Two Peninsulas, One Unforgettable Road Trip: Explore Mornington to Bellarine with Your Pup
Spring is the perfect excuse to pack the leash and hit the coast with your four-legged best friend. But instead of choosing between the Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula, why not experience both in one unforgettable coastal adventure?
With beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns, this peninsula-to-peninsula itinerary is made for dogs and their hoomans. That means no rush, no leaving your pup behind, and plenty of opportunities to stop, sniff, and soak up the sunshine along the way. Plus, exploring in spring means enjoying the coast before peak summer beach restrictions kick in!
So, grab the lead, pack some treats and get ready for a spring road trip where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
Start with a Morning Run at Tassells Cove on the Mornington Peninsula
With the days getting longer and the weather warming up, spring is a perfect time to enjoy a leisurely beach adventure.
For this itinerary, make Tassells Cove at Safety Beach your first stop. Arrive early, when the morning air is fresh, and the beach is at its most peaceful. This small dog-friendly beach has soft sand and shallow waters where your pup can run, play, and splash. At the northern end of the beach, you can explore rock pools and small caves at low tide. Take care on the slippery rocks and avoid this section during high tide or rough conditions.
A Little Woof of Warning: Some neighbouring areas on Safety Beach may have different on-leash rules, so always check local council signs when exploring beyond Tassells Cove.
Want to swap Tassells Cove for another beach? There are plenty of other dog-friendly beaches around the Mornington Peninsula if you’d prefer to start your day somewhere else. Hawker Beach in Mount Martha is another off-leash beach zone where your dog can freely run along the sand and splash in the shallows. If you're heading further south, Flinders Beach is another local favourite among pup parents, with its designated off-leash area perfect for morning runs and zoomies.
Head Towards Sorrento for a Coastal Town Wander
Once your pup has had their morning dose of beach zoomies, it’s time to make your way towards Sorrento.
Why Sorrento? Because it’s the perfect place to slow down, soak up the seaside atmosphere, and enjoy a little more of the Mornington Peninsula before your adventure continues across the bay.
Known for its charming heritage buildings, boutique shops, and beautiful coastal setting, Sorrento offers plenty of opportunities for a relaxed stroll with your dog. Ocean Beach Road is lined with boutiques and larger chain stores, making it a great spot for a little retail therapy. While you browse the shops, your pup can enjoy the sights and smells of this lively seaside village from your side.
If you and your pup still have more energy to burn, the Millionaire’s Walk is one of the must-visit short trails on the Mornington Peninsula, although dogs are required to be on a leash at all times. This 1-kilometre coastal walk offers spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay and a glimpse of some of the area’s most luxurious coastal homes.
And when you’re ready for a well-earned break, Sorrento has plenty of dog-friendly cafés that beckon you to pause and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
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| Refuelling at a dog-friendly café in Sorrento. |
Pop into Flathead Sorrento for a great coffee or relax on the outdoor deck at The Smuggler, where dogs are always treated to fresh water bowls. You won’t want to linger too long, though, because there’s another adventure waiting just down the road.
Hop Aboard a Ferry Ride with Your Furry Friend
Here’s where your peninsula-to-peninsula adventure takes an exciting turn. Searoad Ferries connects Sorrento and Queenscliff with a scenic crossing of Port Phillip Bay, turning what could be a long drive around the bay into a 40-minute experience to enjoy together.
And best of all, your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the fun.
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| Ferries aren't just for small pups—spacious outdoor decks mean dogs of every shape and size can travel in comfort. |
Dogs of all sizes are welcome on the external decks onboard so long as they are on a leash. So whether you're travelling with a tiny pup who loves being carried or a big dog who needs plenty of room to stretch their legs, your four-legged companion can join you for the adventure.
Travelling by car? Searoad Ferries makes the transition from road trip to sea voyage easy with drive-on, drive-off boarding, so there's no need to turn your vehicle around once you're onboard. Foot passengers can easily board and enjoy the same scenic ferry experience across the bay.
Once you’re onboard, head outside with your pup and take in the sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay. The fresh sea breeze, open decks, and water bowls provided onboard make it a delight for dogs. If you need a quick caffeine hit or a snack, the onboard café serves drinks and a range of light bites to help you refuel.
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| Ocean breezes and morning coffee: enjoying a smooth crossing along the coast with your four-legged companion. |
Before you know it, you'll be pulling into Queenscliff, with a happy pup by your side and a whole new peninsula waiting to be explored.
Explore the Historic Seaside Village of Queenscliff
As you step off the ferry at the Queenscliff Terminal, you’ll be greeted by the laid-back charm of the Bellarine Peninsula. Your first stop? The historic seaside village of Queenscliff.
With your pup on-leash, make your way into the heart of town and stroll along Hesse Street. Here, Victorian-era buildings, heritage hotels, quaint cottages, and charming shopfronts create a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely walk. The village is also home to boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and specialty stores, so there’s plenty to see as you explore the streets together.
For a change of scenery, head towards Queenscliff Harbour. This waterfront precinct has a distinctly nautical feel, with boats and yachts bobbing in the marina, and waterfront cafés where you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. The spacious outdoor deck at 360 Q right on the harbour edge is a fantastic dog-friendly venue, or you can grab a quick bite from 3225 Cafe on Hesse Street.
Continue to Point Lonsdale for an Afternoon Adventure
After exploring historic Queenscliff, take the short drive along the coast to Point Lonsdale for another taste of the Bellarine Peninsula's seaside charm.
Take a stroll through the village before heading towards the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, one of the Bellarine’s most iconic landmarks. Dogs are not allowed inside the tower, but the surrounding outdoor reserve area (Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve) is worth checking out. Here, your pup can enjoy some off-leash freedom as long as they remain under effective control.
A Woof of Warning: Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve is operating as an off-leash area under a one-year council trial. Dogs must remain under effective control, and visitors should check the current council signage before visiting.
For a proper dose of sandy fun, you can also make your way to Narrows Beach, located between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Known by locals as "Dog Beach," Narrows Beach is the only year-round off-leash section of beach in the Borough of Queenscliff. The off-leash area starts at the end of the boardwalk and extends east towards Fraser Street, giving dogs plenty of space for zoomies.
Wind Up the Journey at Ocean Grove
It’s time to follow the coast towards Ocean Grove for the final leg of your adventure. One of the region’s most popular coastal towns, Ocean Grove is a must-visit destination on the Bellarine Peninsula. And with its sweeping coastline and relaxed atmosphere, it serves as the perfect place to bring your day to a close.
If your four-legged companion still has some energy left after a full day of exploring, head towards the Thirteenth Beach area for one last burst of zoomies. There are year-round off-leash sections at Thirteenth Beach between beach markers 8W and 13W. Just keep an eye out for local signage and wildlife protection areas.
For a more relaxed finale, take a stroll through Ocean Grove’s town centre. Head along The Terrace to browse the local shops and find somewhere to settle in for a well-earned afternoon coffee or snack. With plenty of cafés and eateries around the town centre, it's easy to find a spot to relax and reflect on the day's adventures. If you're ready for a refreshing drink or pub meal to cap off the trip, the sunny beer garden at the Ocean Grove Hotel warmly welcomes dogs on leads.
Ready to Explore Two Peninsulas with Your Dog?
From an early-morning splash on the Mornington Peninsula to an afternoon run along the Bellarine coast, this spring itinerary proves that some of Victoria's best adventures are even better with four paws beside you. So pack the lead, grab the treats, and set your sights on a peninsula-to-peninsula escape.
- Route Overview: Safety Beach → Sorrento → Searoad Ferries Crossing → Queenscliff → Point Lonsdale → Ocean Grove
- Ferries: Departs hourly between Sorrento and Queenscliff daily
- Pet Policy: Dogs travel free of charge! Must remain on a leash on external passenger decks (guide dogs permitted inside).
- What to Bring: Fresh water, travel bowl, lead, waste bags, towel, and dog seatbelt harness
Ready to cross the bay with your dog?
Dogs ride free—you only need to book for human passengers and vehicles.
Book your passage on Searoad Ferries
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| Soaking in the sea views from the top deck in safe, cosy arms. |
