The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels, B&Bs and Self-Contained Getaways in Victoria

Holidays are only half the fun when you have to leave your best friend behind. But that problem is now a thing of the past: there's a whole new world of pet-friendly accommodation throughout Victoria where you and your pooch can both feel welcome. Whatever holiday you have planned, there are boutique city stays, swish little eco-cabins, historic country cottages and seaside luxury escapes to fulfil your travel yearning - with the pup in tow.

And these pet-friendly accommodations in Victoria offer more than just a kennel out back. Expect a range of Fido-loving special features, like in-room pet menus, goodie bags, private gardens and even dedicated pup-sitting staff. Whether you're exploring East Gippsland, the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, the Macedon Ranges, the Dandenongs or striking out along the Murray River, you can find warm, pet-friendly hospitality waiting.

Recommended reads:
The Best Hotels in Melbourne
The Best Glamping Sites in Victoria
The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Melbourne
The Best Dog Parks in Melbourne

LANEWAYS BY OVOLO, MELBOURNE

Mention the Ovolo and watch your pooch prick up their ears - it's all about the perks, baby. You've heard of the renowned Ovolo service, but you might not know they offer a V.I.Pooch package to ensure your doggo has the same special treatment. Enjoy prime city-centre accommodation in one of Melbourne's trendiest hotels with free snacks, social hour drinks and gym access (the perfect balance). Your pup will have their own bag o' swag with special doggie treats and a dog bed, mat, food bowl and dog-sitting staff on hand for backup tummy rubs. There's no outdoor space, but the city is your playground: explore the CBD, run around Melbourne's dog-friendly parks or take a scenic wander along the Yarra River.

OCEAN BLUE COASTAL RETREATS, MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Got a group and some cash to burn? This five-paw accommodation is just the place for you and your pals (including the four-legged one) to get away from it all and experience the best that Mornington Peninsula has to offer. Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats has pet-friendly accommodations that include Blue Haven in McCrae and Shoreline Hideaway in Tootgarook (offering a seaside cottage dream right near the water), and the resort-style Glen Mor beach house in Rye, perfect for larger groups. All have a fenced outdoor area for puppy playtime. There's a brochure of local dog-friendly spots and off-leash areas - as well as complimentary biodegradable poop-scooping baggies - and a free sample of handmade doggy treats. You won't have to miss the Peninsula wine scene either, with a list of dog-friendly wineries and cellar doors to check out.

HOLLY LODGE, KALORAMA

Reset, rewind and reinvigorate yourselves at Holly Lodge — one of the best pet-friendly accommodations in Victoria. The garden suite has a private outdoor area for the pup, as well as a bright, modern kitchenette and living space. Wake up in nature - but also with the luxury of your comfy queen-sized bed with gourmet breakfast bits. If you're travelling as a couple, you could book an extra special package with sparkling wine, massages, cheese platter, local spa treatments and dinner at a local restaurant. Or, if you came here to get into the green yonder, head to William Ricketts Sanctuary for the famous sculpture gardens, enjoy the seasonal blooms of the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, tackle the 1000 steps walk or drive up Mount Dandenong for the sweeping views.

BLUE MOON COTTAGES, RYE

These rustic-chic cottages in Rye offer idyllic stays right by the sea. The two-bed Shell Croft and one-bed Sandpiper are the perfect weekend base camp to take advantage of the local wineries and picture-perfect seaside towns. Both cottages are decked out in natural timber and neutral tones, with kitchen amenities, a private fenced courtyard and entertaining area as well as a log fire for the all-important hygge. Shell Croft cottage also has a spa bath, for that extra touch of luxe. Bowls, towels and a kennel are provided, and the hosts will guide you towards the leash-free areas and dog-friendly venues nearby.

QT, MELBOURNE

At all QT Hotels & Resorts across Australia and New Zealand, your dog can come for a luxurious sleepover with you. The chain's Pup Yeah! fur-friendly stays include a night's accommodation for you and your doggo, an in-room menu specifically made for woofers and a pooch-friendly mini bar offering and designer canine bedding. The doggy food range is overseen by the brand's head of treats, Nic Wood, and might include steak tartare with raw beef, mushrooms and egg yolk; bone marrow risotto with bone broth and crispy pigs ears; and chicken livers and pork necks on wholemeal toast with chicken gravy. Fancy a pupper dessert? There's also a bacon ice cream sandwich, made from bacon ice cream, dried liver and oat biscuits. The team will also help guide you to all the best pet-friendly cafes and bars in the local area.

