Corio Bay Motel

The Corio Bay Motel sits on the Princes Highway at Corio, on Geelong's northern side, and it is one of the few budget motels in that corridor that has made room for dogs. This is a straightforward roadside stopover rather than a boutique stay: you book the designated Dog Friendly Queen Room, park right outside, and you are set up for the night. It suits travellers passing through Geelong, working dogs' owners on a job, or anyone who wants a cheap bed that does not mean leaving the dog in the car.

Dogs at the Corio Bay Motel

The motel runs a dedicated Dog Friendly Queen Room, so pets are not scattered across the property; you need to book that specific room rather than turning up with a dog and hoping. Small to medium dogs are the target guests, with a maximum of two dogs per booking. A water bowl is supplied in the room, and the dog-friendly room is strictly non-smoking. Pet fees are not published consistently online, so call the motel directly to confirm the current charge and availability for your dates before you lock anything in.

The room itself is a standard queen with all linen and bedspreads supplied, air conditioning and heating, and a small kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, kettle and toaster. Free Wi-Fi, a seating area, a hairdryer and an ironing board round out the basics, and there is off-street parking directly outside, which makes unloading crates and dog gear easy. Reviews on general upkeep are mixed, so it is worth inspecting the room on arrival and raising anything with the front desk straight away.

Worth knowing

Because you are on the highway side of Corio, most dog walking happens a few minutes' drive away rather than at the door. Corio Stead Park Dog Park is the closest fenced option for an off-lead run, and Seagull Paddock Dog Park in Norlane is another nearby choice if the first is busy. Both are short hops back toward the motel.

Close by with the dogs

For coffee the next morning, The Paddock Bakery in North Geelong and Pavilion Geelong are both pet-friendly stops on the way into town. If you would rather aim higher up the price bracket on a future trip, Oaks R Suites Geelong in the CBD is a more polished pet-friendly alternative. See the full list of dog friendly stays in VIC or what's on offer around Corio before you book.