Dog-Friendly Escape

Published on 03 September 2025

A dog on a leash held by a person in a blue shirt, while another person in black reaches toward it. A child in a white shirt and orange shorts holds a brown paper bag. The scene is outdoors on grass, with stalls or objects in the background.

Take a break with your best furry friend and explore the scenic trails, gourmet stops, and historic towns of North East Victoria. This three-day itinerary is designed for dog lovers who want to travel together—without compromising on comfort, culture, or cuisine.

Getting There & Travel Tips

Wangaratta is just a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Melbourne via the Hume Freeway. With Eldorado, Glenrowan, Milawa, and King Valley all within 30–45 minutes, it’s the perfect base for dog-friendly day trips.

Top Tips for Travelling with Dogs:

Bring a lead, water bowl, and doggy bags—most trails and venues are on-leash.

Pack a cooler bag for picnic supplies and local produce.

Book pet-friendly accommodation in advance—Warby Cottage is a standout.

Check café and winery websites for dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Day 1 – Wangaratta: Parks, Cafés & Riverside Walks

Start your adventure at Mitchell Avenue Reserve, a fully fenced off-leash dog park with shady trees, seating, and a water fountain—perfect for a morning stretch.

Next, head to Café the PreVue, where you can enjoy breakfast beside the river in their dog-friendly outdoor area.

Spend the late morning walking the Bullawah Cultural Trail, a 2.4 km on-leash riverside trail featuring Aboriginal art, sculptures, and storytelling.

Pick up picnic supplies from Aroma Deli, then head to the Northern Beaches, a designated off-leash area where your dog can roam freely and even take a dip in the river on warmer days.

Check-in: Settle into Warby Cottage, a rustic, pet-friendly retreat just outside Wangaratta. With a private garden, terrace, and birdwatching opportunities, it’s the perfect place to unwind while your pup relaxes on the verandah.

Dinner Tip: Head into town and enjoy a relaxed meal at Precinct Bar & Restaurant, which offers dog-friendly outdoor seating and a modern Australian menu.

A black dog with white paws walks on a grassy path while people in the background harvest grapes in a vineyard, holding buckets and picking from the vines.

Day 2 – Eldorado to Glenrowan: History & Nature

Start with a relaxed breakfast at Paulie’s Corner, where you can sit outside with your dog and watch the town come to life.

Then drive to Eldorado to explore the Historic Walk and take a peaceful stroll to the monument. Follow Reid’s Walk, a short trail through a former gold mining area with interpretive storyboards.

Continue to Glenrowan, stopping at Glenrowan Bakery for coffee in their dog-friendly outdoor area. Walk the Siege Precinct Trail, marking key sites from Ned Kelly’s final stand. Snap a photo with the Big Ned statue and enjoy lunch at Café 1880, which offers outdoor seating.

In the afternoon, swing by Black Dog Brewery for a tasting and pick up some local brews. Return to Warby Cottage for a peaceful evening.

Dinner Tip: Grab takeaway from Gourmet Inn for authentic Chinese or try Luca's for a real Italian pizza and enjoy a quiet night under the stars on the cottage verandah.

A black dog with white paws walking on a grassy path, with several people in the background harvesting grapes in a vineyard. The people are holding buckets and picking grapes from the vines.

Day 3 – Milawa & King Valley: Gourmet Delights & Garden Strolls

Begin your day at the Milawa Cheese Company, where you can sample award-winning cheeses in their dog-friendly outdoor area and soak up the fresh country air.

Bonus Tip: If you’ve brought bikes and a dog carrier, cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Wangaratta to Milawa (18 km one way).

Next, explore the Brookfield Maze & Gardens, where dogs are welcome on-leash in outdoor areas. Enjoy lunch at the on-site café before heading into the King Valley.

Stop at Dal Zotto Wines for a Prosecco tasting or a bite at their dog-friendly trattoria. Then return to Warby Cottage to pack up and head home—refreshed, relaxed, and ready to plan your next adventure.

A bulldog lying on a concrete floor with its head and front paws flat on the ground and its tongue slightly sticking out.

Trip Highlights

Mitchell Avenue Dog Park – Fully fenced off-leash area with shade and seating.
Location: Wangaratta. Free access.

Café the PreVue – Riverside breakfast with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
Location: Wangaratta. Bookings recommended on weekends.

Bullawah Cultural Trail – 2.4 km on-leash walk with Aboriginal art and stories.
Location: Wangaratta. Free access.

Northern Beaches – Off-leash riverside area for dogs to roam and swim.
Location: Wangaratta. Free access.

Warby Cottage – Rustic, pet-friendly accommodation with a private garden, terrace, and birdlife.
Location: Wangaratta South. 10 min drive (approx. 8 km) from Wangaratta CBD.

Precinct Bar & Restaurant – Modern Australian dining with outdoor dog-friendly seating.
Location: Wangaratta. Bookings recommended.

Paulie’s Corner – Relaxed breakfast spot with outdoor seating.
Location: Wangaratta. No booking required.

Eldorado Dredge & Reid’s Walk – Historic site with scenic trails.
Location: Eldorado. Free access.

Glenrowan Bakery & Café 1880 – Dog-friendly outdoor seating and hearty meals.
Location: Glenrowan. No booking required.

Black Dog Brewery – Craft beer and relaxed vibes.
Location: Taminick. Bookings recommended for groups.

Milawa Cheese Company- Gourmet tastings and brunch with outdoor seating.
Location: Milawa. Bookings recommended for brunch.

Brookfield Maze & Gardens – On-leash garden strolls and café lunch.
Location: Myrrhee. Entry fees apply.

Dal Zotto Wines & Trattoria – Prosecco tastings and Italian lunch with dog-friendly seating.
Location: King Valley. Bookings recommended.

Four people and a dog in a grassy outdoor area with trees and bushes. One person holds an orange drink, and cylindrical objects are on the ground near the dog, suggesting a garden or park setting.