Written by Penny and Pearl
If you live in Victoria and have a dog, then a get-away to Phillip Island is a must! Whether you want to rent a cosy home and stick to the neighbourhood or get out and about with your pooch, there’s plenty to do.
Phillip Island Dog Friendly Beaches
There are two long stretches of continuous beach that have both on and off-lead areas. Pearl and I walked both and had a fun time taking in the beautiful scenery, meeting other dogs along the way and sniffing seaweed (Pearl, not me). The first runs from Ventnor to Cowes and the second from Cape Woolamai to Newhaven.
There is another good-sized beach at Silverleaves where dogs are permitted on-lead and for more mixed terrain, you can walk between Smith’s Beach and Surf Beach – some of the walk is along the beach and other parts are across the cliff tops.
The Phillip Island Dog Brochure provides descriptions, a map and everything else you need to know about walking your dog on Phillip Island. download the map HERE.
Eating and drinking on Phillip Island
There are a couple of spots in the heart of Cowes that are pet friendly including …
- Ocean Reach Brewing – Pets are welcome and you can sit and enjoy a local cold beer and a mouth-watering burger together!
- Isola Di Capri Restaurant and Gelataria – the verandah is the perfect spot for you and pooch to enjoy ocean views and authentic Italian dishes. Alternatively, pop into the gelataria for a coffee or gelati and continue to stroll the Cowes main street or onto the beach.
For a winery, good options include …
- Phillip Island Winery – offers a stunning outdoor area where you and your pet can admire rural views, enjoy a cheese platter or meal and taste some of the region’s best wines.
- Purple Hen Winery – offers another picturesque location where you can take in the water views over a glass of local pinot with your pooch!
Pet-friendly accommodation on Phillip Island
Phillip Island has a wonderful range of pet-friendly accommodations for when you’re holidaying with your dog. Take a look at the full list of options here. We have featured some of our favourites below.
A Perfect Ten
A Perfect Ten is a pet-friendly holiday home with 3 bedrooms, perfect for the whole family.
Sleeping up to 10 people and 4 dogs, the yard is fully fenced and dogs are allowed inside. Enjoy the heated swimming pool all year round. Starting at $346 per night.
Seashell on The Seashore
A magical holiday home located metres from Cleeland Bight swimming beach. Seashell on the SeaShore has a rooftop retreat with a heated spa to take in the stunning views of Phillip Island.
The home is beautifully appointed sleeping up to 9 people and 4 dogs. Dogs are allowed inside and the yard is fully fenced. Starting at $434 per night.
Anchorage Cottage @ Ventnor
This cosy spot offers a perfect getaway for you and your pooch, summer or winter. Pearl and I recently stayed here and absolutely loved the house and surrounding area. When we weren’t at nearby Ventnor beach, Pearl spent her time playing in the large, secure garden or lying in front of the fire.
The cottage sleeps up to 6 people and 2 dogs, starting at $175 per night. It is a lovely, affordable and truly pet-friendly spot.
Nautical Mile Beach House
Drive to Nautical Mile Beach House and then you really don’t need to use your car again. Only 500 metres to the beach and a short walk into Cowes.
Your dog is more than welcome inside and they go that extra mile by providing dog bowls (one less thing to bring) and making sure the yard is completely secure.
There is ample room, accommodating up to 7 people and 3 dogs. Starting at $149 per night, this is a really popular holiday spot.
Adrift at Ventnor
Adrift at Ventnor is a family and pet-friendly holiday house. It’s a favourite spot for Holidaying with Dogs guests. A recent visitor said:
“The spacious green back yard is really good for dogs. The kitchen has been equipped with everything you need even with a vintage Delongi espresso machine, house is very clean, beach is close by, we had a great weekend and would like to come again in the future with our fur baby.” Albert
This was my first trip to Phillip Island with Pearl but it won’t be my last! For more information about what you can do when you visit Phillip Island with your dog, go to visitphillipisland.com.au/dog-friendly.
If you’ve got some great stories from holidaying with your dog on Phillip Island, we’d love to hear them. Just comment below.
