Panmure Swimming Hole

Panmure Swimming Hole is a free, 24-hour rest area and campground on Mount Emu Creek, right on the Princes Highway between Warrnambool and Terang. The defining draw is a natural freshwater swimming hole paired with a pet-friendly free camp, making it a practical overnight stop or road-trip break if you are travelling with your dog along Victoria's west coast.

The pet policy. Dogs are welcome at the campground and the swimming hole, and they are generally allowed to swim in Mount Emu Creek. Keep your dog on a lead within the designated campground area to respect other campers. There are no dedicated pet facilities, so bring your own bowls, water, and waste bags, and clean up all dog waste.

The place. Expect a large grassy free camp with a small camp kitchen and picnic area, plus toilets and BBQs. The swimming hole itself is the centrepiece, with a diving board and a tree swing. Access is free and available 24 hours, so it works equally well as a deliberate stop or an unplanned pull-over.

Getting there. The address is 8830 Princes Hwy, Panmure VIC 3265, between Warrnambool and Terang. Access is direct off the Princes Highway (A1), and a large, free parking lot sits right at the campground and swimming hole site.

Nearby with the dogs. You can walk your dog along the banks of Mount Emu Creek, away from the immediate camping area. For a longer outing, Warrnambool is a 20-25 minute drive west. See our listings for Panmure Campground next door, plus Warrnambool stops like Rough Diamond, Victoria Park Community Dog Park, and Beaches Cafe & Bar.

Summer is the obvious time to visit if you want to use the swimming hole, but the rest area is open year-round and free to access at any hour. If you are driving the Princes Highway with your dog, it is a straightforward, no-cost stop that does the job without any fuss.

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.