Driving the Hume From Sydney to Melbourne with a Dog

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. It’s easier accessed while 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 at the Table Top Hotel. Pull off the highway and get a selfie with your pup in front of this whacky construction.

While the original pub is usually closed these days, there’s an adjacent bar where you can enjoy a pub-style meal, open daily for lunch and dinner. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area. It’s even possible to camp for free, although it’s appreciated if you buy a meal inside.

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 I recommend instead following the Ned Kelly Walk with your dog on a leash.

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 pub 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.

Mobile Service Centre, Coolac

This isn’t strictly a dog park, but the Mobile Service Centre at Coolac along the Hume Highway (take the Coolac exit) offers more than the typical facilities. There’s also a fenced, off-leash dog exercise area, perfect for ticking off multiple boxes at the one stop.

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 of Bookham

Not far after Yass and about 3 hours drive from Sydney, Barney’s of Bookham is just off the edge of the Hume and an ideal stopping place. The simple cafe is open daily for breakfast and lunch, serving up light meals and burgers.

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, all located roughly halfway between Sydney and Melbourne.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer.

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 of Bookham (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. A selection of rooms are pet-friendly. Call in advance to reserve one of the pet-friendly rooms. Note that an additional fee of $10 per pet per night is charged.

Bushmans Retreat Motor Inn, Gundagai

Four hours from Sydney, pull up for the night at the 3-star Bushmans Retreat Motor Inn in Gundagai. Just off the highway behind the Shell service station, while it doesn’t look like much from the outside, it does offer comfortable pet-friendly rooms for the night.

Pets are allowed in selected Standard Queen and Standard Twin rooms. The latter sleeps up to three guests, with a second single bed, and all pet-friendly rooms are on the ground floor. A kitchenette is included in each room. Additional charges may apply for pets, and bookings via phone are required.

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. There’s also a dog run onsite.

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, ranging from $10 to $35 extra per night. Onsite is also a Chinese restaurant, with delivery to your room possible, plus a children’s playground.

Holbrook Motor Village, Holbrook

Another option in Holbrook is the Holbrook Motor Village, a caravan park. As well as powered and unpowered sites, there are also multiple cottages that you can stay in, all with ensuites and either a full kitchen or kitchenette.

Pet-friendly cottages are available on request – call up to enquire. It’s just asked that you bring your pet’s own bedding and don’t allow them up on the beds. Also onsite is a swimming pool, camp kitchen and laundry, even some friendly resident alpacas.

Quest Albury on Townsend

A little further down the Hume in the centre of Albury, Quest Albury on Townsend is one of the Quest Apartment Hotel locations around Australia that has pet-friendly rooms. Enquire directly about booking a pet-friendly room. Generally there is a small additional charge per night, plus a refundable deposit is held.

All rooms at Quest Albury on Townsend are fully self-contained. They range in size from studios through to three-bedroom apartments, perfect for comfortable family stays.

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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