The Pawfect Pet-friendly Melbourne Vacay Awaits
How many times have you booked a family holiday – a special treat, maybe an end-of-school-term getaway – only to be met with the saddest puppy eyes from your beloved pup?
Gone are the days of leaving Fido with the neighbours or booking him into an expensive kennel while you enjoy a much-needed holiday. At Dorsett Melbourne, we understand that pets are family, too, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce our new pet-friendly accommodation in Melbourne!
Dorsett Melbourne: Your Ideal Pet-friendly Hotel
Wipe your paws and step into your new doggie dream hotel room. Our pet-friendly hotel rooms come equipped with a private furnished balcony so your pup can get some fresh air and watch the city go by in peace.
As part of our Holidays for Hounds accommodation package, your room will also include:
- An Australian-crafted Snooza Snuggler Orthopaedic foam bed
- A designer Pottery Barn water and dog bowl made with mango wood
- A gourmet pet menu crafted by our culinary team
- 10% off nutrition consults with Jacinta Malone from Chadwick Nutrition
Discover all the pawsome details in our Holidays for Hounds brochure.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you, either. Indulge in first-class amenities like a King-sized bed, large flatscreen TV & chromecast facilities, luxe bathroom products, an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, and free high-speed WiFi.
While You Stay: Treat Your Pup to These Melbourne Attractions
We know you haven’t travelled to Melbourne just to stay in our hotel (as relaxing and enjoyable as it is). Stretch your legs, spend time with the family, and indulge your pup by getting out and about to some of the best dog-friendly attractions in and around the city.
If you’d prefer to stay local, there are plenty of woof-worthy dog parks and cafés to visit in Melbourne, some of which are within walking distance of our hotel.
Discover Local: The 10 Best Dog-friendly Spots in Melbourne
Looking to venture further afield? Check out some of the best doggie heaven hotspots just outside of the Melbourne CBD:
Dog-friendly Melbourne Beaches
Port Melbourne Dog Beach
Off-leash with some on-leash restrictions
Just a 15-minute drive from Dorsett Melbourne and southwest of the CBD lies a beautiful stretch of sand and sea almost as enticing to dogs as a juicy bone (well, almost!).
Aside from its dog-friendly zone, Port Melbourne Dog Beach is favourited by locals due to the iconic Sandridge Lookout west of the dog beach. This elevated vantage point offers breathtaking vistas of Port Phillip Bay and beyond, with the majestic Westgate Bridge gracefully dominating the horizon.
Dogs can roam freely off-leash on the beach between Cumberland Road and Barak Road, covering around 220m of pet-friendly Melbourne bliss.
From April 1st to October 31st, dogs are welcome at all times on the remaining stretch of the beach. However, it's important to note that dogs are prohibited outside of these designated areas, including the environmentally sensitive zone of Perce White Reserve throughout the year.
Altona Beach
Off-leash
Head southwest of the city, drive past quaint Williamstown, and you’ll discover a beachside gem in Altona just a 27-minute drive from the hotel.
What we love most about this dog-friendly location is that it’s completely separate from the main Altona Beach. The Altona Beach Dog Off-Leash Area is dedicated to pups living their best lives.
Dogs are permitted on this beach year-round, and the water is usually very shallow, so it’s pet and family-safe.
If your pup isn’t so hot at coming when he’s called, you might feel more secure in the fenced off-leash dog park next to the beach.
Sandown Street Beach
Off-leash
One of the sparkling gems of the iconic Melbourne bayside suburb of Brighton is Sandown Street Beach. While this beach is at least half an hour’s drive from Dorsett Melbourne, we think it may be one of the best on the list due to its secure perimeter fencing.
Even better? Dogs are permitted to roam off-leash at all times of the year. With clear, shallow waters and a picturesque view of the bay and Middle Brighton Pier, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular pet-friendly Melbourne destinations.
If you’re visiting other beaches in Brighton, be sure to check Bayside City Council for information on dog restrictions, especially during summer months.
St Kilda: A Hound’s Haven
On and off-leash
A must-do while staying at our pet-friendly hotel is to visit the famous seaside oasis of St Kilda. Aside from being a gorgeous spot with plenty of delicious restaurants and bars, plus the dazzling attractions of Luna Park and the cute-as-button Fairy Penguins, it’s a paradise for four-legged travellers.
Add these top dog-friendly hotspots to your St Kilda itinerary:
- West Beach and the West Beach Bathers Pavilion: Another 24/7 off-leash dog beach that’s perfect for puppy playtime is West Beach in the heart of St Kilda. Afterwards, sit down for a drink and a bite to eat at the nearby Bathers Pavilion – outdoor seating means your pooch can join you.
- St Kilda Pier: One of the most visually stunning places to visit in Melbourne is the iconic St Kilda Pier and Breakwater. Stretching almost 500m from the beach out to the peaceful bay waters, the pier offers unmatched views and a tranquil atmosphere. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times on the pier, but they’re most welcome to join you for a stroll.
- The Newmarket Hotel: After all this activity, you’ll need a pick-me-up. The Newmarket Hotel on Inkerman Street has outdoor seating for dogs of all sizes in the vibrant courtyard.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
On-leash
A visit to Melbourne isn’t complete without a day trip to the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Even better, your dog can join you provided he’s on a short leash.
