As anyone knows who has driven the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne, while it’s a good quality divided highway the entire way, driving along the Hume makes for a long boring day (or two). Pity your poor pup then, if you’re driving the Hume Highway with a dog.
To liven up your journey and make sure you take plenty of breaks on this road trip for your dog’s sake (and your own), here’s some ideas for interesting places you can stop along the Hume Highway with your dog, plus just some of the off-leash dog parks, dog-friendly dining and pet-friendly places to stay along the way.
Interesting Dog-Friendly Stops Along the Hume
Break up your drive and stop at some of these tourist spots along the Hume Highway. All are just off the highway and of course dog-friendly. From north to south…
Big Merino, Goulburn
The Big Merino in Goulburn is one of the most iconic big things located around Australia. I can’t remember driving past Goulburn as a child without stopping off at this big attraction along the way, although it’s not quite so impressive when you visit as an adult.
It’s possible to visit the interior of the merino statue from the adjacent souvenir shop, although of course dogs aren’t allowed inside. Instead settle for a selfie out the front, plus perhaps pick up some pastries from the nearby bakery.
Dog on the Tucker Box, Gundagai
What’s a drive along the Hume Highway with a dog, without stopping at Gundagai for a selfie with the famous Dog on the Tucker Box?
This famous dog statue is smaller than expected, but still a worthwhile stop. There’s also now a new tucker box without a dog statue – perfect for taking photos of your own pup on top.
It’s easier to access this spot when driving northbound. Adjacent to the carpark are a few other tourist spots to visit, including a cafe selling coffee and local goods, plus a local apple vendor when I last visited.
HMAS Otway Submarine, Holbrook
Now, what’s a submarine doing in a park in country Australia, hundreds of kilometres away from the nearest coast? Find this out and more when you stop off in Holbrook and visit the HMAS Otway Submarine.
Certainly bigger than the Dog on the Tucker Box, leashed dogs are welcome in the park where the submarine is located, plus to walk along the top of it with you. There’s also an adjacent museum, although dogs are not allowed inside the museum. Just behind this park is an off-leash dog park.
Ettamogah Pub, Table Top
Not far north of Albury is the original Ettamogah Pub, located in the village of Table Top. It’s also known as the Table Top Hotel. Pull off the highway and get a selfie with your pup in front of this whacky construction.
The original pub’s interior is generally not accessible, except on some weekends. However, there’s an adjacent pub open for lunch and dinner where you can enjoy a pub-style meal (with mixed reviews). Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area.
It’s also possible to camp onsite – either for free if you buy a meal inside, or otherwise for a small fee.
Ned Kelly Walk & Big Ned, Glenrowan
Ned Kelly is one of the most famous characters in Australian history, and you can explore his history and sad demise with a stop in the town of Glenrowan. There are a number of museums devoted to Kelly along the main road, but when visiting with a dog I recommend instead following the Ned Kelly Walk.
The introductory sign and final stop on the self-guided walk are alongside Gladstone Street, south of the railway line. Cross over the train line for the six other stops on the walk, including Kelly’s capture site. You can pick up a map from the Tourist Centre at 41 Gladstone St.
While in Glenrowan, don’t also miss getting a selfie with your pup a few blocks south outside of Big Ned.
Off-Leash Dog Parks Along the Hume
While some of these tourist stops are good for breaking up the drive, your dog may also appreciate running around and burning some energy in an off-leash park. Consider stopping at these off-leash parks located along the Hume, including some fenced dog parks, from north to south.
Shale Hills Dog Park, West Hoxton
Okay, this off-leash dog park is still within the bounds of Sydney, but it’s a fantastic spot to stop with your dog at the start or end of your long drive along the Hume. About 10 minutes off the M5 in West Hoxton, this large fenced park has agility equipment, gardens for sniffing and a separate area for small dogs.
