Holidays just aren't the same without our fur babies.
Ballarat is home to countless pet-friendly attractions, cafes and accommodation offerings, making it the perfect doggy destination.
So take the stress out of planning your next trip with our ultimate guide to dog-friendly Ballarat...
Food & drink
- Grab a cold craft beer at Hop Temple, where dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome. Take a seat in Hop Lane and enjoy the sun while you decide which of the 200 craft beers and ciders to indulge in. And during December, your pooch can even have a photo with Santa! Other dog-friendly events at Hop Temple throughout the year include Doggo Day and the Dog Beard & Stache Comp (part of Ballarat Heritage Festival).
- Nestled amongst century-old trees at Lake Wendouree is Pipers by the Lake, complete with a dog-friendly menu of puppuccinos, doggy biscuits and dog-friendly ice cream.
- Head along to Lydiard General and order your pooch a cappa-fido, choca-fido or fido chew from the bowwow banquet. And don't forget to tag your Insta snaps with #DoggosOfLydiardGeneral
- Just metres away in Lydiard Street North is The North Star Hotel with its dog-friendly deck and another hashtag (#DoggosOfNorthStar).
- You'll also find a dog-friendly beer garden at Ballarat's Royal Oak Hotel plus a dog-friendly deck at Lake Wendouree's Boatshed Restaurant. And stop in at Higher Society for puppuchinos and dog biscuits.
- Drive Cafe is an old servo that has been transformed into a vibrant, modern cafe with the perfect outdoor space to relax and chat with your friends (and pooch!).
- Dine in Nolans' outdoor courtyard and get a complimentary dog biscuit with your $1 puppuccino.
- At Griller's Mark, the special doggie menu features The Dogfather (cooked wagyu mince with white rice, mixed veggies and a Schmackos strap), The Dog Pound (cooked chicken strips with white rice, sliced bacon and a Schmackos strap) and the Pup Pacino with lactose-free milk.
- Dogs on a lead are more than welcome at indoor plant haven The Green House Ballarat. And there's plenty of seating in the rear courtyard to enjoy all-day breakfast and lunch from the in-store cafe.
- Buninyong's Red Door Pizzeria has two dog-friendly dining spaces – one at the front of the restaurant and the other out the back.
- Another top dog-friendly venue is Windermere cellar door Michael Unwin Wines, where winery dog, Arlo, will be on hand (or on paw!) to greet you.
- And head to Buninyong for homemade dog biscuits at Maggie & Kate, Dynamite Cycles and Cafe, plus Buninyong Gift House.
Play
- Boost the serotonin by spending an afternoon at Lake Wendouree. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake’s 6km track while taking in the views. Dogs on a lead are also welcome across the road at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.
- If you're after a more strenuous walk, hit up the picturesque Mount Buninyong or wander through 100-year-old trees along the La Gerche Forest Walk in Creswick. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead while you’re exploring these parks.
- More of the region's dog-friendly parks and trails include Woowookarung Regional Park, Wallaby Track, Creswick Regional Park and the Bacchus Marsh 1000 Plus Steps.
- You can also take your pooch along to the Ballarat Farmers Market, The Bridge Market, Creswick Market and Talbot Farmers Market.
Ballarat is also home to 11 off-leash dog areas:
- Newington – Victoria Park Dog Park (Poplar Avenue off Russell Street)
- Soldiers Hill – Gregory Street Reserve
- Black Hill – Chisholm Street Reserve
- Wendouree – CE Brown Reserve Dog Park (Dowling Street)
- Wendouree – Pioneer Park (Ring Road)
- Alfredton – Cuthberts Road Reserve
- Buninyong – Birdwood Park Reserve (Innes Lane)
- Buninyong – James Reserve Dog Park (Union Jack Lane)
- Canadian – Canadian Lakes Reserve (Canadian Lakes Boulevard)
- Canadian – Pennyweight Park Dog Park (Otway Street South)
- Sebastopol – MR Power Reserve Dog Park (Grant Street)
Stay
- BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park would have to be one of Australia's most pet-friendly caravan parks. Its BIG Paws Pet-Friendly Precinct features a pet billabong, fully enclosed pet-friendly powered sites plus dog-friendly cabins complete with fully fenced deck, dog run plus special bowls and toys.
- If you and your doggo are looking for luxury, Hotel Vera is where you want to be. House-trained dogs can enjoy all the perks of boutique accommodation in the pet-friendly Lonarch suite. Think Ambient Lounge pet bed, pet shower plus a private and secure courtyard.
- Another popular option is the fully-renovated 1920s bungalow The Californian. With access to the entire three-bedroom home, this is the perfect pad for a dog family.
Other pet-friendly accommodation options in Ballarat include:
- NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park
- Eureka Stockade Holiday Park
- Bobby Three One Oh
- Llanfyllin House
- Shady Acres Caravan Park
- Woodmans Hill Motel and Caravan Park
- Lake Gardens Townhouse
- The Stable House
- Prospect Cottage
- Avoca Caravan Park