Explore the impressive Guilfoyle’s Volcano, wander the Cacti and Succulent collections, get lost in the lush Fern Gully, and let your pup sniff everything he can reach – it’s a sharp-nosed hound’s scent extravaganza!
Before you visit, we recommend checking all the regulations for bringing your dog to the gardens.
Lake Daylesford
On-leash
If you’re travelling to us from the northwest of Victoria, you might want to make a pit stop at Lake Daylesford. While Daylesford itself is known for its luxury spas and restaurants, there are also some top-notch dog spots hidden throughout the region – the best of which, in our opinion, is Lake Daylesford.
Walk your pup on the flat, easy walking track that runs the perimeter of the picturesque lake. There’s plenty of well-preserved flora to sniff and explore along the way. Rounding off at just under 3km, this is the perfect place to stop during your road trip to Dorsett Melbourne, or on the way home.
Hanging Rock
On-leash
Another must-visit destination during your travels in or out of Melbourne is Hanging Rock. Perfect for a picnic (though not the scary version), certain parts of the Hanging Rock Reserve are dog-friendly.
Take your pooch on the hiking trail of a lifetime throughout the Reserve, where there are plenty of tracks that wind through native bushland and gorgeous scenery. Pack some lunch and spread out next to the lake, do a spot of fishing, and take plenty of photos.
The only place you can’t take your pup is up to the Rock itself along the Summit Walking Track. Check the Macedon Ranges website for more information about bringing your dog to Hanging Rock.
Camel’s Hump
On-leash
Once you’re finished at Hanging Rock, why not extend the outing and visit Camel’s Hump? Just an 8-minute drive south of the Hanging Rock Reserve you’ll find one of the most renowned hikes in Victoria which promises breathtaking views from the top of Camel’s Hump.
With easy-to-follow paths, good signage, a picnic area, and plenty of interesting native wildlife, this is sure to be a picture-perfect addition to your Melbourne explorations.
Dogs are allowed throughout the area but must be on a leash at all times.
George Bass Coastal Walk
On-leash
For those guests visiting our pet-friendly Melbourne accommodation from the southeast of Victoria, we recommend a side trip to the incredible George Bass Coastal Walk.
Stretching from San Remo to the Bass Highway, this clifftop trail boasts panoramic views of the coastline and neighbouring Phillip Island. This walk is 7km each way, so if you want to do a return trip, we recommend allowing 3-4 hours.
While you’re there, why not pop down to the dog-friendly beach at San Remo? This fresh coastal haven has a designated off-leash area with seasonal restrictions, so check the Bass Coast website for more information before visiting.
Planning Tips for City Trips With Your Pooch
One of the best things about pet-friendly Melbourne getaways is the convenient public transport options for both you and Fido.
Dogs are now permitted to travel on metro and regional train lines provided they’re on leash and wearing a muzzle.
During your stay at Dorsett Melbourne, we also understand that you might want to go to a few places where your pup isn’t allowed. Check out diggiddydoggydaycare® for trustworthy and reputable doggy daycare facilities just a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
As always, when travelling with your pet, it’s a good idea to:
- Keep a leash with you at all times
- Keep your dog on leash if you’re unsure of the restrictions in a certain area
- Clean up after your dog in all public spaces
- Bring fresh water for your pup on hikes or walks
- Check the council or venue’s pet policies before taking your dog there
Unleash the Possibilities: Your Melbourne Getaway at Dorsett
Once you, your family, and your furbaby have had enough fun in Melbourne, you’ll all be ready to crash! Return to us at Dorsett Melbourne for a blissful escape in the heart of the city.
Treat your pooch to our Pup Bistro Menu featuring Chicken Meatballs, Beef Tartare, and peanut butter Pup Cakes.
For the humans, keep your pooch company and order in-room dining to soak up all the indulgences of your pet-friendly hotel room. Alternatively, Jin Bar is ready and waiting for you downstairs with handcrafted cocktails and delicious nibbles – just make sure someone stays with your pup, as he’s not allowed in the hotel room by himself.
Take advantage of our Vitality Spaces, complete with an indoor heated pool, sauna & steam room, and gym. Dogs aren’t allowed here, but as long as someone stays with your pup in the hotel room, you’re welcome to indulge in our luxe facilities.
So, are you ready for a Melbourne getaway the entire family can enjoy? Book your pet-friendly accommodation with Dorsett Melbourne and experience the city in ultimate style and comfort.
Now that’s something worth woofing about!
Terms & Conditions
The Holidays for Hounds Package applies for stays from the 19th of February 2024 to the 31st of December 2025.
Pet-friendly hotel room T&Cs:
- Applicable to Deluxe Room with Balcony only.
- Dates of sale: Monday 19th February 2024- ongoing.
- Stay dates: Monday 19th February 2024 - ongoing (blackout dates may apply).
- The hotel does not accept cash as a method of payment.
- The reservation is a flexible cancellation. No prepayment required, flexible to cancel 24 hours prior to arrival.
- Bookings are not available 3 days prior to arrival.
- By confirming your booking, you understand that, should you cancel after payment is taken, no refund is owing.
- 1.5% credit card service fee is applicable on all transactions.
- Any remaining unused funds will not be refunded. In the event of non-arrival, any monies prepaid will be forfeit.
