One of the most charming, not to mention dog-friendly, villages in the Central West region of NSW is Millthorpe. While it’s often visited as a quick trip from the larger city of Orange nearby, just a 25 minute drive to the northwest, it’s also a delightful spot to enjoy a longer stay. Check out my tips for visiting Millthorpe with a dog…
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Millthorpe
While just a small village, there’s still plenty of dog-friendly things to do in and around Millthorpe to keep you occupied for the day or a weekend, particularly if you stick to a relaxed pace.
#1 Enjoy a Walk Around the Village
Top of the list of things to do in Millthorpe with your dog is to head out on a walk around the historic village, which has been listed by the National Trust. Many buildings in the village date back to Millthorpe’s heyday, which coincided with the operation of a since closed flour mill, plus the building of its railway station.
There are two suggested walks to follow around the village. The Railway Walk passes through the centre of the village and then along the railway tracks, past the historic train station. Regional trains still call at the station (although only assistance dogs are allowed on the trains).
Alternatively, follow the longer Village/Country Walk, that takes you past Millthorpe’s churches, its old cemetery, through a stretch of the countryside and past the site of the former Great Western Mill.
Both walks begin and start at the intersection of Park Street and Victoria Street, near the post office. There is map showing both walks on the village website.
#2 Browse Through the Boutiques
These days many of Millthorpe’s historic buildings contain an enticing assortment of boutiques, cafes and cellar doors. Take a wander past the many boutiques, particularly along Pym Street, leading down to the historic train station.
Check with the store manger whether it’s possible to enter inside with your pup – perhaps carry your dog. Alternatively, just browse through the windows or take turns to enter. The town is surprisingly dog-friendly – I’ve even heard recent reports there is a dog bed outside the IGA supermarket!
#3 Taste the Local Wines
Millthorpe is located within the larger Orange wine region. But there’s no need to drive to Orange or into the countryside to taste wine, with a number of cellar doors right in town.
The five-star rated Angullong Vineyard has their cellar door is an historic bluestone building, originally built as stables to the adjacent hotel. Open seven days a week, make a booking for an Outdoor wine tasting. Taste up to 10 wines of your choice in a 45-minute tasting, in return for a small fee.
Slow Wine Co also has their cellar door right in Millthorpe. Currently open from Friday to Sunday each week (check back for their opening hours over the summer), make a booking for an outdoor tasting. There’s also the option to add on a Cheese Platter from Millthorpe Providore. Plus the cellar door opens as a tapas bar on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Millthorpe is also home to a second cellar door of the Hunter Valley-based Tamburlaine Organic Wines. Enquire about options for a dog-friendly wine tasting.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Millthorpe
Millthorpe is home to one off-leash dog park, which is located on Glenorie Road. The fenced off-leash area is near the northern end of the road, in between the road and the train line, where it goes across the bridge over Forest Reefs Road. There is seating inside the fence, plus a bin and water.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Millthorpe
There are some great cafes to dine at while in Millthorpe. While the highly-regarded fine-dining Tonic Restaurant is not pet-friendly, there are a number of other places with outdoor dining areas that welcome pets.
If you’re visiting from Thursday to Sunday, drop into The Old Mill Cafe. I’ve heard reports from visitors that the staff at this dog-friendly cafe love pups and happily provide water bowls. I’ve also heard great reports of their pies!
During the rest of the week, another wonderful spot to dine during the the day is Millthorpe Providore. Open from early seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, this cafe also has outdoor seating.
During the evening, the best spot to head is the historic Millthorpe Hotel, near the train station. With their kitchen open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, make a booking for an outdoor table. At least part of their outdoor area is weather protected and heated.
Unfortunately, the even older Commercial Hotel in the centre of town is currently up for sale and closed.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Millthorpe
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer.
For a cosy stay right in the centre of Millthorpe, make a booking with the Millthorpe Motel. Selected rooms at the motel are pet-friendly, except for the studio rooms. It’s best to enquire directly with the motel to confirm full details, including the latest pet fees.
Another fun alternative about a 10 minute drive outside of Millthorpe is Yurt So Good!. This spectacular wooden yurt in the countryside sleeps two humans plus welcomes pets. Inside you’ll find a small kitchenette plus a fireplace for chilly nights. Outside there’s an outdoor fire fit, plus an enclosed private yard. Just bring your pet’s bed and bowls.
If you have your own caravan or campervan, while there is no local caravan park, you can stay nearby at the volunteer-run Spring Hill Recreation Ground. Dogs on a leash are allowed, as long as they are kept off the oval. There’s toilets and showers, although no drinking water. With low fees of just $5 per person per night, there’s a three night limit.
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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.