Pheasants Nest Service Centre Northbound
The newly redeveloped Northbound Service Centre at Pheasants Nest, in between Campbelltown and Mittagong, now has a fenced off-leash dog exercise area. It’s easiest to access this spot when driving northbound, but I’ve been assured there is also a tunnel underneath the motorway.
The fully fenced area has bench seating inside, plus a picnic table just outside the gates, along with bins. So make sure you clean up after your pup!
Victoria Park, Goulburn
Take a detour through the centre of Goulburn to visit the large and popular Victoria Park. The park has a basic fenced off-leash dog park in one corner, adjacent to the intersection of Faithfull Street and Clifford Street. There are some seats and water is provided.
Yass Dog Park
Three hours out of Sydney, it’s a bit of a detour off the highway to visit Yass, but the town is home to the Yass Dog Park, as well as multiple cafes and bakeries.
This fenced dog park is located just off the main road, in between the Yass River and the swimming pool and opposite Yass Primary School. According to the council website, the park is divided into three separate zones: an Active Zone, a Quiet Zone and a Come and Try Zone.
Heydon Park, Gundagai
After years without an off-leash dog park, Heydon Park has now been designated as an off-leash dog park in Gundagai. A basic unfenced park with poo bags and bins, the park is near the centre of town, on the opposite side of the highway from the Dog on the Tucker Box.
Holbrook Off-Leash Dog Park
As well as having the fascinating submarine to visit, don’t also miss the adjacent off-leash dog park in Holbrook. The off-leash area is located behind the submarine and the museum, next to the skate park. Note that it is unfenced.
Alexandra Park, East Albury
As you approach the NSW-Victoria border at Albury-Wodonga, Alexandra Park in East Albury is a short detour off the Hume. This large sporting complex is home to a fenced off-leash dog park with agility equipment and drinking stations.
Belvoir Park Dog Park, Wodonga
This is one of the best and most convenient off-leash dog parks to stop at when driving along the Hume Highway with a dog. While there’s multiple off-leash dog parks in the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga, Belvoir Park Dog Park is probably the closest to the highway.
This fenced dog park is literally next to the highway, and has an agility course, as well as water fountains and plenty of shade. Close to one of the carparks, there’s also toilets for humans nearby, plus you can take your dog on a leashed walk around the lake.
Mitchell Avenue Reserve Dog Park, Wangaratta
It’s a bit of a detour off the Hume to Wangaratta, but if you do stop in this city, your dog would appreciate a visit to the dog park in the Mitchell Avenue Reserve. Towards the southern end of the large reserve (search for “Off Leash Dog Park” on Google Maps), its large in size and securely fenced.
Euroa Dog Park
Two hours outside Melbourne, it’s a short detour to pass through the town of Euroa. In 2021 the first official off-leash park opened in the town. The fully fenced dog park is adjacent to the Showground.
Dog-Friendly Dining Along the Hume
These are some of the top recommendations for stopping and enjoying a meal along the Hume. Alternatively, pack your own picnic or pick up something at the many bakeries along the way, and enjoy in one of the many rest areas.
Barney’s Cafe, Bookham
Not far after Yass and about 3 hours drive from Sydney, Barney’s Cafe is just off the edge of the Hume and an ideal stopping place. The cafe is open daily for breakfast, morning tea and lunch, serving up light meals, burgers and great coffee.
What makes it so dog-friendly is the recent addition of fencing to their outdoor dining area. Perfect for keeping both kids and pets safe while enjoying lunch!
The Sir George, Jugiong
For something a bit fancier, keep driving a little further to Jugiong. This historic village has become a foodie stopping point along the Hume, thanks to the Sir George Hotel and it’s well regarded restaurant. Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor dining tables underneath the Avenue of Snow Pears.
If you’re pressed for time, instead pick up something at the cafe next door, the Long Track Pantry, with dogs welcome on the outdoor verandah. Unfortunately though, the park directly opposite doesn’t allow dogs, with copious signs to remind you when I last visited.
