allowed aboard one of the houseboats owned by Sunraysia Resort. The resort also has other pet-friendly accommodation options – see more below.
Find out more about hiring a dog-friendly houseboat
#3 Explore the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens
Just across the Murray from Mildura are the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens in Buronga. Best of all, these community-run gardens welcome pet dogs on a leash, unlike many other botanic gardens in NSW.
Highlights of the gardens include the Desert Pea display (such a stunning outback flower!), the bush chapel, the nature trail and the rose garden. It’s possible to complete a self-drive trail around the gardens.
#4 Take a Tour of Orange World
A short drive north of Mildura on the other side of the Murray River is Orange World Mildura – keep your eyes open for the giant orange just off the road! Drop into Orange World to go on one of their tours.
The tours are offered three times daily, except when they are closed in February and on selected public holidays. The tours include an orange tasting, a free glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a tractor ride. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you, including on the tractor ride.
#5 Taste the Wine at Trentham Estate
The Riverina area is home to countless vineyards, but the best option to visit around Mildura is Trentham Estate, about a 15 minute drive from Mildura across the border in NSW.
As well as tasting wines at their cellar door, open seven days a week, they also have a restaurant onsite and a menu of outdoor platters. Dogs are welcome to join you when you sit in the outdoor dining area – perfect situated overlooking the Murray River!
#6 View the Red Cliffs
It’s just a 20 minute drive east of Mildura to Red Cliffs, where not surprisingly you can enjoy some excellent views of the red cliffs along this section of the Murray River.
Follow the signs to the Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, just off Woomera Avenue. The boardwalk that was previously washed away in floods has been replaced, and is a scenic short walk that you can do with your dog.
There is also a lookout nearby, about 300m to the north, accessed from a short turn-off. But I’ve heard mixed reports, including that the main lookout is current behind a fence, so perhaps just stick to the new boardwalk.
#7 Check Out Big Lizzie
Another iconic attraction in Red Cliffs is “Big Lizzie”. It’s not a large lizard, but a gigantic tractor that was used to clear land for settlement in the surrounding region. Everyone says it’s bigger than you expect!
Big Lizzie is located in Barclay Square, a well-maintained park in the centre of Red Cliffs.
#8 Explore the Mildura Station Homestead
On the northern side of Mildura is the Mildura Station Homestead. Not just one building, it’s a collection of reconstructed buildings on the site of an 1850s homestead.
While it’s not possible to view the interior of the buildings, it’s free to wander around the grounds, with no restriction against dogs. Take a wander and view the exterior of the buildings and the gardens, imaging what life used to be like in Mildura in the 19th century.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Mildura
Mildura is home to an excellent fenced dog park, the Mildura Fenced Dog Park. This off-leash dog park is located in Rio Vista Park, on the northern side of town near the Mildura Weir.
This large, spacious dog park is regularly praised by visitors. There’s two separate areas for small and large dogs, plus shaded tables, a water fountain and even a sandpit. There’s also plenty of parking. Just be warned there isn’t much shade if you visit in the middle of the day, and signs warn about possible snakes.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Mildura
There’s plenty of dog-friendly cafes in Mildura with outdoor tables, including along Langtree Avenue and the Mall. Or else head to the riverside for some great dog-friendly options.
Bobby + Me is located in the Ornamental Lakes Park, with tables scattered under the trees. Extra dog-friendly, they offer puppycinos, puppy cakes and cookies for four-legged guests. For humans they offer hot and cold drinks, both a breakfast and all-day brunch menu and lots of sweet options. The cafe is open daily until 3pm.
Another highly rated cafe further along the riverfront is Shippys Cafe. There’s plenty of outdoor dining tables, that are popular with both local and visiting dog owners, plus a jar of dog treats to purchase on the counter. This cafe is also open daily for breakfast and lunch, although the food menu is limited.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Mildura
There’s a large number of caravan parks around Mildura, on both sides of the border. Nearly all parks allow dogs, at least on campsites and often year round.
One popular pet-friendly park is the Apex Riverbeach Holiday Park, right on the river on the northern side of Mildura. As well as allowing pets on all sites, pets are also allowed in a range of pet-friendly cabins, from two-person ensuite cabins to two-bedroom villas. There’s also a convenient dog wash onsite.
Another great dog-friendly park is Discovery Parks – Buronga Riverside, on the NSW side of the border. Pets are allowed to stay in selected superior cabins, as well as on riverside campsites and powered ensuite sites. Prior to the floods there was a fenced dog park, but I don’t believe this has been rebuilt.
If you’re looking for an apartment, the Sunraysia Resort in Mildura has three pet-friendly two-bedroom apartments, that sleep up to six. There’s also a pet-friendly four-bedroom house and a houseboat. Bookings with pets must be made directly in advance, and an additional fee applies. The resort has a range of facilities for the whole family.
Another option around Mildura are the many free campgrounds along the banks of the Murray River. Rules vary (including many with time limits or a requirement for you to be self-contained), but most allow dogs.
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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.
Awesome post – great ideas and insight for travelling with our fur baby.
We have a mini dachshund too – wouldn’t leave home without her!
Thanks Lyn, have a great trip with your Dachshund!