The coastal city of Warrnambool in Victoria is located at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. An ideal destination to visit with your dog after following the famous coastal route or taking the quicker Princes Highway from Geelong, find out more about visiting Warrnambool with your dog, from dog-friendly beaches to pet-friendly accommodation.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Warrnambool
One of the big attractions in Warrnambool are its beaches. However, the number of dog-friendly beaches you can enjoy with your dog varies depending on the time of the year.
Dogs only have seasonal access to the main beach in Warrnambool, between the breakwater and Flume Surf Beach. From 1st December to 31st March dogs are prohibited on this beach, then are only allowed on-leash on the sand during the rest of the year. Dogs are however allowed on-leash year-round on the popular promenade that runs behind the beach.
For a nearby off-leash dog beach, head east to Flume Surf Beach and Granny’s Surf Beach, accessible from both ends. Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round on these beaches, up until the Hopkins River Mouth.
At Blue Hole Reserve, on the eastern side of the Hopkins River, dogs need to be leashed between 1st December and 31st March, but are allowed off-leash the rest of the year. It’s a popular swimming spot thanks to its shallow waters.
Another year-round off-leash option is to head to Logans Beach, to the east of Blue Hole. It’s an excellent spot for a walk with your dog. Just be careful in the water – the currents off-shore can be strong, plus often the waves are large.
For a full list of areas where dogs are allowed off-leash, on-leash or prohibited, scroll down through the pet ownership guide put together by the local council or refer to this handy map.
More Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Warrnambool
A few of the other popular attractions in Warrnambool are restricted to dogs. For starters, dogs are not allowed at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. At one stage the rules were more lax, but these days a message on the website sternly declares that pets are not permitted at Flagstaff Hill at any time.
Dogs are also prohibited in Warrnambool from the Lake Pertrobe Reserve (an important site for birds), the Merri River Mouth and Wetlands, and the botanic gardens.
Another big attraction in Warrnambool between June and September is the chance to spot whales. One of the best lookout spots is the Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform, located on the hill behind the off-leash Logans Beach. Dogs are welcome to join you – ideally before or after an off-leash walk along the beach!
Another dog-friendly scenic spot is Hopkins Falls. These wide waterfalls cascading over volcanic rocks are located a 15 minute drive northeast of the city centre, with platforms to view the falls from the top and walk to the bottom.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Warrnambool
Dogs are allowed off-leash at multiple parks in Warrnambool, although they are prohibited from all sports ovals.
A great park to visit if you prefer the security of a fenced dog park is Victoria Park. There’s a large fenced dog park alongside Koroit Street, complete with ramps and tunnels, plus a water fountain. Note that there isn’t a separate area for smaller dogs or much shade. Dogs are also allowed off-leash in the rest of the park outside of the Friendly Societies Park.
Other off-leash dog parks in Warrnambool include the large Albert Park (outside of the ovals), Scoborio Reserve, EJ King Park (except the beach area from 1st December to 31st March) and Brierly Reserve (excluding the sports grounds).
For a full list, refer to the council website and this map.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Warrnambool
While dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach during the summer months, take an on-leash walk with your dog along the Promenade and stop at Pavilion Cafe & Bar just before the breakwater. This cafe serves up breakfast and lunch daily, with dogs allowed at the outdoor tables overlooking the beach.
Another excellent dog-friendly option for a classy lunch or dinner is Proudfoots by the River. Located on the banks of the Hopkins River in a boathouse dating to 1885, dogs are allowed at the tables on the balcony. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, plus lunch on Sunday. Enjoy an off-leash walk before or after at Scoborio Reserve.
Another option in the evening is Bojangles Pizza Restaurant. This restaurant is open nightly from 5pm and has a dog-friendly outdoor dining area.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Warrnambool
Warrnambool is home to quite a few caravan parks, most that allow dogs, although some are more dog-friendly than others. One of the best dog-friendly caravan parks close to town is the BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Warrnambool, that permits pets year-round and often hands out treat bags on arrival.
Pets are allowed on all sites, including ensuite sites, plus in selected cabins – the Pet House Cabins (two-bedroom budget cabins that sleep up to six) and Pet-Friendly Economy Cabins (open plan cabins that sleep up to four). It’s a must to apply for permission in advance to bring your pet.
For another great pet-friendly caravan park, head east out of town to the NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park. Pets are welcome on powered and ensuite sites, plus there are a variety of One-Bedroom Cabins, Two-Bedroom Cabins and Studios that are pet-friendly.
Up to two pets per site or cabin are allowed, with dogs, cats, rabbits and birds all permitted to stay with you. It’s a must to book directly, with manager approval required. However, pets are allowed year-round with no pesky blackout dates.
Pets are also allowed year-round at the Warrnambool Holiday Park, but only on sites. Both the Surfside Holiday Park and the Discovery Parks – Warrnambool near the main beach only allow pets outside of peak season and only on sites – contact the parks directly for the blackout dates.
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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.