Loyal, playful and loving - time to take that faithful furry friend out for some adventures and say hello again to exploring. We have gathered the ultimate doggy destination for you to plan your next adventure – places to eat and drink, year-round dog-friendly beaches, walks perfect
EAT AND DRINK
Mornington Peninsula has a treasure trove of delicious places to eat and drink many who love your pups to enjoy their location too.
Tar Barrel Brewery is known for its ever-expanding range of speciality craft brews. Here both you and your dog can quench your thirst and enjoy the atmosphere of this bustling local. You can sample something delicious on tap while pooch can enjoy water bowls in the beer garden.
Be transported by breathtaking views at Tucks where the deck and expansive lawn overlook the vines. The outdoor bar is pet friendly, casual, fun and ticks all the boxes for a chilled afternoon out with friends, those with or without fur!
Another hinterland favourite is Green Olive at Red Hill, wine, tapas, and produce grown on-site at the farm makes it a beautiful place to visit to enjoy friendly Peninsula hospitality and taste the freshest local produce. Resident kelpies mother and daughter duo, Rasa and Indi, can be seen strutting around the property as well as the protective Italian Maremma, Pisa, who protects the chickens from the foxes. You can explore the farm, take a walk around the dam and or sit and dine on the deck; pooches are welcome if on leashes.
BEACHES
Let your dog run and feel the wind in their fur and sand at their paws. Here is a list of year-round leash-free beaches. Just remember that as the sun gets hotter, the sand heats up so to avoid damaging delicate paws either head down early morning or in the evening. The bonus about these times is that there is a chance for you to catch some of our spectacular Mornington Peninsula sunrises and sunsets.
Safety Beach: Tassells Cove - Small Sandy beach between Marina Cove & Bruce Rd
Mt Martha: Hawker Beach - Enter via steep fire access track down to beach opposite Helena St
Somers: Somers Beach - 200 metres of sandy beach, east from bottom of ‘hundred steps’ *Please note Somers Beach also has restricted leash-free times.
WALKS
What dog doesn’t love a walk? If you can combine a happy puppy and natural beauty as your backdrop, we think you have the ingredients for a perfect day out. There are plenty of great walks in the region that will inspire (and tire) you and your hound, check out a few of our favourites.
The 2.5km walking track takes you through bushland alongside the charming Balcombe Creek in Mt Martha. Dogs are welcome, just on a leash as there are precious species of wildlife in the area. Build your knowledge on local birdlife as you follow the signboards along the way.
This stunning cliff top walk in Sorrento is 1.5km each way and gives way to some of the most amazing views of Port Phillip, extending to the Bellarine Peninsula. You really must see it to believe it.
Heading along the coastline of Port Phillip from Dromana to Portsea is Mornington Peninsula’s Bay Trail flanked by beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters of the bay. There are many sections to choose from with plenty of toilets, water stations and playgrounds along the way. Pathways are shared and have varying surfaces, but it is generally an easy walk to enjoy.
TRAVEL
Let your pups enjoy the sea spray and fresh air in their hair as you cross the bay with Searoad Ferries who offer the perfect way to explore with your favourite travel buddy. Enjoy the views and the adventure together as you arrive at Sorrento, with the perfect view of the clifftop mansions, tiny coves filled with boats, the beautiful foreshore and old limestone buildings.
Looking for more ways to explore? Find all the information you need here:
Looking for more Mornington Peninsula flavours? Discover food sensations like a local: