The Ultimutt Sleepover in the Yarra Valley

Take your mate on a weekend getaway in the Yarra Valley with these pet-friendly spots you’ll both love. Whether you choose a mid-week getaway or a weekend escape for your ultimutt sleepover, there’s so much to do with your dog in the region.

Day one

Grab breakfast at a cafe in Lilydale where you can grab an outdoor seat and kickstart your big weekend.

Following breakfast, venture to Lillydale Lake which offers the perfect opportunity for a picturesque walk either on a lead or at one of their two off-leash areas for some serious playtime. Your dog will love playing in the creek, chasing the ball and burning some energy! Alternatively, you can do a section of our famous, Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail which is also dog-friendly the whole way!

The next stop is nearby Coldstream Brewery, which has an open doggie door policy in the outdoor seating area. While visiting, grab a tasting paddle, a delicious meal from their incredible menu and soak up the sunshine.

It’s un-fur-givable to visit the region without visiting at least one of our world-class wineries, so spend the afternoon doing a tasting at one of these amazing wineries which will definitely leave you wanting to come back and do a dog-friendly wine tour with Pooches & Pinot.

Afternoon walks are sorted in Healesville where both Coronation Park offers plenty of trees for sniffing, open space for fetching and off-lead areas for running. Nearby Queens Park also offers on-leash areas. You'll definitely want to grab a coffee and delicious snack at nearby Beechworth Bakery which has lots of outdoor seating for you and your best friend.

It's time to check into your amazing pet-friendly accommodation and get ready for dinner. With lots of options throughout our region, no matter which you choose, it’s a perfect end to the day!

Alternatively, if you’re travelling with a group, visiting for a wedding or any other reason and you want to check your pet into their own accommodation, Yarra Valley Pet Resort is perfect for pampered pups staying solo.

Day Two

Start your morning with My Little Kitchen in Healesville. Their dog-friendly undercover courtyard and yummy menu is just what you need to hit the mark for morning walks.

Grab the lead and discover Maroondah Reservoir Park. The location is super scenic with several rotundas, shelters, picnic and BBQ areas, towering trees, plenty of gardens, and so many nooks and crannies to explore and sniff, making it a treat for both you and your doggo. Make sure to keep your dog on a lead at all times, and be mindful that dogs are not allowed north of the Watts River, including along the dam wall so take turns to check this view out.

Make a late morning stop at Badger Creek Blueberry Winery. It’s a popular place that’s pet friendly and allows for tastings of not only blueberry wine, but a variety of blueberry foods too as well as traditional sausage rolls and all the good stuff to pair with the St Ronan's Cider made here.

One last leg stretch before starting your trip home? Call into Don Road Recreation Reserve for some off-leash playtime, walks and water views before going back home.

If you’re not quite ready for the car ride home, check out more amazing dog-friendly things to see and do including one of our favourite dog-friendly places, Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery, where dogs are welcome outdoors on leads, including in their outdoor café area. They even have dog-friendly items to spoil your best friend even more!