Blind Freddy’s Cafe, Wodonga
If you’re wanting something to eat on the Victorian side of the border, check out Blind Freddy’s Cafe in Wodonga. Not far off the Hume (and close to the Belvoir Park Dog Park), this cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch. There’s dog bowls outside and dog treats available to buy inside on the counter – your pup will be delighted!
Pet-Friendly Accommodation Along the Hume
If you’d prefer to break up your journey along the Hume, consider spending the night at one of these pet-friendly hotels and other options, all located roughly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne.
The Old Bookham Church, Bookham
Just over three hours south from Sydney, the Old Bookham Church is a fabulous spot to pull up for the night, especially if you are travelling in a large group. This former Catholic church can accommodate up to eight guests.
There’s a full kitchen for you to prepare dinner in, or else order from the oven-ready dinner menu. It’s directly opposite Barney’s Cafe (see above), if you’re wanting to enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast. With a fully-fenced yard, dogs are welcome to join you, for an additional $10 per pet per night.
Jugiong Motor Inn
A little further on from Bookham is the delightful village of Jugiong, a great spot just off the highway that has some great dog-friendly dining establishments (see above). It’s a 3 1/2 hour drive southwest of Sydney.
The Jugiong Motor Inn is a well rated motor inn offering affordable rooms, mainly with a queen bed and single bed. It also has it’s own restaurant onsite.
A selection of rooms are pet-friendly, with rooms opening onto a grassed area. Call in advance to reserve one of the pet-friendly rooms. Note that a small additional fee is charged for pets.
Tarcutta Halfway Motor Inn
Not surprisingly, the Tarcutta Halfway Motor Inn is virtually halfway in between Sydney and Melbourne along the Hume Highway. Just a short distance off the highway, this 3 1/2 star rated motel has smartly decorated rooms and a licensed restaurant.
Two rooms have been designated as pet-friendly – Room 1 (Queen & Single) and Room 19 (Queen bed only). Double check this is still the case. For other rooms, pets are not allowed inside, but can sleep outside the room, as long as they stay quiet, or in the horse stables at the rear.
Jolly Swagman Motor Inn, Holbrook
Forty minutes south of Tarcutta is the town of Holbrook. As well as being home to the HMAS Otway Submarine, the town is also home to the Jolly Swagman Motor Inn.
A number of the queen, twin and family rooms have been designated as pet-friendly, with pets allowed inside. A higher rate is charged when staying with a pet, generally an extra $20 to $30 per night. There’s also a Chinese restaurant onsite, open most nights, with delivery to your room possible.
Mantra Albury
The Mantra Albury is contemporary four-star hotel in the centre of Albury. Best of all, it offers pet-friendly studio rooms, with the option of a king or twin beds.
Previous pet owners staying at the hotel have commented that the dog-friendly rooms are on the second floor, and come with a dog bowl, dog towel and treat, as well as a copy of their pet policy. Enquire directly with the hotel for the full pet rules and additional fees.
BIG4 Borderland Wodonga Holiday Park
While not a hotel, the BIG Borderland Wodonga Holiday Park has plenty of dog-friendly options for you and your pup, plus a handy dog run at the rear of the park.
In addition to welcoming dog owners with vans and tents, they also have dog-friendly standard cabins (look for the paw print when booking online), with pets allowed inside. Alternatively, make use of the portable kennels so you can stay in any cabin.
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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.
Hi! The Pheasants Nest (Ampol) stop (northbound) has a great variety of facilities including outdoor seating (once the gumtrees mature there’ll hopefully be better shade) and fenced dog area. Yes the there is a pedestrian tunnel under the highway – you can see it as you exit the car park. I also have a dachshound and she’s fussy to do her ablutions on grass (bindi free! :-)) so it can be difficult to find a stop that has this away from traffic. The stop all looks pretty newly refurbished. The Quest Albury is a great pup friendly stop – we’ve stayed a number of times. Keep up the good blogging.
Thanks Shaun, that’s great to hear you’ve enjoyed these stops!