DAYSY HILL COUNTRY COTTAGES, PORT CAMPBELL

Because every pup should have the chance to marvel at the Twelve Apostles. Daysy Hill's pet-friendly cottages and cabins are set amidst delightful gardens and acreage your pooch will adore. The glorious valley and sunset views from the private deck will have you itching to get into nature with your four-legged walking buddy. Set out along the Great Ocean Road or into the hills armed with the helpful Daysy Hill guide to the dog-appropriate areas of the parks and reserves. Fall in love with the simple life in your serene, tucked-away cabin retreat. If you feel like dining instead, Port Campbell is conveniently close by.

MUST LOVE DOGS B&B, RUTHERGLEN

The dog-friendly hospitality of this restored 1840 hotel goes above and beyond the luxury suite and fenced garden. After all, it's in the name, and they've got the official 5-paw rating to back it up. The Must Love Dogs B&B team help curate your perfect dog-friendly travel experience of the Rutherglen wine region, from doggo-babysitting services right down to pup-loving cellar doors and a 'history and wine tour' you both can enjoy. Start the day with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast in the heritage-listed dining room, then hit Albury for a slice of real country Victoria. If you're going off-the-beaten track, ask your hosts to pack a gourmet picnic and make your bushwalks a little more extra.

GOAT & GOOSE B&B, LAKES ENTRANCE

This charming guesthouse has offered old-school B&B hospitality to travellers for over 16 years. Expect all the warmth and comfort of a country welcome - scones with jam and cream, anyone? - as well as enviable views over the Bass Strait and Ninety Mile Beach. All rooms at the Goat & Goose are pet-friendly, just keep them on a lead in communal spaces. You can pick a room with a four-poster bed or vintage freestanding bathtub to sink into, or choose the Cosy Cubboodle with a private balcony, or Goose Nest with a skylight window so you can fall asleep stargazing. Awaken to the sound of native birds and a country breakfast before you get out to the nearby towns, beaches and parks. And, if you're heading up this way without your four-legged friend, then check out our list of the best waterfront stays to book in East Gippsland too.

THE LANGHAM, MELBOURNE

If your critter's within earshot and you're reading this aloud, you'd better whisper — if he/she hears it, you won't get any peace till you agree to a staycation at The Langham. Four-legged loves staying here get a dedicated Pet Room Service Menu as well as plush beds, signature Langham bowls, gourmet goodies and a pet gift bag on arrival. Reckon you might need a break from your utterly indulged friend? No problem. Pet sitting and walking services are on-hand. It also offers breakfast in bed for both you and your cat or dog (their private dining pet menu is damn impressive). They won't get pampered like this anywhere else, making this a clear front runner for the very best dog-friendly accommodations in Victoria.

SUNRAYSIA RESORT, MILDURA

A rural getaway with a difference. Choose from one of Sunraysia Resort's self-contained two-bed or four-bed apartments, rent out the full house or, if your pup is up for it, you can sleep on the Murray River in a houseboat of your very own. Take your accommodation with as you explore 100km of the Murray. This is no leaky tinnie: you'll be kicking back in a modern three-bed with a kitchen, living area, TV and even a spa. Dine on the top deck or weigh anchor and sail to Mildura for dinner. If you'd rather stay close by, you can hit the resort's poolside bar or bistro for some local wines and sample the best growing produce of the region. There's also tennis courts and mini golf on site – it is a resort, after all.

ZAGAME'S HOUSE, MELBOURNE

Zagame's is more than just a stylish CBD base. They're a pup-pampering retreat for you and your fur-babies. That's right - Zagames permits not just one, but two doggos per room. You can bring your furry family along for the Melbourne getaway or city staycation you all deserve. You'll pick up a 'Treat yo fur-baby' goodie bag upon arrival - and they treat yo fur-baby OH-so right, with an in-room pet dining menu worthy of any trendy laneway cafe (try the Gluten Free Ancient Grain Kangaroo). When your pup has supped, Zagames offers a special pet PT session to tire them out and discounted pet grooming to refresh and revitalise. Then you can hit the buzzing city streets together - or stay in and chill with the 'Furry movie of the month'.

GLENVIEW RETREAT, EMERALD

Secluded country elegance awaits you at Glenview Retreat, a mere hour's drive from Melbourne. Unwind and indulge in the privacy of a self-contained cottage amidst serene bushland and wildlife. Relax beside a crackling fireplace or in a private, candlelit spa while the pup plays safely in your private garden. Complimentary wine and chocolates await, plus a self-catered gourmet breakfast. Plant-based? No problemo. They cater for you, too. Let them know you're bringing a four-legged guest and they'll make sure they don't miss out on the treats. It's a 10-minute walk from your cottage to Emerald Lake Park (pup will be thrilled), a 5-minute drive to restaurants and 30 minutes to the Dandenong Ranges. Plus, the nearby Puffing Billy Railway now runs the Puffing Billy Dog Express for pooches and their parents to enjoy this scenic route together.

Top images: Zagame's House