Dog-Friendly Torquay, VIC: Beaches, Walks & Places to Eat

Planning a pet-friendly escape to Victoria’s surf coast? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re house sitting in Torquay or enjoying a getaway with your four-legged friend, this gorgeous coastal town is full of dog-friendly beaches, cafes, and walks.

In this guide, we’ll share top tips for pet parents visiting the area, like where to eat, walk, and play, as well as advice for Torquay pet sitters. Read on to find out everything you need to know about dog-friendly Torquay, Victoria!

Dog-friendly beaches, Torquay

First stop, a Torquay dog beach adventure! The Surf Coast Shire Council has specific rules around where pooch pals can roam, with some beaches allowing off-leash fun all year round and others having seasonal or time-based restrictions. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the top dog-friendly beaches in Torquay. Just remember to check local signage or visit the Council’s website for the most up-to-date map of dog zones.

Whites Beach

Furry friends are welcome off-leash at all times east of Aquilla Avenue. It’s a great social spot with plenty of room to run, a creek to splash in, and lots of four-legged friends to meet. Facilities include a poop bag dispenser, a wheelchair-accessible toilet, a shower, and a tap for rinsing off sandy paws or grabbing a drink.

Location: Whites Beach, Victoria, Australia

Point Impossible Surf Beach

A little further along the coast, the stretch of white sand west of Rocky Point is a secluded, dog-friendly area where off-leash play is permitted. Note that clothing is optional in some sections of the beach!

Location: 425 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Jan Juc Beach

This popular surf beach is a timeshare zone, meaning dogs aren’t allowed between 9am and 7pm from December 1 to February 28 and over Easter weekend. Outside these times, pups can enjoy off-leash walks and playtime.

Location: Jan Juc Beach, Victoria 3228, Australia

Fishermans Beach

Another timeshare zone in Torquay, Fishermans Beach is off-leash-friendly during certain times of the year. It’s quieter than many of the other Torquay beaches, but still has parking and options for food & drink nearby.

Location: The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Torquay Surf Beach

Like Jan Juc and Fishermans Beach, this spot allows off-leash access during specific periods. It’s a popular place for surfers, so be mindful of others in the water and share the space responsibly.

Location: Torquay Surf Beach, Victoria, Australia

Summary of off-leash access

All-year-round off-leash access:

Whites Beach (east of Aquilla Avenue)
Point Impossible Surf Beach (west of Rocky Point)

Timeshare zones (no dogs allowed between 9am-7pm from Dec 1 – Feb 28 and Easter):

Fishermans Beach
Yellow Bluff
Front Beach
Torquay Surf Beach
Half Moon Bay
Bird Rock
Jan Juc Beach

No dogs allowed at any time:

Point Danger, Torquay

Remember to check the Surf Coast Shire Council’s current regulations for exact times and zones.

Dog-friendly restaurants, Torquay

Looking for a bite to eat where your four-legged friend can join you? Torquay has plenty of great spots for dog-friendly dining.

Bomboras Restaurant

Known for its seafood, veggie, and meat options, humans and their pooch pals are welcome to share a table at Bomboras on the decking or out front.

Location: 37 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Doc Hughes

Priding themselves on fresh ingredients and a range of delicious drinks, Doc Hughes is the ideal place to swing by after some time with the dogs at the beach. With a pet-friendly outdoor area, it’s a great spot to enjoy ocean views with your pup by your side.

Location: 23 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Fishos Torquay

If you’re eating fish, it makes sense to be sitting on Torquay beach front, right? Fishos offers a fresh take on seafood, with its lively beach shack feel and dog-friendly policy in the outdoor seating areas.

Location: 36 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Betty’s Burgers

You can’t go wrong with American-style burgers, fries, and shakes, especially with your furry friend at the table. This 1950s-themed burger bar will combat your cravings, and it’s got dog-friendly outdoor seating.

Location: 41 Bristol Rd, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes, Torquay

More of an early bird? Take your four-legged friend to fuel up for the day at one of these dog-friendly cafes.

The Salty Dog Cafe

The extremely popular Salty Dog Cafe is ideal for a light breakfast or a morning pick-me-up. Dogs are welcome to hang out with you on the tables outside, whether salty or not!

Location: 47 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Mortadeli

For an Italian treat, head to Mortadeli for fresh pasta and gourmet sandwiches. Pooch pals are welcome in the outdoor seating area, or grab your goodies to go and have a picnic on the beach.

