Pack the doggy treats and water bowl, time to hit the road with your furry friend in tow. Choose your own adventure from our wish list itinerary of doggy destinations – places to eat and drink, year-round dog-friendly beaches, walks perfect for the pups to play while you explore.
Food + Drink
Mornington Peninsula has a treasure trove of delicious places to eat and drink many who love pups to enjoy their location.
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. Sample one of their new gin or whisky tasting paddles or something delicious on tap while your precious pooch can enjoy water bowls in the beer garden.
At Green Olive at Red Hill, wine, tapas, and produce are grown on-site at the farm which makes it a beautiful place to visit to enjoy friendly Peninsula hospitality and local produce. Resident kelpies’ mother and daughter duo, Rasa and Indi, can be seen strutting around the property as well as the Italian Maremma, Pisa, who protects the chickens from the foxes. You can explore the farm, take a walk around the dam or sit and dine on the deck; pooches are welcome if on leashes.
Walks
Walk this way to combine a happy puppy and natural beauty. There are plenty of great walks in the region that will inspire (and tire) you and your woofer, check out a few of our favourites.
Dogs are welcome on a leash on the Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk. The 2.5km walking track takes along the charming Balcombe Creek in Mt Martha. Build your knowledge about the precious species of wildlife in the area as you follow educational 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.
Beaches
Let your dog chase a wave or enjoy the soft sand. Here is a list of year-round leash-free beaches. Head down early morning or in the evening 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.
Accommodation
There is no need to leave your four-legged friend at home. Holidaying with your dog is an option at some of our accommodation providers. Conditions apply so be sure to check before you book. Explore some of the options here.
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: