Ocean Crest Motel

Ocean Crest Motel sits on the coast at Hayborough, effectively the eastern end of Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The policy that sets it apart for dog owners is simple: dogs of any size are accepted at AUD$40 per dog, per night, with no weight limit, which makes it one of the few straightforward options for travellers with large dogs on this stretch of coast.

Dogs at Ocean Crest

Dogs only: cats are not accepted. The fee is $40 per dog per night on top of the room rate, with certified service animals exempt. Pets are restricted to specific designated dog-friendly rooms, and those rooms need to be approved in advance, so call the motel on +61 8 8552 3233 and lock in a pet room for your dates rather than booking online and assuming one will be allocated.

The vibe

A family-run-style motel with clean rooms, comfortable beds and family-size rooms available. An attached restaurant and cafe operate on site, with fish and chips a recurring mention in guest reviews, and the staff have a reputation for friendliness, which helps when you are coordinating a pet check-in. It suits road-trippers crossing the Fleurieu and families who want a coastal base near Victor Harbor without boutique pricing.

Beach rules out front

The Hayborough foreshore between The Bluff and Chiton Rocks follows the City of Victor Harbor's timed rules rather than a blanket ban. From October to March, dogs are off-leash under effective control between 6pm and 10am, and on a lead of two metres or less from 10am to 6pm. From April to September the whole stretch is off-leash around the clock under effective control. The sand dunes near the Hindmarsh and Inman river estuaries are on-leash all year, every hour, so keep off the dunes.

Close by with the dogs

For a secure off-lead run whatever the hour, the Victor Harbor Fenced Dog Park is the closest fenced option, and Qahwa Coffee Roasters and Espresso Bar in Victor Harbor is the post-walk coffee stop. Trip planning continues on the Hayborough destination page and the South Australia dog-friendly stays guide.