Dog-Friendly Activities at Phillip Island
Phillip Island, which is just 2 hours drive from Melbourne, is a very popular tourist location, especially during the summer period. Although a number of the attractions on the island are off limits to dogs, there are still enough activities on the island and nearby mainland to warrant a trip there with a dog.
Phillip Island is located 140km south east of Melbourne and is connected to the mainland by a bridge at San Remo. One advantage of the location is that the weather is milder than in Melbourne because it is tempered by ocean breezes.
Penguin Parade & Nobbies
The most iconic attraction is the Penguin Parade which takes place each evening in the Summerlands area on the western end of the island. The Nobbies Visitor Centre is also in this area and has a boardwalk to view sea-birds and seals. Dogs are not permitted in this whole area due to the threat to wildlife.
It's not necessarily something we would do ourselves, but if you want to attend the Penguin Parade, apparently quite a few people let their dogs sleep in the car while they attend the Parade. This option can only be done during the cooler times of the year.
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
The other popular attraction, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Go Kart Track, is also off-limits to dogs.
Dog Friendly Beaches
There is only one beach where dogs are allowed off-leash at all-times. This is Ventnor Beach between Graydens Road and Ventnor Beach Road. Each of these streets ends at the beach where there is a car park. This area of the beach is about 600m long.
There are two additional beaches where seasonal restrictions apply. Dogs must be on-leash from 1 Dec to 31 Jan and Easter school holidays 9am-6pm. They can be off-leash all other times.
These beaches are:
There are a number of on-leash beaches that have seasonal restrictions between 1 Dec and 30 Apr. During this period dogs are only allowed on-leash during the periods 7-10am and 5-8pm.
See the map of Dog Walking Locations and Restrictions on Phillip Island. See where can walk your dog across the Bass Coast region.
Dog Off-Leash Park
There is a dog off leash area at Blue Gum Reserve, 80 Dunsmore Road, Cowes. This area is shared with a frisbee golf course so if your dog likes catching frisbees, maybe avoid this area.
Dog-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants
There are a lot of cafes and restaurants across Phillip Island with outdoor tables which allow dogs to join you while having a bite to eat. Some of the dog-friendly places are:
Isola di Capri Restaurant & Gelateria (2 Thompson Ave, Cowes) serves quality Italian dishes including pizza and yummy gelati which can be enjoyed on the verandah with your pooch.
San Remo Fishermans Co-Op (170 Marine Parade, San Remo) is one of our favourite spots and serves delicious fish 'n chips which can be eaten at outdoor tables. Pelicans are fed daily at 12 noon, on the foreshore next to the San Remo Pier which is very close by.
Bassine Specialty Cheeses (2125 Bass Highway opp, King Rd, Glen Forbes) is about 17km from San Remo along the Bass Highway and sells cheese made on the premises from the cows milked on the farm. You can sample their lovely cheeses, have one of the best milkshakes around, or spoil yourself with some freshly baked scones with farm cream, whilst sipping on a coffee or tea. Dogs on a leash welcome at the outdoor tables.
Fig & The Bay (24 Liberty Cres, Corinella) is about 23km from San Remo and is open for all-day breakfast and lunch. The outside area is dog-friendly and the cafe has a range of treats for your furry companion.
Dog-Friendly Breweries
Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant & Bar (1821 Phillip Island Road, Cowes) has a range of hand crafted beers on tap and and a restaurant with a fireplace. There are two, partly shaded, outdoor dining areas - a front deck and a rear courtyard which are both dog friendly.
Ocean Reach Brewing (47 Thompson Avenue, Cowes) is an independent brewery with lunch and dinner sessions. Dogs are allowed out the front on a leash.
Dog-Friendly Wineries
Phillip Island Winery (414 Berrys Beach Rd, Ventnor) offers great food and wine which can be served in a beautiful outdoor area which your pooch.
Purple Hen Winery (96 McFees Road, Rhyll) overlooks the Bay of Western Port with beautiful views of Swan Inlet, Churchill Island and Denne Bight. Enjoy a locally produced pinot or shiraz and the view with your dog.
George Bass Coastal Walk
The George Bass Coastal Walk is a cliff top walk that stretches from the outskirts of San Remo for 7km to Kilcunda. Dogs are allowed on the walk if they are on-leash. If you don't want to do the whole 14km return walk, walk as far as you like and then return to the original starting point. The beach area below the Kilcunda Foreshore Caravan Park is a year-round designated off-leash area.
State Coal Mine
The State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi gives visitors an understanding of the life of a coal miner seventy years ago. While dogs are not allowed on the underground tours, you are able to wander around the above ground area with your dog which has free admission. Follow the heritage walk around the mine site, exploring historic buildings and mining remnants including a K192 steam locomotive and railway wagons.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
There are a range of dog friendly accommodation options on Phillip Island. See our Guide to Dog Friendly Accommodation to find something which suits.
Most caravan parks on Phillip Island accept dogs but almost all have seasonal restrictions, so you will need to contact the caravan park to enquire about your planned visit dates. Dog friendly caravan parks include:
