For a dip with your dog

Chez Misty’s Paddle and Brunch

Chez Misty’s unique Paddle and Brunch experience is the perfect way to start your day. Spending an hour gliding over the glistening waters of St Kilda with your favourite four-legged friend – atop a stand-up paddleboard.

After that, it’ll be time to refuel. So head over to Chez Misty for a breakfast of champions – otherwise known as crepes, orange juice and coffee. For you and your dog!

 

 

Sandown Street Beach

If you’re more interested in a doggy paddle than a paddleboard, this one’s for you.

Open 24 hours a day, Sandown Street Beach is sheltered behind Brighton’s main marina. That means the waves are quite small – perfect for any nervous swimmers still getting to know the water.

With the number of pups this dog-dedicated destination attracts, it’ll be sure to encourage your dog to take a sniff at the sea. Especially once they see all the other dogs doing the same thing!

But if your pup isn’t such a fan of the water, they can still have hours of fun on dry land – surfing the sand dunes instead of the waves!

 

 

For a walk in the park

Pawfield Park

One word to make your furry friend’s day? Walk.

So head through the Glen Eira Road entrance of Caulfield Racecourse to Pawfield Park. Where you’ll be greeted not only with a relaxing walk – but a thriving community.

The place-to-be for making new neighbourhood friends (both two- and four-legged), Pawfield Park is perfect for socialisation and obedience training.

And because all canines should be able to converse safely, this off-leash play space is fenced and subdivided into big dog and small dog areas.

 

 

Royal Botanic Gardens

There’s a reason Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens have remained a treasured part of our city for over 170 years. So why not show your dog around?

With over 38 hectares to explore, and more than 8,500 species of exotic flora to sniff, this place is a puppy’s paradise.

The Royal Botanic Gardens contain a collection of rare and threatened plants – so your pup will need to stay on the leash.

But in such a peaceful place, they won’t even notice the restraint.

 

 

Cafés for canines

Good Times Milk Bar

Whether you’re a latte, batch brew or cappuccino kind of person – your dog is always a puppychino kind of canine.

But don’t worry – your dog gets a decaf. A puppychino is simply a cup of frothed, lactose-free milk. And at Bentleigh’s Good Times Milk Bar, they’re the best in the business.

Factor in the café’s colourful atmosphere, mouth-watering menu and friendly service, and this place is perfect – for human and hound.

 

 

Levi

When you head down to Levi in Murrumbeena for your Sunday morning coffee, you’ll find every man and his dog – literally – already there.

A café that caters for everyone, Levi’s entire front area (up to the counter) is dog-friendly. It’s got a retractable roof, too – in case your Staffie wants some sun.

This place actually used to be a warehouse for Levi’s Jeans. So not only is it a spacious place to dine – it’s also bursting at the seams with nods to its namesake. Keep an eye out for them as you eat!

 

 

To pamper your pup

Diggidy Doggy Day Spa

Does your terrier need a trim? Or do your collie’s claws call for a clip? South Melbourne’s Diggidy Doggy Day Spa makes maintenance as fun as their name.

With the aim to ‘groom to relax’, the team gets to know your dog before bringing out the clippers. This way, your pooch’s grooming experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Not only will your puppy look pretty afterwards, but regular grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog.

So if your pooch wants to go to the place where dapper doggies meet healthy hounds, drive them down to the Diggidy Doggy Day Spa!

 

 

Hachi

Once your pooch has been properly pampered, you might want to take a picture (it’ll last longer)! So head to Hachi Melbourne for a 20-minute photo session. And be sure to hire an outfit!

But even without the photoshoot, every top dog deserves a bit of re-tail therapy. That’s why Hachi’s been working to create joy for you and your canine companion since 2015.

Inspired by two similar stores in Tokyo and New York, South Yarra’s Hachi Melbourne is a boutique pet store filled to the brim with dog clothes, fashion accessories and treats.

Hachi. Perfect for a wardrobe – or pantry – update!

 

 

And for happier hounds at home? Explore our guide to making your garden glow.