The Victoria Hotel Rutherglen

The Victoria Hotel anchors the Main Street in Rutherglen, one of the grand old pubs of the north east wine district, now trading on a full renovation: rebuilt rooms with high ceilings, a refreshed beer garden and a food offer that leans on the local wines the region is known for. It works as a base for the cellar door circuit as much as a pub to eat and drink in, and the welcoming staff get a regular mention from travellers passing through.

Dogs at the hotel

Per the hotel's own FAQ page, two designated ground floor suites take dogs, one small to medium dog per suite. Guests supply their own dog bed, dogs stay on lead in public areas, stay off the furniture and do their toileting in the outdoor grassed areas only.

An additional cleaning fee applies if extensive cleaning is needed after a stay.

Outside the rooms, well behaved dogs on lead are welcome in the beer garden, which is the natural spot for a late afternoon drink while you work out which winery opens first tomorrow. The main hotel interior and the restaurant stay dog free, so plan meals around the garden or the street.

Weather is the one variable: on a scorching or wet Rutherglen day the garden option shrinks, and the dog cannot come inside to fill the gap.

Rutherglen's cellar doors are the reason most people come. Campbells Wines and Stanton and Killeen Wines both pour within a short drive of the pub, and a dog that settles in the car between tastings makes the circuit easy.

Ask for one of the two ground floor suites at booking rather than at the desk, because dog suites are limited and the arrangement is first in. Pack the dog bed and towels before you leave home since the hotel supplies neither.

For a leg stretch between wineries, the Wahgunyah Rail Trail runs through the river country a few minutes east. The Victoria stays guide covers the rest of the state's dog friendly stays.