Top dog places
Pack your pup for a coastal road trip with endless sand, surf and sunset views. It's easy to combine the region's top wineries and cellar doors, gourmet food stores and foodie treats, comfy stays and stunning waterside scenery in the company of your four-legged friend. No need to wonder how, what or where. We've got you covered.
1. Miss Drew's Bakery and Dog Cafe
Treat your hound to a pup-cake and a drink at this dog-centric cafe in Tyabb. Grab your own snack from Red Rattler Train Cafe opposite, then laze with your pooch on the grass.
2. Green Olive at Red Hill
Take time for tapas and a glass of wine in the sun at this working farm with breathe-easy views over the vineyards and dam. Furry friends fit in fine at this pet-friendly spot.
3. The Epicurean Red Hill
Stock up on gourmet goods in the Epicurean store, then order pizza, risotto or cheese from the casual lunch menu. Dine al fresco so your four-legged companion won't miss out.
4. Tucks
Settle back on a lawn chair for cocktails with views over rolling vineyards – order by the jug if you're sharing. Your dog may not be able to partake, but they'll love the bucolic Red Hill setting.
5. Camerons Bight Dog Off Leash Area
Let your dog chase seagulls and splash about as the waves roll in along this sandy strip in Blairgowrie. Leash-free year-round, except noon to 7pm from 25 December to 1 March, when dogs be on a leash.
6. Blue Moon Cottages
Check in for a night at this pet-friendly peninsula pad in Rye. You'll be resting in self-contained cottage comfort just a short distance from the sand.
7. Morgan's Beach Shack
See out the night under a striped umbrella on the Sorrento Esplanade. This simple spot delivers perfect water views, cocktails and everyone's – and every pet's –favourite fish and chips.
8. Mr Morce
Rise and shine, pets and all. Get into gear in Sorrento with locally brewed Little Rebel coffee, eggs, avo, bacon or house-smoked trout. Outdoor seating. Dogs welcome.
9. Millionaire's Walk
Lucky you don't need that kind of cash to experience the dramatic coastline on this cliff-top walk between Portsea and Sorrento. A perfect post-breakfast trail for dogs and dog-lovers alike; 3km return.
10. Mock Red Hill
Worked up a thirst on your coastal walk? Hit the cellar door at Mock Red Hill for refreshing biodynamic apple cider tastings from orchard-grown fruit.
11. Georgie Bass Café
Explore the best of regional produce plucked from farms, orchards, dairies and vineyards and creatively combined at this Flinders eatery. If this gets you excited, book in for a cooking class, too.
12. Paradigm Hill
Sample fine wines at Paradigm Hill cellar door. The timber deck at this family-run winery is the ideal spot for encouragement from your curious pet as you further your expertise.
13. Red Hill Cellar and Pantry
Pack the car with bright, fresh peninsula produce and gourmet local goodies from the pantry shelves. Revive yourself with a coffee on the sunny deck.
14. Mornington Peninsula Brewery
Enjoy one of Mornington's award-winning brews, with eight styles on tap. The beer garden is the place for two- and four-legged buddies to bond over a pint and a pizza.
15. Coolart Studios
Rest your head in these lovely modern studios, featuring works from local artists. It's the perfect base for relaxation and planning tomorrow's adventures.
