A day out with your best friend

Start the day nice an early with coffee and breakfast at Drive Cafe. This old servo has been transformed into a vibrant, modern cafe with the perfect outdoor space to relax and chat with your friends (and pooch).

With local bread and bagels on the menu, you're in for a delicious treat. We highly recommend the smoked salmon bagel or chocolate waffles.

If hitting the hiking trials is more your thing, then grab some water and hike up the picturesque Mount Buninyong, wander through 100-year-old trees along the La Gerche Forest Walk in Creswick or discover the beauty of the Mount Cole peaks along the 17km Beeripmo Walk.

Remember to keep your dog on a lead while you're exploring these national parks.

Visit their cellar door, enjoy a glass or two of this award-winning cool climate drop and indulge in a delicious grazing board made from fresh local produce as you take in the views of the picturesque Blue Pyrenees Estate. Four-legged friends are welcome.

Why not make the most of the beautiful scenery while you're here and book a night in an Unyoked cabin. Facing the remote mountain range, these cabins make for the perfect off-the-grid stay.

Let your four-legged friends stretch their legs at Victoria Park's off-leash dog park. With wide-open spaces, a lake to splash around in and plenty of shade thanks to the 100-year-old trees lining the area, the space is always a popular spot for dog-owners.

Come during one the Ballarat Dog Obedience Trials and we bet you'll find yourself spending way longer than you expected here. 

One of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens feature a remarkable collection of mature trees and marble statues set amongst colourful bedding displays. Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, the gardens cover 40 hectares.

Whether you're just wandering, or sitting down for a picnic, there's something magical about being amongst the grand old trees of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

 

Across the road from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, you'll find Pipers by the Lake nestled amongst century old trees.

Grab a coffee and something to eat whilst taking in the beauty of the lake's foreshore. Your furry friends will be well looked after with puppuccinos and plenty of doggy biscuits to choose from (in summer time you will often also see dog-friendly ice cream on the menu).

You might even spot a swan or two while you wait!

Pass away the afternoon at the picture-perfect Lake Wendouree.

Take a leisurely stroll along the lake's 6km track while taking in the stunning views. There's one thing we love about Lake Wendouree, and that is that no matter the time of year, you're guaranteed an Insta-worthy shot.

Go at your own pace, you'll find plenty of places to take a break along the way. 

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome at Hop Temple. Take a seat in Hop Lane and enjoy the sun while you take some time to decide which of the 220 craft beer and ciders to have.

Come during December and you and your dog will have a change to get a photo with Santa! With Christmas carols and a snow machine operating in the background, it's the best place to enjoy the festive season with your pooch.

The Big4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park is super pet-friendly, with an exclusive doggy zone, one securely fenced dog-friendly cabin and four dedicated, dog-friendly, powered caravan and camping sites. 

If you'd prefer to stay in luxurious, boutique accommodation in the heart of the city, then you're going to want to book a night with your furry buddy at Lascelles Terraces.

You can't leave without taking a little bit of Ballarat with you.

Check out the beautiful leather collars and leads from local makers Pinnacle Pooch, these durable accessories are not only trendy but they are 100% sourced and handmade in Ballarat. 

Finish off the cool new look with a customised dog tag made by local illustrator, Ghost & Bone.