Best dog friendly campsites Victoria.

Best dog friendly campsites Victoria.

Best dog friendly campsites Victoria.

Dog friendly campsites Victoria

Despite what the puppy poopers say, camping with your doggo in Victoria is totally doable (encouraged, even). It just requires a little bit of pre-planning. Luckily for you, we’ve pulled together the top dog friendly campsites in Victoria so you can hit the open road, turn up the tunes and flap your tongues out the window.

Woman with two huskies sitting at campfire

It’s Friday afternoon and your doggo can smell a rat.

Well, not a literal rat, but they’re watching you Tetris the car with tents, chairs and hiking boots and wondering where on earth they’re gonna fit amongst all that stuff.

It’s too soon to celebrate, so they sit quietly to scope the situation. They look up at you, then down at their bed, as if to say “ahem, you gon’ pack that?”

The packing continues. The scoping continues. It’s too soon to celebrate.

But finally, what’s that? Hooman is taking my lead and toys to the ca… THIS IS GONNA BE THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!

So, now we’ve read your situation, let’s plan where you’re going.

Our top 5 dog friendly campsites in Victoria

Johanna Beach Campground 

Options are scarce for doggos along the Great Ocean Road. But nestled between the coastline and hinterland is Johanna Beach Campground, an ideal spot for explorers, surfers, beachgoers and good boys and girls. It’s close to the Twelve Apostles and Great Otway National Park (but you may need to bring in a sitter if you plan on visiting these spots). 

The non-doggy deets:

  • Drop toilets
  • No showers
  • No drinking water
  • Book in advance

Dog and man on beach with surfboard

Lerderderg State Park 

A bush experience just over an hour from Melbourne, Lerderderg State Park is easily accessible for humans and doggos alike. It features a picturesque gorge that was carved out by the Lerderderg river, a perfect spot for swimming, strolling, bushwalking, relaxing and fishing.

The non-doggy deets:

  • Toilets available
  • Campfires permitted
  • FWD or walking access only
  • No need to book – first in best dressed 

Paradise Valley, Glen Maggie 

True to its name, Paradise Valley is a unique 60-acre campground on the foothills of the high country. With no phone reception, it’s the perfect spot to kick back, do sweet nothing and shower your doggo with love and affection. Mackenzie river runs through the campground, so you can enjoy kayaking, fishing and bird watching. Pure bliss. 

The non-doggy deets:

  • Toilets available
  • Campfires permitted
  • Dogs must be on a leash
  • Bookings essential

Lake Elizabeth, Forrest 

Meander inland from the Great Ocean Road and you’ll stumble upon Forrest, a picturesque town in the heart of the Otways. Just outside of town is Lake Elizabeth Campground, a stunning spot surrounded by dense rainforest. It’s the perfect base for mountain bike riding, bushwalking, canoeing, kayaking and wildlife watching (rumours are, you can spot Platypus at dawn and dusk). Oh, and Forrest Brewery is within easy reach should you get a little thirsty.

The non-doggy deets:

  • No flush toilets
  • Shared campfires permitted
  • Dogs must be on a leash (watch out for snakes)
  • Book in advance

Dalmatian dog covered with plaid sitting at the river camping

Tips for your dog friendly adventure

Truth is, not everyone is a dog lover (wild, right?) So to keep Victoria’s dog friendly camping options full of tail wags, we’ve all gotta be respectful and play by the rules.

  • Scoop the poop. Ah, the smell of coastal sea spray, lush rainforest, dense woodlands and… dog poo. It just doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it? Dammit people, just pick up your dog poo.
  • Follow the leash rules. If it’s a dog-on-leash area, stick to it. This is out of respect to the other campers (and good boys and girls). This could also be to protect the local wildlife and your doggo.
  • Control your dog. Whining, howling and barking doesn’t exactly scream serenity. It takes a bit of training and obedience to be a seasoned camping doggo – so put in the time before you hit the road.
  • Come prepared. You’ve arrived. Set up camp. Got the fire roaring. Then ugh, we forgot the dog bowls. Avoid an unhappy pupper by making a checklist of all their things: bowls, plenty of water, leash, toys, bed, treaties (that one’s a surprise though) and a first aid kit.

Cute dog in hiking backpack

At first, dog-friendly camping seems scarce in Victoria. But when you look a little closer you’ll realise we’re spoilt for choice and new smells to sniff. Plus, few things compare to kicking back in your camp chair and turning to your four-legged friend to ask “how’s the serenity?” in the voice of Darryl Kerrigan.

*dog sniffs other dogs butt*

So much serenity.

Resources and further reading:

  1. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/dog-friendly-camping

  2. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/lerderderg-state-park

  3. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/great-otway-national-park/where-to-stay/lake-elizabeth-campground

  4. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/cape-conran-coastal-park/where-to-stay/banksia-bluff-campground