Roamer St Kilda

Roamer St Kilda on Grey Street is a hostel-style stay a short walk from the beach, and it is one of the few hostels in Melbourne that takes dogs at all. Formerly Base Backpackers and later Selina, it has private rooms as well as dorms, a rooftop, and the whole St Kilda foreshore starting at the end of the street. It is a budget base for travellers with a dog rather than a quiet boutique retreat.

Dogs at the Roamer

Dogs and cats are accepted in designated pet-friendly rooms, with no stated size limit, for a fee of around AU$15 per pet per night. Service animals are exempt. The pet-friendly rooms are private rooms, not dorm beds, and they are limited in number, so message the property before you book to confirm one is actually available for your dates. Policies and fees can shift, so reconfirm the current charge at check-in.

The vibe

Expect a social, backpacker atmosphere: comfy beds, privacy curtains in shared spaces, good showers and a rooftop where the evening crowd gathers. The reviews most often mention the beds, the location and the staff. It suits confident, easygoing dogs that cope with foot traffic, noise and other animals. A nervous or reactive dog will find the corridor noise and comings and goings hard going, and you may be better off with an apartment-style stay.

Location and getting around

You are within walking distance of the beach, the Acland Street and Fitzroy Street cafe strips, and Luna Park. Trams along St Kilda Road and Fitzroy Street put the CBD about 25 minutes away, and street parking around Grey Street is metered and tight, which matters if you are arriving with a car and a dog.

Pepsi: A hostel with a dog is a funny idea, but it works here if your dog rolls with crowds. Book the pet room directly, not through a third party, and keep the beach walks early before the strip fills up.

While you're out there

The St Kilda Beach Dog Off Leash Area is the obvious morning run, and the Peanut Farm Reserve Dog Off Leash Area gives a grass option inland. For a coffee stop with the dog, Hello Sparrow Cafe is nearby. See the full range of pet friendly stays in Victoria or browse more around St Kilda.