posted on 10 Jun 20 | by Explore Bendigo

Holidaying With Your Furry Friends

Sometimes, the hardest thing about getting out and about is leaving your favourite, four-legged family member at home. Thankfully, Bendigo offers a variety of off-lead dog parks; tracks and trails with dog-friendly zones; plus food and accommodation spots supplying some paw-some offerings. And with over 26,000 dogs and cats registered in the city, Bendigo is certainly a place that recognises the importance of the furry friend.

The benefits of pet ownership are well known and, let’s face it, at the end of a hard day, there’s no one on the planet happier to see you than your fur-child. Our dogs, especially, miss us when we’re not around, so it’s great to know that Bendigo is one place that encourages a perfect day out with your pooch.

Here are four things that you and your dog, will enjoy doing in and around Bendigo...

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1. Start With Their Favourite Place

Bendigo has three dedicated dog parks offering acres of land for your pup to frolic off lead and make plenty of new friends. Each has special areas so the smaller breeds feel like they’ve got a space their size, and the beautiful scenery at Strathdale, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk ensure that you’ll enjoy the nature and peaceful aspect within the park. Park benches provide somewhere to sit and enjoy the tranquil space, and perhaps even strike up a conversation with a fellow dog lover. 

Maybe bring a towel or two with you if Strathdale is your park of choice – three dams make for great, splashing fun…so you’re bound to have a happy, yet very wet, dog at the end of their play.
 

Click here to find out more about off leash dog park in Bendigo
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2. Relax and Grab Something To Eat

All that running around is sure to stir up an appetite, so next it’s off to grab a cuppa and a bite to eat.

Adam & Eve love their dogs and offer a dedicated doggie space, complete with dog bed and water bowl! Percy & Percy, Beechworth Bakery and the Stupa View Café all offer puppacinos so your little mate gets to enjoy a creamy beverage too.

Quarry Hill Café has a great outdoor courtyard, allowing your dog to sit alongside you while you dine, and there’s special dog treats on the menu.

The Boardwalk Café has a unique puppy menu, thanks in no part to their resident dog, Chino (who we think may also be the man in charge there). Chino welcomes furry friends to come and visit, and a designated dog drinking station on the lake side of the restaurant offers a warm welcome when you arrive. Plus they also have a dedicated 'Dogs of The Boardwalk' book featuring all their furry visitors.
 

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3. Spend The Afternoon Getting Active

Leaving The Boardwalk, Lake Weeroona is a perfect place to wander and walk off that puppaccino! With a wide walking path around the entire perimeter of the lake, it’s a great space to walk the dog, let them sniff their buddies, and for you to say hello to friends.

The Bendigo Creek Trail can take you from the lake to either end of the city, if you’re happy to continue to meander.

Lake Neangar, in Eaglehawk, and Kennington Reservoir also offer good walking tracks with plenty of room for you and your dog to enjoy the sights and smells. The picturesque outlook at all of Bendigo’s waterways ensure it’s a beautiful way to spend the afternoon.

For more inspiration on outdoor spaces, parks and gardens to explore, click her…
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4. Stay The Night Together

When the day is done, snuggle up together.  There's a variety of pet-friendly accommodation venues in and around the city. Perhaps a cosy boutique property such as Stonehaven on Monsants is your style, or have a chat to our friendly team about Bendigo Holiday Rentals and Bendigo Holiday Accommodation for more places that will accommodate both you and your pup.

Alternatively, Bendigo has a great range of caravan parks with both powered sites and cabins for rent who are happy to have your pooch come along: Avondel Caravan Park, BIG4 Bendigo Ascot Holiday Park, BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park, BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park and Gold Nugget Tourist Park are all great options, regardless of whether you want to be close to town, or out near the wide open spaces.
 

For accommodation options, click here.