{"id":26540,"date":"2023-11-27T16:09:36","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T06:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/?p=26540"},"modified":"2024-04-17T13:36:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T03:36:12","slug":"dog-friendly-mildura","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/dog-friendly-mildura\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog-Friendly Mildura: Visiting Mildura with a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The small city of Mildura is located in northwestern Victoria, on the banks of the Murray River. It’s also a common stopover point when travelling between Sydney and Adelaide. Find out what to do when visiting Mildura with a dog, plus tips for dog-friendly cafes and pet-friendly accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Mildura \u00a9 Rob Seto, courtesy of Visit Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Mildura<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I haven’t had a chance to properly explore Mildura with my dog, as last time I passed through the city I needed to quickly cross the border to South Australia due to a pending Covid lockdown. However, the city has a surprising number of dog-friendly attractions, so I’m planning to return and check these out…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 Go for a Ride on a Paddleboat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I’ve previously enjoyed a cruise on a paddle steamer with my dog at Echuca<\/a>, further upstream along the Murray River. But it’s also possible to enjoy a paddleboat ride with your dog in Mildura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a booking with the pet-friendly Mildura Paddle Steamers<\/a>. Dogs are likely only allowed on the Two Hour Lock Cruise, not the dinner cruise – double check when booking. Depending on the date, either a paddle steamer or a paddle vessel will be operating.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Take a paddle steamer ride at Mildura \u00a9 Rob Blackburn, courtesy of Visit Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It’s essential to call up beforehand to let them know you’ll be bringing your pup along. But in return they’ll be treated to pats from staff and other guests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Explore the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just across the Murray from Mildura are the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens<\/a> in Buronga. Best of all, these community-run gardens welcome pet dogs on a leash, unlike many other botanic gardens in NSW<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights of the gardens include the Desert Pea display (such a stunning outback flower!), the bush chapel, the nature trail and the rose garden. It’s possible to complete a self-drive trail around the gardens. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The stunning blossoms of the Desert Pea<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

#3 Hire a Houseboat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a different kind of holiday, consider hiring a dog-friendly houseboat for a relaxing holiday on the Murray with your pup. There are two houseboat operators in Mildura that offer pet-friendly houseboats for hire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, check out the award-winning houseboats from Mildura Houseboats<\/a>. When I last checked, they had seven pet-friendly houseboats, ranging in size from six to 12 berths, some with onboard spas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s essential that you organise in advance to bring your dog along. Note that only two pets are permitted, with an additional charge of $50 per pet. Pets also need to be kept off all furniture, with a fee for extra cleaning or damage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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An All Seasons Houseboat at Mildura \u00a9 Rob Blackburn, courtesy of Visit Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

All Seasons Houseboats<\/a>, also based in Mildura, also has pet-friendly houseboats. Currently they allow pets on board four of their houseboats. Note that only a single pet is permitted, with an pet fee of $30 per night charged. Pets need to be kept off beds and furniture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about hiring a dog-friendly houseboat<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 View the Red Cliffs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s just a 20 minute drive east of Mildura to Red Cliffs, where not surprisingly you can enjoy some excellent views of the red cliffs along this section of the Murray River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the signs to the Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, just off Woomera Avenue. The boardwalk that was previously washed away in floods has been replaced, and is a scenic short walk that you can do with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a lookout nearby, about 300m to the north, accessed from a short turn-off. But I’ve heard mixed reports, including that the main lookout is current behind a fence, so perhaps just stick to the new boardwalk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 Check Out Big Lizzie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another iconic attraction in Red Cliffs is “Big Lizzie”. It’s not a large lizard, but a gigantic tractor that was used to clear land for settlement in the surrounding region. Everyone says it’s bigger than you expect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big Lizzie is located in Barclay Square, a well-maintained park in the centre of Red Cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5 Explore the Mildura Station Homestead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the northern side of Mildura is the Mildura Station Homestead<\/a>. Not just one building, it’s a collection of reconstructed buildings on the site of an 1850s homestead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it’s not possible to view the interior of the buildings, it’s free to wander around the grounds, with no restriction against dogs. Take a wander and view the exterior of the buildings and the gardens, imaging what life used to be like in Mildura in the 19th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6 Taste the Wine at Trentham Estate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Riverina area is home to countless vineyards, but the best option to visit around Mildura is Trentham Estate<\/a>, about a 15 minute drive from Mildura across the border in NSW.