Ten top pet-friendly stays in Victoria

South-East Gippsland’s lush Tarra Valley, less than three hours from Melbourne, is home to Best Friend Holiday Retreat. At this pawsome place, you and your four-legged bestie can romp around inside a fenced budget or luxury cabin, caravan site or campsite. There’s also a free hydro-bath for pampering the fur-kid, six fenced, double-gated and dig-proof off-leash runs, a canine playground that includes agility equipment and a giant ball run.

Snuggled into Victoria’s picturesque High Country, just north of Beechworth, are the Woolshed Cabins. The cabins (all pet-friendly bar one) sit on a 4.8-hectare property that includes off-leash areas and a seasonal dam. Your hound can hang out on the enclosed verandah and at night sleep inside on their bed after a busy day of exploring the gold rush region’s rail trails and parks. Beechworth is also packed with pet-friendly cafes, bakeries and breweries.

You might think we’re talking about the natural mineral springs (the mineral-rich, on-tap waters are great for humans but not great for dogs) but no. In Daylesford, well-behaved hounds are welcome to ride on the cute-as-a-button Daylesford Spa Country Railway – a vintage train that on Sundays shuttles to Bullarto, Victoria’s highest operating train station. After all that excitement, bed down in one of the 35 stylish pet-friendly properties – such as Giraffe Manor – offered by Daylesford Country Retreats.

In the centre section of the Great Ocean Road, near Cape Otway Lightstation (mainland Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse), is Bimbi Park. Pitch a tent or haul your caravan into the park and set up with the help of your furry friend (they can’t book into onsite cabins, vans or bunkrooms). The campsites are surrounded by native forests that attract wildlife such as koalas and possums, so your dog must be on best behaviour here.

Posh pups who like the comfort of a beachside cabin should point their noses towards NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park. Here, they’ll find they’re welcome in one and two bedroom pet-friendly cabins. Best of all, it’s a short trot to the off-leash Cowes West Beach (seasonal restrictions apply). A little further east is the pet-friendly Ocean Reach Brewing.

If your dog loves to frolic on the sand and paddle in the sea, check into one of the Blue Moon Cottages at Rye on the Mornington Peninsula. Located a 250-metre trot from leash-free Rye Beach (seasonal restrictions apply), the trio of securely fenced cottages epitomise coastal chic. Doggy towels (perfect for post-beach rub-downs), kennels and bowls are also provided.

Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel put the tiny town on the map thanks to its high-end gastronomy. Pet owners can do Dunkeld too. The hotel’s accommodation portfolio includes pet-friendly one and two bedroom stone cottages at Mount Sturgeon Station, a working farm 5km out of town. With no TV and limited phone reception, this is the time to bond with your pupper. If you’re keen to explore Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, doggy day-care is provided at Plumtree Kennels.

With its grand buildings, intriguing gold-rush history and vibrant arts scene, Castlemaine is a delight to explore with your best bud. After wandering, eating and drinking, settle in for the night at Big4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, which provides powered pet-friendly caravan sites. It’s right next to the serene Castlemaine Botanical Gardens where you can walk the dog on a lead.

Water-loving hounds can join you for a leisurely cruise along the fabled Murray River – Australia’s longest waterway. Mildura Houseboats allows up to two dogs to holiday with you on seven of its 16 houseboats. Sleeping up to six, 10 or 12 humans, the self-drive houseboats can be booked for three, five or seven nights. Cruise between banks of majestic river red gums, spot the native birds or take a dip in the river.

Sure, Wiggley Bottom Farm is a picturesque 15-acre farm stay, with it's luxious accommodations and sprawling grounds – but it's the welcome you'll receive from the geese, mini goats and horses that truly makes the place stand out. Your dogs might even get the chance to make friends with Polly, Teddy and Ziggy, the pups in residence.