Visiting Gippsland in Victoria with your dog

If you’re planning on a road trip in Victoria with your dog, you should be sure to add the beautiful Gippsland region into your caravan or camping itinerary.

Tourism is one of the major contributors to the economy here, and following the bushfires and impact of COVID-19, now more than ever, regions like Gippsland need your support. It doesn’t take much to help small communities like these out.

Just go for a few days, shop locally and share some laughs and positive energy. Oh, and don’t forget to spread the word about how great a place it is.

Make sure you check out Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale is the largest city in the East Gippsland region, situated on the Mitchell River which then flows into the extensive Gippsland Lakes system at Lake King.

Bairnsdale is a destination for year-round enjoyment. Base yourself here to enjoy an excellent range of accommodation and dining and plan day trips, tours or longer stays.

You’re spoilt for choice for great places to take a stroll with your pooch. There’s loads of parks and walkways where you can stretch the legs, get some exercise, and enjoy a bit of scenery while you’re at it.

You can also start the East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale. It goes for about 100 kilometers, all the way to Orbost. It’s perfect for a walk and camping with your dog and you can break it up into sections across a week or so.

For a wide range of pet friendly places to stay from caravan parks to motor inns and more, click here.

Add Lakes Entrance to your trip

A definite must-visit when in the Gippsland region is Lakes Entrance.  It is a great spot to enjoy the outdoors, fresh air, pristine waterways and our Natural Wonderland.

There are plenty of walks and hikes, and dog friendly parks and beaches throughout the region. There are rules and restrictions at different times of the year for if they can be off leash or not, so it’s best to check the council website or keep an eye out for signs.

Prime Tourist Park welcomes dogs all year round, even during peak times, and their cabins are kept exclusively for people wanting to travel with their pets. How cool is that?  You will need to book early however, and their caravan sites also allow for dogs.

They even have Dog Day Care Kennels, Dog Wash and an off lead dog run as well. How pawsome is that!

Be prepared for traveling with your dog

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are all up to date and you have a copy of the certificate as you will need it.  Ensure they are wearing an ID tag and their microchip is up to date.

Click here for our top tips on being prepared when traveling with your pooch or download our free pet-friendly travel guide here

Victorian Caravan and Camping Virtual Show

In 2020, you can also get your fix for all things caravan and camping by checking out the Victorian Caravan and Camping Virtual Show being held 30 September – 4 October.  Entry is FREE!   Visit caravanshow.com.au for details.