Why Does Your Dog Deserve to Join you on Your Vacation on the Mornington Peninsula?


Bring your fury Friend & Stay on the Mornington Peninsula!
How important is your dog to you?
For many people, their furry friend is as much a member of their family as their children or parents. If you feel this way, there are lots of reasons why your canine companion deserves to join you on your holiday on the Mornington Peninsula.
He’s a Member of Your Family
You wouldn’t go on holiday and leave your young kids with the neighbours or in an orphanage, so why would you do this to your poor puppy? Getaway weekends, family holidays, and day trips are occasions when we spend quality time with those we love. You know your dog loves you. If you reciprocate his affection, take him with you on your holiday in the Mornington Peninsula.
Save Money!
Kennels are expensive, and if you ask your neighbours for a favour, they’ll want something in return. However, these days many campsites, holiday lets, and hotels are pet-friendly and will accommodate your best friend for free. Why leave him behind and pay for kennels when you can take him along and pay nothing?
For example, your family could stay in Bayplay Cottage in Blairgowrie at the bottom of the Mornington Peninsula. This holiday letting is only a 5-minute stroll from the beach and pet-friendly. And larger groups could rent Bayplay Lodge, which features 10 bedrooms. It’s 500 m from the beach and dog-friendly.
Dogs Love The Water
You know how much your dog loves splashing through the water. Not when it’s bath time, of course! But walks along the beach aren’t complete without a foray into the rolling surf. And if you’re planning to hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or a kayak, your dog will surely want to ride along.
Whether you’re an expert paddler or a beginner keen to learn, paddling a kayak or a SUP is a great way to explore the coastline along the Mornington Peninsula. Just stick on a life jacket and load your pooch onto the board. It’ll be twice as much fun with your furry friend along for the ride.
If you’re not confident to set off by yourself without experience or tuition, Bayplay offers beginner SUP lessons and Guided Sea Kayak Tours. Once you’re up to speed with a paddle, you’ll have the necessary confidence to take your dog for a spin.
Dogs Love Long Walks
The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its beautiful beaches and breath-taking views. It’s a great area for long walks and sightseeing. And the one member of your family who you can guarantee enjoys walking even more than you do is your dog. Would you really deny him the pleasure of exploring new trails?
Dogs are not permitted within the Mornington Peninsula National Park and Point Nepean National Park to protect native wildlife. However, there are still many scenic areas you can explore with your dog, such as the 1.7 km Hillview Community Reserve Walk and the 6 km out-and-back Red Hill Rail Trail following the old railway line from Merricks to Red Hill.
Dogs Relieve Stress
Everyone knows that holidays can occasionally become stressful. You discover Tiny Tim left his favourite teddy behind, you forgot to pack your hiking shoes, and an ATM machine swallows your card.
Dogs are wonderful at relieving stress. Tiny Tim can cuddle your pup, and he’ll forget all about that teddy. Your dog won’t care that you look funny hiking along the beach in your old wellies. And petting your canine companion can soothe your anxiety when things go wrong.
In your car, dogs divert kids’ attention away from travel sickness and the slow passing of time. In your rented holiday home, your dog will prevent your kids from feeling homesick because you’ve brought a little piece of home along.
Dogs Keep You Fit
It’s natural to overindulge on holidays. What’s one more tinny? And, of course, when you’re not kayaking, you’ll be lounging on the beach or beside the pool at Bayplay Cottage or Bayplay Lodge. That’s why you gain weight on holiday.
Your dog won’t let you slack. He’ll insist on at least one walk every day. Once you’re out in the fresh air, you’ll be encouraged to walk further and faster than you intended. A dog on holiday is better than a diet after.
Dogs Help You Make New Friends
Dogs always enjoy meeting new people. Whether you’re walking along the beach or exploring the peninsula, he’ll provide you with an ice breaker whenever you encounter strangers.
Many people are friendlier towards you when you’re walking a dog. Locals will offer you insider information about the best restaurants and attractions around the Mornington Peninsula, and fellow visitors will want to share their experiences with you.
Another factor to consider is that dog experts recommend puppies are introduced to other dogs while young in order to socialize. This helps your dog to learn how to behave around other canines in public.
Dogs Never Say No
There are occasions on holiday when you want to explore past the next headland or perhaps kayak out to sea, but nobody else in your group wants to go. This leaves you faced with either going alone or not going. However, your dog won’t turn down your invitation. He’s always up for a new adventure.
What’s more, when your family and friends see how enthusiastic your dog is, they might change their minds and come along. Your kids might decide to join you just because your dog will be with you and not back at your holiday rental.
Dogs Make Memories
We make lots of great memories on holiday. When your dog comes along, you’re adding another factor to your family dynamic. The antics he gets up to and his reactions to new sights often leave you laughing.
There Are No Excuses!
In the past, it was often difficult to take your dog along with you on holiday. Hotels wouldn’t let him in, and many of the activities were not dog-friendly. These days, many tourist organizations provide dog-friendly facilities, such as the pet-friendly Bayplay Cottage and Bayplay Lodge. You no longer have a reason to leave your poor puppy behind.
STAY – Bring your pup to the Bayplay Lodge, Cottage or Portsea Retreat Apartments! Find out more information here.