Shady Acres Caravan Park

Shady Acres Caravan Park sits on about 12 acres of native bushland at Warrenheip, just off the Western Highway on Ballarat's eastern approach, and it takes a straightforward line on dogs: leashed dogs are welcome across powered sites, camping areas and the pet-friendly cabins. For travellers rolling in off the highway who want a quieter, bush-set base rather than an in-town park, it does the job without fuss.

Dogs at the park

The rules are conventional but firm. Dogs stay on a lead or secured at all times, cannot be left unattended in the park, and excessive barking is not tolerated. Droppings need to be picked up immediately. In cabins, dogs are not permitted on the beds or furniture, and an extra cleaning fee may apply. Exact pet fees and any size limits are not published, so confirm both when you book.

The setup

Mature gum trees give the park its name and most of its shade, with open grassy space between sites for a lead walk without leaving the grounds. Facilities include a camp kitchen, a BBQ area and a seasonal pool that runs from December through April. Amenities are kept clean, and the overall feel is calmer than Ballarat's larger caravan parks. There are also quiet country roads around Warrenheip that suit an on-lead stretch if you want more distance than the walking loops inside the bushland.

Getting there and parking

The park is at M8/9435 National Highway, Warrenheip VIC 3352, on the highway's eastern approach to Ballarat, so access is direct for vans and motorhomes with no tight suburban navigation. Central Ballarat, with its shops and cafes, is a short drive west.

Close by with the dogs

In the same suburb, Dalchini cafe, bar and Indian restaurant covers a sit-down meal minutes from the park gate. Over in Ballarat East, Pennyweight Park fenced dog park is the spot for an off-leash run, and Woodmanshill Motel and Caravan Park is the alternative in-town base if your dates do not line up.

More options around the city are on the Ballarat destination page, and the full list is in the VIC stays index.

Max: bring a long lead. The grassy gaps between the gum trees are made for a slow sniff, but the lead rule is the lead rule here.