Journeys

Top 5 pet friendly holiday destinations in Australia

15th Apr 2021

For our fellow dog owners out there, we know that one of the hardest parts about planning a holiday is having to leave your fur-kid at home. But fear not, we’ve come up with a list of our top five pet friendly destinations so you can escape for some fun bonding time with your pooch.

From beachside getaways, pet friendly cafes and rugged bushland adventures, you and your best pal are sure to have the best time. If you and your pooch love coastal destinations, then you might like to check out our list of top dog friendly beaches next.

Gippsland, Victoria

One of our favourite pet friendly holiday destinations is Gippsland. Whether you’d like to plan a spread-out road trip or a quick weekend getaway, there’s something for everyone.

Plan your stay at the Best Friend Holiday Retreat in Tarra Valley, located 204kms from Melbourne CBD. With fully fenced facilities, a doggy playground and 10 acres of parkland and gardens, this is the ultimate pet friendly getaway. After exploring your new headquarters, gear up for the wonderland of attractions surrounding this little retreat. A 30-minute drive to the start of 90 Mile Beach will take you to the off-leash spot at Woodside Beach. Within a short drive is Port Albert, where you can take a walk along the coast and enjoy the beautiful views from the jetty. For any activities your pet can’t join you on, the retreat offers luxury dog kennels so you know your best bud will be living their best life no matter what.

Wrap up your escape by detouring to Inverloch and enjoy the sheltered dog friendly waters of Anderson Inlet beach.

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

Venture north of Sydney along the coast to Coffs Harbour, with offers plenty of caravan park options. One of our favourite pet friendly stays the Corindi Beach Holiday Park. This relaxed coastal setting is the ideal way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors and offers plenty of activities for the whole family – fur kids included. With an onsite tennis court, playground and skate park, the kids will be sure to remain entertained throughout your visit. The direct access to Corindi Beach makes it the perfect spot to take your dog for a walk and if need be, the park has its own dog wash. No need to worry about sandy paws in your caravan!

Dogs are welcome in all State Forests across the Coffs coast so be sure to gear up for some serious exploration. There are endless trails, rivers and waterfalls to explored – we recommend checking out Orara East State Forest with its stunning walking tracks and breathtaking waterfalls. During your stay you’ll also want to take advantage of all the food spots Coffs Harbour has to offer. If  you really want to spoil your dog you’ll both love Maggie’s Dog Café.

Moonta Bay, South Australia

Located in the Copper Coast region of the Yorke Peninsula, you and your dog will be soaking up paradise, with sandy white beaches and pristine blue waters. The Moonta Bay Holiday Park is the ultimate pet friendly base for your stay, located 167kms from Adelaide. You can take advantage of all the Yorke Peninsula has to offer as dogs are welcome off leash on all beaches in this area (excluding National Parks). Be sure to check out Marion Bay during your stay for a dip and an enchanting walk along the beach. Then, wrap up your day with a wood fired pizza or some seaside fish and chips. Also within close proximity to the caravan park is the picturesque Port Hughes which features breathtaking views and endless fishing opportunities.

Margaret River, Western Australia

Surrounded by serene bushland, breathtaking beaches and plenty of pet friendly campsites is Margaret River. We recommend checking out the Flinders Bay Caravan Park, 318kms south of Perth. This relaxed caravan is Augusta’s only beachfront holiday park. It features beautiful scenery and all the facilities you need for a quiet escape. Flinders Bay is located a short walking distance, and just a little further south you can find a designated dog exercise beach.

There are many dog friendly beaches to choose from around Margaret River so be ready for plenty of little pit stops while you explore the area. You will also find a huge list of wineries, breweries and cafes that will welcome you and your pooch with open arms. