Why Holyday House is Perfect for Dogs
Finding pet friendly accommodation in Torquay that genuinely welcomes dogs — rather than just tolerating them — isn't easy. Most "pet friendly" listings on the Surf Coast come with a long list of caveats: outside only, small dogs only, an extra cleaning fee that doubles the cost. At Holyday House, your dog is part of the holiday, not an afterthought.
The property is owned and managed by a local host who travels with his own Mini Bordoodle, so the house has been set up around the realities of holidaying with a dog. The layout is single-level — no stairs for older dogs or recovering pups. The yard is fully fenced and secure, which means you can leave the back door open while you cook dinner without worrying. Tiled and timber floors through the main areas make cleanup after a beach day painless.
And then there's the location. Holyday House sits on a quiet residential street called Holyhead Drive, four minutes' walk from one of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Surf Coast. No drive needed. No parking dramas. Just leash up and go.
What Dogs Get at the House
Beyond the obvious "no rules against pets," Holyday House is set up with practical features that make travelling with a dog much easier:
Fully fenced backyard
A generous yard with timber fencing tall enough to keep most dogs in. Grass for the zoomies, paving for sun-bathing, and shade in the afternoon. The basketball ring doubles as a tug-of-war anchor for those who insist.
Outdoor hot shower
The single most useful pet feature in any beach house. Rinse the salt and sand off paws and bellies before they come inside, with hot water — no cold-hose protests in winter.
Single-level home
No stairs anywhere on the main living level. Easier on senior dogs, recovering dogs, and the sort of overexcited puppies who haven't quite worked out gravity yet.
Hard floors in the main areas
Tiles and timber through the kitchen, dining and entry — much easier to wipe down after a sandy paw than carpet. Bedrooms have rugs, but the high-traffic areas are pet-resilient.
Quiet street, walkable to beach
Holyhead Drive sees little through-traffic. The walk to Whites Beach is along a quiet residential route — calm enough for a young or reactive dog who's still learning leash manners.
Wood fire and air conditioning
Year-round comfort matters when you're travelling with a thick-coated dog or a short-nosed breed who struggles in summer. The house is genuinely comfortable in any season.
Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Torquay
The Surf Coast is one of the best regions in Victoria for beach-loving dogs. Off-leash rules vary by location and season, and the Surf Coast Shire updates them periodically — always check the signage at the beach access point. As a rough guide, expect tighter on-leash restrictions during summer mornings (when families are at the beach) and more freedom in the off-season.
Whites Beach
400m walk from the house — the closest dog-friendly beach. A quiet, uncrowded stretch tucked behind sand dunes. Off-leash before 9am and after 5pm during summer; off-leash all day in winter (subject to current shire bylaws). The most-used dog beach for guests staying at Holyday House — most days you'll have it close to yourself.
Point Impossible
10-minute drive east. A long, wild stretch of coastline backed by dunes — historically off-leash year-round and famous for it. Great for confident dogs who love to run, and for recall practice on a quiet midweek morning.
Fishermans Beach
5-minute walk in the other direction from the house. A sheltered, calm beach ideal for dogs who prefer paddling to surfing. On-leash, but the gentle waves make it the safer pick for puppies and senior dogs.
Spring Creek (Jan Juc)
5-minute drive. Off-leash sections at the western end. A favourite of locals and a good option when Whites is unexpectedly busy.
Dog-Friendly Walks Beyond the Beach
On a windy or rainy day, or when you've already done the beach, Torquay's hinterland has plenty of on-leash walks worth driving five or ten minutes to reach.
Surf Coast Walk (clifftop sections)
The 44km Surf Coast Walk runs from Torquay to Aireys Inlet. Dogs are welcome on-leash on most sections (some national park stretches further west exclude pets). The Bells Beach to Point Addis stretch is a stunning hour-each-way, with sweeping ocean views and few crowds outside the Easter Pro.
Spring Creek loop
A short, dog-friendly loop through coastal scrub above Jan Juc. Mostly flat, easy on older dogs, and a good 30-minute leg-stretcher.
Torquay foreshore
The paved path along the Torquay Front Beach foreshore is on-leash, dog-friendly, and finishes at a string of cafes (see below). Combine a morning walk with a flat white and you've got a perfect Torquay morning.
