Is the Mornington Peninsula Dog Friendly?
Going on a coastal road trip? Don’t leave pups behind. Located just an hour outside of Melbourne on Victoria’s coastline, the Mornington Peninsula is an ideal spot for scenic summer getaways and cosy winter escapes. While there are plenty of spots that you can enjoy with your dog, not all locations are dog-friendly: here’s a guide to where pooch is welcome.
Where Can I Take My Dog on the Mornington Peninsula?
From watering holes (cafés! Breweries! Wineries!) to restaurants, beach spots to relaxing walks – there’s a fantastic variety of options for doggy hangouts on the peninsula.
Dog-Friendly Wineries, Breweries and Cellar Doors on the Mornington Peninsula
Drink
Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery
Armed with a range of craft beers and with sample paddles of gin and whisky on offer, there’s something for everyone this Mornington gem. The restaurant serves pizzas and runs various food specials throughout the week as well so it’s a suitable location for a drink, a feed, or a bit of both! They even offer dog biscuits, so you can even get something for pooch too.
Dogs are allowed in the outdoor beer garden, though they must be on lead.
Open: Wednesday-Sunday (hours vary)
Location: Mornington
Green Olive
This beautiful (and functional!) farm boasts lovely views over their vineyards and dam. The farm grows various fresh produce, and it’s a lovely spot to indulge in one of their gorgeous grazing plates or pick up a provided picnic and enjoy a wine outdoors in the sunshine. You can choose to either sit at outdoor tables or sit on the grass (BYO picnic rug!). Dogs are welcome, provided that they are on lead. Don’t forget to stop into the produce store to pick up one of their bottles of olive oil. They also sell dog biscuits.
Open: Thursday – Monday (9am – 5pm)
Location: Red Hill
Red Hill Cellar and Pantry
This specialty produce store sells local wines and has a large selection of gourmet food items which are sourced from the peninsula. Their Deck Café is a cute spot to stop for a coffee or light meal – and in exchange for a small corkage fee – visitors can select any bottle from their store selection of wines (a range that exceeds over 300 bottles!). This is a great spot to grab a coffee or a spot of lunch before or after taking your dog on the Red Hill trail.
Dogs are allowed on their large deck which doubles as a café – though they’re not allowed in the grocery store.
Open: Monday – Saturday (8am-7pm & Sunday 9.30am-7pm)
Location: Red Hill
Phaedrus Estate
This picturesque cellar door offers tastings of several varieties of their cool-climate wines. They’re a smaller spot, so tastings are limited to groups of six and under. Dogs are welcome, provided they’re on-lead. They serve a cheese plate to go along with their tastings for those feeling peckish.
Open: Saturday – Sunday (11am-5pm)
Location: Moorooduc
Paradigm Hill Winery
Set on a property that exceeds 10 acres, this family-run winery is a lovely spot for a quiet drink. They welcome leased dogs on their verandah. In the spring and summer, they also run sporadic dog-friendly ‘Picnic @ Paradigm’ events which enable guests to bring a self-supplied picnic into the winery area and enjoy it with a bottle of Paradigm wine – though guests would be advised to check their website for specific dates. They take bookings for tastings – ensure you’re booking the verandah if you intend to bring pooch!
Open: Saturday – Sunday (12-5pm)
Location: Merricks
Main Ridge Estate
The cellar door experience at Main Ridge offers lovely views of the surrounding vineyard, garden, and bush. Their attached restaurant serves share plates, light bites, and casual drinks. While they allow dogs on lead, places for them are limited so bookings are essential. When booking, you will be taken to a ‘Terms and Conditions’ page which will ask you to tick a box if you’re bringing your dog. If the option is unavailable, it means there are no remaining spots for dogs.
Open: Saturday (11am-5pm) and Sunday (11am-4pm)
Location: Red Hill
Dog-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants Mornington Peninsula
Eat
The Epicurean
It’s easy to see why this large shed-style restaurant is a popular peninsula wedding venue – it strikes a peaceful balance with rustic and modern and serves up authentic woodfired pizzas and local wines. Dogs are welcome (on lead) in the al fresco dining area.
Location: Red Hill
Open: Friday – Sunday (hours vary)
Morgan’s Beach Shack
This charming beachside diner is the perfect spot to enjoy views of Port Phillip Bay while sipping on sundowners. Situated on the Sorrento Esplanade, Morgan’s welcomes dogs provided they’re on lead. Stay after dark to enjoy the open fire too!
Location: Sorrento
Open: Thursday – Saturday (12-9) and till 5pm on Sundays
Georgie Bass Café and Cookery
Aside from being one of the few places on the peninsula which boasts an all-day brunch menu, Georgie Bass is known for championing all things local (both the produce used in the menu and the coffee beans are from the region). Dogs are welcome in their outdoor space – and it’s a perfect pitstop if you’re taking your pup to the nearby dog-friendly Flinders Beach.
