The small city of Portland is located on the southwestern coast of Victoria, about a four hour drive west of Melbourne. The first permanent European settlement in the state, the city has a rich history and shouldn’t be missed on a trip along the coast. Find out more about visiting Portland with a dog.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Portland
There are various restrictions for dogs on the beaches in the centre of Portland. For starters, dogs are prohibited from Henty Beach, in between the town jetty and the trawler wharf. This extends to the grassed area immediately behind the beach, but dogs are allowed on-leash on the pathways through the area.
Dogs are also required to be on-leash on the Portland Foreshore in between the town jetty and the Lee Breakwater, as well as the grass immediately behind it and on the other side of Lee Breakwater Road, including the area around the yacht club.
Additionally, dogs need to stay on-leash on Nuns Beach, the beach immediately north of the breakwater, behind 9am and 6pm from 1st December until the end of Easter Tuesday. However, they are allowed off-leash before 9am and after 6pm, plus during the rest of the year. For a handy map of these areas, refer to the council website.
In the rest of the municipality, dogs are allowed off-leash, as long as they are under effective control. For year-round off-leash beaches head to the beaches on the northern side of Portland, or Pivot Beach at the southern end of the port area.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Portland
One of the top dog-friendly things to do in Portland is take a ride on the Portland Cable Tram. The restored cable trams run through Portland four times per day, departing from the depot museum next to Henty Park. The complete circuit takes about an hour, or hop on and off at any of the five other stops along the way.
Not far from the tram depot are the Portland Botanic Gardens. Dogs are welcome to join you for a leashed walk around these pretty but small gardens. Just note that they are only open during the day, from 8:30am to 5pm.
The 262km-long Great South West Walk starts and ends at the Visitor Information Centre in Portland. Walk a dog-friendly section of the walk through Portland, such as the section leading north behind Nuns Beach. Along the way, keep an eye out for whales between May and October, plus check out the Portland Lighthouse and the historic Water Tower.
Another dog-friendly walk is the Fawthrop Lagoon Walk. This paved walkway loops around Fawthrop Lagoon, starting from the picnic area on Hood Street. Note that it is the site of the Portland Park Run on Saturday mornings.
Alternatively, just wander around the streets of the small city and admire its history. There are over 200 buildings still standing that date to the 19th century, many constructed from beautiful bluestone.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Portland
Portland is home to a fenced dog park, located at Henty Park in between the tram depot and the tennis club. The Portland Dog Park has two separate areas: one for small dogs under 10kg and the other for larger dogs. Both areas feature some agility equipment, bench seating with shade sails, a drinking fountain and bins. Just note they are only open from 7am to 7pm.
Throughout most of the municipality, dogs by default are allowed off-leash, as long as they are under effective control. The main exceptions are the foreshore parks (see above), plus any other areas where it is requested they are leashed.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Portland
Portland is home to a popular RV Park, located at Henty Park. Fully self-contained vehicles can stay for free for up to 48 hours on the flat grassed area near the centre of town. There are toilets and a dump point. Pets of course are welcome and it’s conveniently close to the fenced dog park (see above).
Another great spot to stay in Portland, whether for a longer stay or if you’re not fully self-contained is the Portland Tourist Park. Pets are allowed on sites and in the two-bedroom Koala Cabins, although peak period restrictions apply – contact the park directly to confirm details. The park has its own off-leash dog run along one side of the park.
Alternatively, book a pet-friendly site at the NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park, located on the clifftops next to the lighthouse. Up to two pets are allowed year round on each of the ensuite, powered and unpowered sites. Call up to make a booking with a pet.
Pets are also allowed a little north of Portland at the Henty Bay Lifestyle Village, both on sites and in selected cabins, with written permission.
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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.