Dog-Friendly Cafes & Pubs in Torquay
Torquay does coastal cafe culture well, and most venues with outdoor seating welcome well-behaved dogs. A few standouts that consistently allow dogs in their outdoor areas:
Bottle of Milk (Torquay foreshore)
A Torquay institution for burgers and milkshakes. Outdoor tables on the foreshore, dogs welcome. Perfect post-beach lunch.
Blackman's Brewery
Craft beer and wood-fired pizza, with a large outdoor courtyard that welcomes dogs. The kind of place that ends an afternoon-long walk perfectly.
Foreshore strip cafes
The short strip of cafes along the Esplanade overlooking Front Beach all do takeaway coffee and have outdoor tables — most are dog-friendly outside. Ideal for an early morning coffee mid-walk.
Pet policies can change — confirm with the venue when you arrive, especially during peak summer trade. Bring water for your dog; not every cafe has bowls out.
Day Trips with Your Dog from Torquay
The Great Ocean Road is right on your doorstep — but be aware that dogs are prohibited in the Great Otway National Park, which covers most of the headline destinations (Erskine Falls, Otway rainforest, Cape Otway). Stick to coastal townships and beaches where dogs are welcome.
Anglesea (20 min)
A relaxed coastal town with off-leash sections of beach, dog-friendly cafes, and gentler waves than Torquay. Good for an unhurried morning.
Aireys Inlet (35 min)
Home of the Split Point Lighthouse. The clifftop walk around the lighthouse is on-leash and dog-friendly, with spectacular views over Eagle Rock.
Lorne foreshore (45 min)
The Lorne pier and foreshore are dog-friendly on-leash. Plenty of cafes with outdoor seating. Skip the rainforest (national park) and stick to the coast.
Bellbrae & Moriac wineries
15-minute drive inland. Several cellar doors welcome dogs in their outdoor areas — a relaxed afternoon with the dog asleep under the table.
Practical Tips for Travelling to Torquay with Your Dog
Snake awareness (October to April)
Tiger snakes and copperheads are active across the Surf Coast in warmer months. Keep dogs on leash on bush tracks and in long grass, and don't let them nose into log piles. Closest 24-hour emergency vet is in Geelong, about 25 minutes away.
Beach safety
The Surf Coast surf is real surf — strong rips and shore dump on bigger days. Don't throw a ball into the swell. Whites and Fishermans are safer for water-loving dogs than Front Beach when it's pumping.
Summer heat
January and February can hit the high 30s. Walk early or late, and never leave a dog in a parked car — Surf Coast carparks bake fast. The house has air conditioning throughout.
Local vet
There is a vet clinic in Torquay for in-hours appointments. After-hours, the nearest 24-hour emergency facility is in Geelong, around 25 minutes' drive. Worth saving the addresses on your phone before you arrive.
House Rules for Pets
Pet-Friendly FAQ
How many dogs can I bring?
Two well-behaved dogs is comfortable. Larger groups, please mention it on enquiry — we can usually accommodate, but want to know in advance.
Is there a pet fee?
Mention your dog when you enquire — the host will confirm any pet-related details (cleaning, fees, etc.) directly. Platforms like Airbnb may apply their own pet policies separately.
Are cats allowed too?
Cats are considered case-by-case — please mention on enquiry. The yard is dog-secure but not cat-secure.
Is the yard escape-proof?
The fencing is solid timber and tall enough for most dogs. Diggers and serial escape artists should still be supervised. We can't guarantee it for the most determined breeds.
Can I leave my dog at the house while I go out?
Short trips are fine if your dog is settled. We ask that dogs aren't left for full days inside (anxious or vocal dogs disturb neighbours). The yard is fine for short solo time on warm days with shade and water.
Where's the nearest emergency vet?
There is a vet clinic in Torquay for in-hours appointments. The closest 24-hour emergency facility is in Geelong, about 25 minutes' drive away. The host can share specific contact details on check-in if you'd like.
Planning a trip with a four-legged friend? Get in touch via the enquiry form. The family holiday guide is also worth a read for those travelling with kids and dogs, and our things to do in Torquay guide rounds out your local intel.