They have been the perfect companion in iso, loyal, playful and loving - time to take that faithful furry friend out for some adventures to explore again. We have gathered the ultimate doggy spots for you to plan your next adventure – year round dog friendly beaches, walks perfect for four-legged best friends, plus places to eat and drink. We can feel the tails start to wag from here. Read on for your inspiration.
They have been the perfect companion in iso, loyal, playful and loving - time to take that faithful furry friend out for some adventures to explore again. We have gathered the ultimate doggy spots for you to plan your next adventure – year round dog friendly beaches, walks perfect for four legged best friends, plus places to eat and drink. We can feel the tails start to wag from here. Read on for your inspiration.
Walks
What dog doesn’t love a walk? If you can combine a happy pooch and natural beauty as your backdrop, we think you have the ingredients for an ideal 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.
Ballam Park
Pooches can enjoy a Dog Agility Park in Frankston where they can weave, dodge, climb, balance, crawl and jump over hurdles until their heart's content. The tennis court-sized fully fenced dog park located along the rear fence line of Ballam Park features hurdles of differing heights, balance beams, a crawl tunnel, weave poles bridge and sit-stay platforms. There is also a grassed area, seating and a drinking tap with dog bowl. Dogs are also welcome along the Frankston foreshore.
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
Flinders: Flinders Beach - Long Sandy beach between Dodds Creek & Manton Creek
Mornington: Royal Beach - Down steep stairs to pebble and sand beach, opposite Royal Hotel
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.
Always remember to read pet signage for the current guidelines on permitted leash-free times and be kind to others with your vigilance in picking up your dog’s waste to retain our pristine environment.
Eat & Drink
Mornington Peninsula has a treasure trove of delicious places to eat and drink. Remember to always call ahead and book your experience with the teams before your arrival to ensure they can accommodate your plans.
Mornington Peninsula 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.
The Hickinbotham of Dromana cellar door is rustic, quirky and thoroughly inviting space with live music and a lovely open fire. Freshly baked bread and good food from the new Mintaro restaurant make it easy to stay put for a while, not to mention their well know HIX brews all on tap at the cellar door. Your four legged fur friend can enjoy the atmosphere in their outdoor eating areas with you as long as you keep them on their leash (with sheep on the property, all want to ensure your pooch doesn’t find his inner sheep dog!).
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! While they are closed at the moment, make sure you keep them in mind for when the covid restricitons ease.
Another hinterland favourite is Green Olive at Red Hill, wine, tapas, and produce is 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. Pups are welcome on Wednesdays for puppachinos and special puppy treats.
At Georgie Bass Café in Flinders, explore the colourful kitchen gardens dotted around the terrace bursting with seasonal produce, offering wholesome food 7 days a week. Your dog will feel right at home with welcoming staff, fresh dog bowls, complimentary doggy treats, plenty of grassed areas to enjoy and space to bask in the sunshine on the deck.
A little something for everyone - a walk, a wine or a wonderful sunset - the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect place for you and your four-legged friend to explore together.
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:
Looking for what’s on, check out winter activities HERE