A family break wouldn’t be complete without every member of the household. That includes your dog. Camping is tempting because it’s all-inclusive. There are typically lots of open spaces for your pet to explore, run around and get plenty of exercise.
We’re so lucky to be in a country that embraces outdoor living. Our favourable climate has contributed to the popularity of camping as well as many caravan parks now offering facilities that would be the envy of the finest hotels.
Read on and make dog-friendly travel a breeze as we investigate where to travel with dogs by state, right across the land of plenty.
Queensland
“We love dogs!” That’s one of this campsite’s favourite mantras. Let your dog run free and make new mates in the off-leash areas.
There are 20 dog-friendly cabins to choose from. This site even has a DIY doggy wash. So, don’t forget to pack your luxury pet products and get your pet squeaky clean after playing on one of the neighbouring dog-friendly beaches.
- 66-86 Siganto Drive, Helensvale QLD 4212
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut, Qld
Dog-friendly travel is defined at this 11-hectare landscaped tropical oasis. This location has what they call a dog agility park. It’s a place designed to allow pets to play safely together in a controlled environment. There are holes, ramps and tunnels to explore and mess around in with other dogs. They’ll be pulling on the leash to get there every morning!
- 23-51 Anderson Road, Woree Cairns QLD 4868
Minjerribah Camping, North Stradbroke Island
You and your pet will have the chance to pitch your tent along Flinders or Main Beach. You will though need a tough 4WD to get to the campgrounds. You’ll also have to take the car ferry to North Stradbroke Island from Cleveland. What a treat when you get there!
You must keep dogs on their leashes, however, there are 2 “off-leash” areas at Home Beach, between Rocky Point and Rocky Headland and at Skatebowl Park in Dunwich for a runabout and frolicking with other like-minded pooches.
- info@minjerribahcamping.net.au
New South Wales
All dogs get spoiled here as Tathra Beach Side offers them a ‘welcome’ dog treat on arrival. There’s a vast array of pet-friendly sites you can book, all just metres from the beautiful dog-friendly Tathra Beach.
This campsite has a warm doggy wash station too, so remember to bring all your favourite dog grooming products. Dog-friendly travel just got even easier at Tathra Beach.
- 2 Andy Poole Drive Tathra NSW 2550
Here, there are shady tie-up areas for your dog, special drinking stations, and doggie bag dispensers throughout the park. Rather than simply walking your dog, you could actually take them paddle boarding or kayaking and become a YouTube sensation by showcasing their talents.
The park offers dog baths and you also have the option of making use of the dog-sitting service. Dogs are welcome all year round here.
- 50 Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach NSW 2450
Delicate campground, in Goolawah Regional Park
This area is for the adventurous who are looking for a wilder experience. Close to Crescent Head, it offers beach and caravan camping. It welcomes those bringing their dogs. This is the ideal Kempsey region camping spot.
The delicate campground is one of only a handful of beach camping parks in northern NSW to permit doggy access. They are however limited to particular areas.
Dog-friendly travel includes enjoying the freedom of walking your pet on an “off-leash beach”. Let them snuggle up beside you in your tent for an evening under the stars. These are the moments when memories are made!
- info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Victoria
Along with many acres of park and fenced camping and caravan sites, this retreat also boasts luxury dog kennels for days you fancy venturing out without your pet. For your dog, it’ll be a holiday within a holiday.
There’s a special dog playground with a giant dog ball run that’ll give them plenty of exercise and keep them entertained. They can even relax in the hydrobath hut or venture out around in the 6 securely fenced-off dog exercise areas.
- Tarra Valley Rainforest, SE Gippsland VIC 3971
South Australia
This campsite boasts hundreds of acres of prime farm stay and bush so there’s no shortage of space for your dog to roam. The retreat has its own private beach for guests and their pets to enjoy. Dogs stay here at no extra charge.
- 21423 Flinders Highway, Port Kenny South Australia 5671
Northern Territory
This site has a dedicated off-leash run area for your dog to let off steam and socialise with other visiting pets. There’s also a coin-operated “K-9000” dog wash to keep them looking their best so make sure you pack their favourite dog shampoo and conditioner.
There’s a small charge for dogs staying in a cabin but no charge for them on camping sites.
- 40 Ragonesi Rd, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Western Australia
Broome’s Gateway Pet-Friendly Caravan Park & Lodge
This dog-friendly travel caravan park has a large fenced off, grassy dog run where visiting dogs can get to know one another. There’s a Wash Down Bay for your cars, boats, vans and the occasional dog, apparently! The park offers day kennels and pet-sitting services too.
- 3000 Broome Rd, Broome WA 6725
Tasmania
At this park, you’ll find a special doggie playpen. The location also offers dog-sitting services. Although there’s no dedicated dog wash area, you can use the wash-down bays onsite after a playful day on the beach just a few metres away.
- 786 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay TAS 7150
Australian Capital Territory
This Park has 2 pet-friendly bungalows and 4 “dog freedom sites” which have a fencing enclosure for dogs to enjoy and where they can roam off the leash. Although this caravan park doesn’t offer any dog-specific services yet, it has partnered with neighbouring small businesses. These include doggy daycare and pet care services.
- 47 Bidges Rd, Sutton NSW 2620
Pack Your Luxury Pet Products
Travelling with your beloved pooch is a lot of fun for the whole family but you need to be sure there’s somewhere safe and pet friendly to stay. Whichever of our destinations you choose, you’ll be sure to reap the benefits of dog-friendly travel with a fun holiday for the whole family.
We at Plush Puppy have put together a dog-friendly travel kit to help keep your dog clean and healthy while you’re away. Many of our suggested campsites have special doggy washing areas and these can be especially useful if your dog loves to splash about in the sea after a long run on the beach.
And for those dogs that can get a little anxious in a car trip, make sure you take our Travel Well essence drops to help alleviate sickness and anxiety around travelling.
