It’s a dog’s world: The best dog-friendly stays, cafes and places to visit with your pooch in Geelong

Dogs are the best, there’s no denying that.

Cafes

Let’s be honest, a coffee date is fine, but it’s even better with your pooch. Manoeuvring your furry human can be toughest at the best of times, especially knowing when and where you can and can’t go.

Here’s a little list of cafes that love those four-legged mates, with some taking that affection up a notch.

A guide to the best dog-friendly cafes in the Geelong region

Pubs, Breweries & Wineries

Blackman’s Brewery – Torquay & Geelong

Nestled deep in the beautiful beachside town of Torquay, Blackman’s Brewery is one of the coolest spots for you and your doggo to share a beer for the day.

Only a few hundred metres to the beach, you can wander down with your pet and work off some of Blackman’s awesome food they have on offer; all the beer faves – Pizza, Tacos, Burgers, and a bunch of other awesome things you can see here. You can enjoy a pint or two in their pretty trendy outdoor area – with a heap of space to make sure your canine is comfy too.

Likewise, the Geelong venue is also welcoming of doggos. Opening earlier this year, this new watering hole pours a frothy range of refreshing brews from their refurbished warehouse location in the Grovedale industrial area. The venue features 16 taps in their container bar as well as out-of-this-world delicious burgers from the crew at Mulita BBQ.

Here you and your four-legged pal can plant yourselves around the quirky timber seating, bar stools, and luxurious armchairs scattered throughout the venue.

Queenscliff Brewhouse

Situated on the Bellarine Peninsula, this doggo friendly brewhouse is walking distance from Searoad Ferries, The Q Train, The Blues Train, Dolphin Swims and the only Black Lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Queenscliff Brewhouse is a multi-award-winning hotel, brewery and distillery, with over 400 craft beers, 200 plus regional wines and 400 plus spirits. They’ve got various food offerings throughout the venue, including a classic bistro menu, a cellar door menu specialising in local produce and our Whisky Restaurant & Bar for the more discerning food, complete with views of Swan Bay.

For the dogs, there’s a laid-back beer garden that welcomes well-behaved dogs, serving the non-alcoholic BeerDog’s Bitter craft beer for pooches. There are also tables under the front verandah where dogs can join their owners.

Basil’s Farm

Located in the beautiful shores of Swan Bay in the Bellarine Peninsula, Basils Farm is a winery/farm seriously passionate about biodynamics and specialise in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz – our favourite kind of grapes! Home to a vineyard, Cellar Door, Farmhouse café and modern Pavilion, this picturesque location is not only perfect to share a bottle of wine, whilst enjoying a house-made dish, but it’s also dog-friendly.

They have outdoor dining areas under umbrellas that are perfect for those dining with dogs all year round, as well as some spots on the verandah.

Check it out here.

 

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BrewiColo Brewery

If you’re looking to take your pooch out for a day in Ocean Grove, BrewiColo Brewery should be the top of your list after a walk along the beach.

Opening back in 2018 by the combined powers of local lass Kay Godfrey and her partner Chilla, the was born from the love of beer, and the sentiment of bringing something new and refreshing to the Ocean Grove community. Inspired by Chilla’s Fijian background, the pet-friendly brewery represents everything you would expect with its chill vibe, fun palm tree logo, large outdoor area and of course the delicious craft beer. Amongst their ever-changing brewery range, you’ll find a handful of mainstays that is sure to please the beer aficionados out there. From their Ocean Grove Lager, Wai-koula Golden Lager and their Palm Pale Ale, to their more adventurous Kofe brown ale (made with real coffee beans) and their citrus-driven Piqi bright lager, there’s something for every taste.

If you’re less into beer but still want a brewi, they also offer a selection of Oakdene wines, gin, rum, soft drink and some cheeky cocktails. There are even food trucks operating on weekends too.

So, round up the crew, bring your pooch and sit back and enjoy a brewi or two.

Mt Duneed Estate

Located just 15 minutes from Geelong and the Surf Coast, or an hour from Melbourne, Mt Duneed Estate is a prime location when you’re looking to indulge in a few pinots with your pup.

Mt Duneed Estate is known for wine, great locally sourced produce, outstanding service and a place for everyone to relax and unwind with doggos completely welcome in the stunning garden bar. Order a bottle and a grazing platter and you’ve got yourself an ideal afternoon.

Find out more info here.

 

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Bennetts on Bellarine Winery

Bennetts on Bellarine is a family-run vineyard that provides the perfect mix of rustic rock and old-fashioned hospitality. Located at the corner of McAdams Lane and Portarlington Road, this charming vineyard is one of the newest on the Bellarine, with a friendly atmosphere, stunning views and even an outdoor area for you and your pup. Of course, dogs must be on a leash and you are welcome to bring your own water and bowl for them.

Stunning in every way, this relaxed, open-air venue is a must-visit on your next trip to the Bellarine when you’re got your fur baby in tow.

Find out more here.

Parks

Dogs on Lead

• Barwon River, Belmont
• Barwon Valley Fun Park, Belmont
• Basin Reserve, Drysdale
• Begola Wetlands, Ocean Grove
• Belmont Common South, Belmont
• Clifton Springs Foreshore (The Dell Picnic Area), Clifton Springs
• Dooliebeal Reserve (formerly Stewarts Reserve), Armstrong Creek
• Jerringot Wetland, Belmont
• McDonald Reserve, Belmont
• McLeods Waterhole Reserve, Drysdale
• Warralily Boulevard Reserve, Armstrong Creek

Dogs off leash