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Visit Trentham Estate with your dog \u00a9 The Precinct Studios, courtesy of Visit Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As well as tasting wines at their cellar door, open seven days a week, they also have a restaurant onsite and a menu of outdoor platters. Dogs are welcome to join you when you sit in the outdoor dining area – perfect situated overlooking the Murray River! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7 Take a Tour of Orange World<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A short drive north of Mildura on the other side of the Murray River is Orange World Mildura<\/a> – keep your eyes open for the giant orange just off the road! Drop into Orange World to go on one of their tours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tours are offered three times daily, except when they are closed in February and on selected public holidays. The tours include an orange tasting, a free glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a tractor ride. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you, including on the tractor ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#8 Enjoy a Gin or Whiskey Tasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re not a wine lover, instead head to Fossey’s Distillery<\/a>. This boutique distillery in the heart of Mildura is open from Thursday to Sunday from mid-afternoon to late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose from a gin or whiskey tasting paddle to taste their range of gins and whiskeys. A wide range of gin and tonics is also available, including seasonal mixes, plus a food menu ranging from platters to toasties to tapas. Dogs are welcome, with water and treats sometimes brought out for pups. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Fossey’s Distillery is dog-friendly \u00a9 The Precinct Studios, courtesy of Visit Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Parks in Mildura<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mildura is home to an excellent fenced dog park<\/a>, the Mildura Fenced Dog Park<\/a>. This off-leash dog park is located in Rio Vista Park, on the northern side of town near the Mildura Weir. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This large, spacious dog park is regularly praised by visitors. There’s two separate areas for small and large dogs, plus shaded tables, a water fountain and even a sandpit. There’s also plenty of parking. Just be warned there isn’t much shade if you visit in the middle of the day, and signs warn about possible snakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Cafes in Mildura<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s plenty of dog-friendly cafes in Mildura with outdoor tables, including along Langtree Avenue and the Mall. Or else head to the riverside for some great dog-friendly options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bobby + Me<\/a> is located in the Ornamental Lakes Park, with tables scattered under the trees. Extra dog-friendly, they offer puppycinos, puppy cakes and cookies for four-legged guests. For humans they offer hot and cold drinks, both a breakfast and all-day brunch menu and lots of sweet options. The cafe is open daily until mid-afternoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another highly rated cafe further along the riverfront is Shippys Cafe<\/strong>. There’s plenty of outdoor dining tables, that are popular with both local and visiting dog owners, plus a jar of treats to purchase on the counter. This cafe is also open daily for breakfast and lunch, although the food menu is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Murray River at Mildura \u00a9 Roberto Seba, courtesy of Visit Victoria<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Mildura<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s a large number of caravan parks around Mildura, on both sides of the border. Nearly all parks allow dogs, at least on campsites, often year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One park that allows pets year round is the Apex Riverbeach Holiday Park<\/a>, right on the river on the northern side of Mildura. As well as allowing pets on all sites, pets are also allowed in six pet-friendly cabins – both 2-berth and 4-berth Ensuite Cabins. There’s also a convenient dog wash onsite. Just note, there are ongoing renovations to other facilities following the recent floods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also keep an eye out for the re-opening of Discovery Parks – Buronga Riverside<\/a>, on the NSW side of the border. Pet-friendly features of this park included pet-friendly cabins, a fenced dog park, an onsite dog wash, a washing machine for pet bedding and even poles outside of the amenities block to leash your pup. It’s expected to re-open in April 2024 following the floods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for an apartment, the Sunraysia Resort<\/a> in Mildura has three pet-friendly two-bedroom apartments, that sleep up to six. There’s also a pet-friendly four-bedroom house and houseboat. Bookings with pets must be made directly in advance, and an additional fee applies. The resort has a range of facilities for the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option around Mildura are the many free campgrounds along the banks of the Murray River. Rules vary (including many with time limits or a requirement for you to be self-contained), but most allow dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head Next To<\/h2>\n\n\n\n