February 11, 2025
Pet-Friendly Geelong
Swap Melbourne’s skyline for salty air and, in just over an hour, you’re in Geelong—a bayside city that feels welcoming. Espresso scents drift down the esplanade, dogs trot beside surfers, and the whole place hums with a laid-back buzz that somehow never loses its small-town warmth, even as Victoria’s second-largest hub.
That easygoing spirit is a gift to anyone travelling with a pet. There’s space to roam along the waterfront, shady parks for a game of fetch, and a selection of cafés and B&Bs that greet four-legged visitors with water bowls and a scratch behind the ears. Swing by for a weekend breather or a longer road trip—either way, you and your furry co-pilot will find plenty to sniff out together.
Find pet-friendly accommodation across Melbourne and regional Victoria, where furry friends are welcomed either indoors or with their own outdoor accommodation by visiting Visit Victoria.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Are you seeking a location that welcomes paw prints on the doormat? Geelong has you covered. From modern serviced rooms to caravan parks, there’s something for everyone. I’ve been checking out what Geelong has to offer, so whether you lean toward serviced apartments or prefer budget-friendly motels, you’ll find options that let you relax without fretting over “No Pets” signs. Browse the picks below, pack the chew toy, and get ready for a stay that keeps both tails and spirits wagging.
R Hotel Geelong
This modern serviced apartment hotel has well-equipped rooms, which have a selection of self-contained 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, some of which are dog-friendly. They are pawfectly located opposite Austin Park green space & Eastern Beach offering plenty of space inside & out!
10 Bellerine Street, Geelong 3220
T 03 4206 0500
Waves Are The Best Medicine
The home features a fully fenced rear courtyard—ideal for fresh air and safe play for small dogs—as well as an outdoor window box and dedicated litter area, perfect for cats to enjoy a little bit of the great outdoors, close from home. Situated just 30 minutes from some of Victoria’s best surf beaches and only a 5-minute drive from the lively Packington Street café precinct and top-tier grocers, you’ll have everything you need close by. Geelong’s stunning bay beach and foreshore district are within easy reach—just 5 to 10 minutes by car—offering both seaside tranquillity and urban convenience. Whether you’re chasing waves or curling up with your cat and a coffee, this unit offers the ideal base for your next adventures by the coast. Please note a doona will be provided, but there is a cleaning fee. Guests are welcome to bring their own bedding or a sleeping bag if they prefer. This helps us keep things extra safe and hygienic, especially for pets. Please also ensure vaccination certificates are provided in advance.
Mary St, Hamlyn Heights
M 0407885691 – sms preferred.
Geelong Surfcoast Hwy Holiday Park
With very friendly owners, this park welcomes pets on powered and unpowered sites and also has some cabins available for those travelling with fur friends – but these are popular and get booked out fast on weekends – so be sure to book ahead. Facilities include a swimming pool, BBQ area, laundrette, and more.
621 Surf Coast Hwy, Duneed 3216
T 03 5264 1243
Brooks
The 1-bedroom apartment is within close driving distance to everything Geelong has to offer. City shopping, cafes and restaurants, and coffee shops. The beaches are as close as the ring road (3 mins drive) and then Ocean Beaches about 25 minutes by car. Ideal for couples, small families, and business people. Pets allowed: 1 dog less than 25kgs
Farm Cottage on the Bellarine Peninsula
Modernisation meets period charm in this fully renovated 3-bedroom circa 1920s farm cottage. Set in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula (close to all its attractions and treasures) on a 20-acre block in a country location, it is family & pet friendly. The property is fully fenced but NOTE is farm fencing. From $193 per night.
Pet-Friendly Cafes
Whether you’re craving a flat white or a lazy weekend brunch, Geelong offers plenty of cafés where your four-legged companion is just as welcome as you are. From shady courtyards to pupachino-touting baristas, these local spots serve up good vibes, fresh treats, and bowls of water for your best mate. Below are some top picks where tails wag and lattes flow.
- Sodi Café is a truly dog-friendly venue, which has a roomy outdoor courtyard and serves puppycinos and pupcakes. They can even organise a birthday cake for your dog! 149 Pakington St, Geelong West
- Edge Geelong with outdoor seating and water views, this restaurant and bar welcome pets on the dog-friendly deck. 6-8 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong
- Box Office Cafe celebrates local produce and is a dog friendly and kid friendly cafe. 77 Preston St, Geelong West
Pet-Friendly Activities
Geelong isn’t just a stopover. Enjoy a seaside stroll along Eastern Beach, a picnic in the park, or browse the local markets together, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the region with your furry companion. These pet-friendly activities, ranging from walking trail adventures to a dog-friendly distillery, are sure to excite your furry companion.
- Take your pooch to the popular Eastern Beach Geelong. Furry friends are allowed on the sand and in the water at Eastern Beach, but they need to be leashed at all times.
- Go for walkies along The Bellarine Rail Trail, a 35 kilometre trail that links South Geelong to Queenscliff following the alignment of the historical Geelong
- Cocktails at The Bellarine Distillery, the first gin distillery on the Bellarine Peninsula.
- Lunch and wine at Terindah Estate, the Bellarine’s premier boutique venue.
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Take the pet-friendly ferry
Another option is to take Searoad Ferries, which links the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula or there’s the Bellarine Rail Trail, where you can see historic trains in action – the route runs from the old Drysdale railway station to Queenscliff.
Make a splash at Narrows Beach, which has an off-leash area between Roddick Grove at Point Lonsdale and Fraser Street, Queenscliff, where you’ll find an off-leash stretch of beach. Feeling thirsty? Why not spend some time sipping wine with your best mate at Basil’s Farm’s cellar door? Or visit the Geelong Botanical Gardens and grab a coffee at the café kiosk.
With so much to do in Geelong, from sampling the beach life to historic trails, Geelong is pet friendly and worth a visit!
Stayed in Geelong with your furry friend? Share your favourite spot on our Instagram page @petfriendlyaustralia