Location: Flinders
Open: Wednesday – Sunday (8am-2.30pm)
Pig and Whistle Tavern
This traditional British-style pub boasts a large beer garden which is perfect for laidback lunches and casual dinners. Dogs are welcome provided they’re on lead.
Location: Main Ridge
Open: Wednesday-Sunday (hours vary)
Mock Red Hill
It doesn’t get much more charming than lunch in an apple orchard! This family-run restaurant serves up casual share plates along with local wines and tasting paddles of their homemade ciders. Dogs are welcome in their outdoor courtyard. Be sure to stop in on their produce store on the way out!
Location: Red Hill
Open: Thursday – Monday (10am - 5pm)
Dog-Friendly Walks on Mornington Peninsula
Walk
Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk
This 5km circuit walk is a local favourite. Nestled amongst bush and trees, the loop will take you along the Balcombe creek, past a lovely sandy beach as well as Mt Martha shops and cafes. Dogs must be on a lead, though there are a few leash-free areas along the way.
Location: Mt Martha
Red Hill Trail
This pretty forest trail runs from Red Hill to Merricks. It extends to just over 6km, though it isn't a circuit walk so keep the return in mind when walking. Dogs must be on lead throughout.
Location: Red Hill
The Bay Trail
This 30km stretch along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay connects Safety Beach and Portsea. Visitors can pick and choose which sections to walk at their leisure – but be sure keep your dog on lead unless signage advises otherwise.
Location: Between Safety Beach and Portsea
Millionaire’s Walk
Walk as the stars do on this stunning clifftop walk. Enjoy views of Port Phillip Pay, the Bellarine Peninsula and Mount Dandenong as you walk along the coastal mansions of Sorrento. The walk starts in Lentell Avenue and finishes in Point King Road, spanning 1km total – though you will need to double back to end up where you started. Though the walk starts and ends with gates, there is a public right-of-way along the easement.
Location: Sorrento
Dog-Friendly Activities on the Mornington Peninsula
Explore
McClelland Sculpture Park
This beautiful outdoor gallery features over 100 sculptures in a beautiful garden setting. Dogs are welcome, provided they are on lead. McClelland is also home to Harry's Cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch - though dogs must sit at outdoor tables with their owners.
Location: Langwarrin (just outside Frankston)
Open: Wednesday - Sunday (10am-5pm)
Miss Drew's Bakery and Dog Cafe
This one's just for the dogs! This retro-inspired cafe bakes their own dog treats - and they even have doggy drinks, cakes and supplements on offer. Dogs are welcome on lead, and human companions are welcome to grab some people snacks and drinks from the Red Rattler Train kiosk nearby.
Location: Tyabb
Open: Friday - Sunday (10am -5pm)
Dog-Friendly Beaches Mornington Peninsula
Relax
Hastings Foreshore Reserve
Access the dog-friendly beach area via Marine Parade between Hodgins Road and Cool Store Road.
Location: Hastings
Tassel Cove
Tassel Cove is a stretch of sand location on Safety Beach, between Martha Cove entrance and Bruce Road.
Location: Safety Beach
Fosters Beach
Dogs are permitted on Fosters Beach, which you can access via the walking track opposite 630 The Esplanade.
Location: Mornington
South Beach
This 200m stretch of beach in Somers is dog friendly.
Location: Somers
Hawker Beach
Access the dog-friendly beach via fire track opposite Helena St.
Location: Mt Martha
Flinders Beach
A great choice for longer walks, Flinders Beach is offers a 3km stretch of coast which your dog can enjoy off lead year-round. The dog-friendly portion of the beach is between Dodds Creek and Manton Creek.
Location: Flinders
Dog Friendly Accommodation Mornington Peninsula
The easiest way to find dog-friendly accommodation is by searching on the ‘Holidaying with Dogs’ website. The site exclusively features dog-friendly properties, so no filter system or checking with landlords is necessary!
You can also try your luck with popular accommodation platforms like AirBnb, Stayz and Booking.com, but ensure you apply filters for ‘pet-friendly’ when browsing – this is much easier than viewing each individual property’s ‘house rules’.
Dog Travel Essential Checklist
- Car restraint: keep you and your dog safe while driving. Try our seat belt which clips into your dog's harness, or use a car seat or travel tunnel.
- Collar and lead: these are must-have travel essentials as most spots will require your dog to be on lead. Try cute seasonal styles like rainbow stripe, polka dot, or clover green.
- Cooling mat: this mat is an excellent idea for summer travel, particularly if you'll be sitting at restaurants for some time.
- Car seat cover: keep the mess on the cover, not in your car! This handy travel mat doubles as a picnic rug.
- Water: you should always have water on hand for your dog - and it becomes especially important on hot days. The beach especially is very dehydrating. Remember to pack a travel bottle and portable bowls.
- Toys: it's a good idea to bring toys with you to give your dog something to do while you sit back and relax. Try summer favourites like the pawsecco squeak bottle, ice cream chews and fruit plushes.
- Travel bag: keep all the essentials in one place! We love this dog-friendly travel backpack or try a walking bag for smaller trips.