Location: Shop 8/4-6 Gilbert St, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Pond Cafe

Known for its all-day brunch and ocean views, Pond Cafe is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The outdoor space is dog-friendly and often buzzing with furry guests.

Location: 39 The Esplanade, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

The Kiosk, Torquay

Fresh, healthy bites are served fast at The Kiosk; perfect for a fuss-free breakfast or a snack after exploring the surf shops nearby. Pups are welcome at the outdoor tables.

Location: Shop 3/61 Geelong Rd, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Sticks and Stones Cafe Torquay

This creative cafe serves up artisan coffee and inventive breakfast and lunch dishes, with plenty of veggie and vegan options. Four-legged friends can join in the relaxed outdoor space.

Location: Sticks & Stones is located next to Oakley, 61 Surf Coast Hwy, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Swell Foods & Coastal Catering

Known for its mouthwatering breakfast and lunch options, Swell Foods has been a local institution in Jan Juc since 1998. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and a great place to relax post-surf.

Location: Stuart Ave, Jan Juc VIC 3228, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs, Torquay

Many pubs and breweries in Australia are dog-friendly, and the following spots are no exception!

Blackman's Brewery

Blackman’s Brewery is the place for craft beer and company, with a great variety of house beers, wood-fired pizza, and furry friends galore! Pups are welcome in the beer garden, where they can hang out by your side while you enjoy a beer and a bite to eat.

Location: 26 Bell St, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

4 Pines x Boardriders Torquay

Quench your post-surf thirst at this cool pit stop, where furry friends are actively encouraged to join. Don’t miss the monthly Paws n Pints event in the beer garden!

Location: Shop 1/61 Surf Coast Hwy, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Jan Juc Beach, Torquay, VIC

Dog-friendly parks & walks, Torquay

When in doubt, get those paws moving! Of all the other dog-friendly places in Torquay, the best thing to do is get out in nature!

Spring Creek Reserve

This is a peaceful place for a wander along the creek, and furry friends are allowed to explore off-leash here, as long as no organized events are happening.

Location: 1A Geelong Rd, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Jan Juc Beach to Bob Petite Reserve walk

Start at Jan Juc Beach car park and follow the sandy path through Jan Juc Creek Reserve. It’s a scenic 2 km walk, and furry friends can be off-leash in most of the area – just keep them leashed near the playground.

Location: 31 Carnarvon Ave, Jan Juc VIC 3228, Australia

Length: 2 km

Deep Creek Reserve

With 4km of walking paths, Deep Creek is great for a longer leg stretch. Pups are welcome off-leash along the outer edges –just steer clear of the playground and central areas, where pups aren’t allowed.

Location: Deep Creek Reserve, 43 Orungal Ct, Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Length: 4km one way

Ocean Acres Reserve

Furry friends are allowed to roam off-leash throughout this quiet park, except in the playground area.

Location: Torquay VIC 3228, Australia

Aerial view of Torquay Beach along the Great Ocean Road, Australia

Tips for pet parents in Torquay

Travel safely with your pup

When driving around Torquay (or getting there), make sure your pooch is safely secured in a harness or travel crate to avoid distractions. Never leave them alone in a parked car – especially on warm days, when temperatures can rise quickly.

Connect with local pet parents

Chatting with local pet parents at the park or beach is a great way to learn more about the best places to go with your pup. It will also help you build a little community while you’re visiting – who can say no to that?

Plan ahead for time away

While there’s lots to keep you and your pooch busy in Torquay, there may be times when you have to travel without them. To make sure your furry family member gets the best possible care during your time away, it’s a good idea to find a pet sitter well in advance of your trip.

With TrustedHousesitters, you can connect with sitters living both near and far, who’ll provide loving in-home pet care in return for a place to stay on their travels.

Find out more

Tips for pet sitters in Torquay

Explore dog-friendly beaches and parks

Torquay is full of beautiful places to explore with a four-legged friend, from Whites Beach and Point Impossible to Spring Creek Reserve. Be sure to check the Surf Coast Shire Council’s off-leash rules and timeshare zones, so you don’t end up in a no-dog zone by accident.

Ask the locals

Torquay’s a changing place, and what’s dog-friendly today might not be tomorrow. While we’ve listed plenty of top spots, nothing beats a tip from a local. Don’t be shy – ask pet parents for their go-to cafes, walking trails, or quiet beach spots.

Give house and pet sitting a go

If you love animals and want to explore Torquay like a local, house and pet sitting is the way to go. You get to stay in a home away from home, enjoy the company of pets, and experience everyday life in one of Victoria’s most beautiful beach towns.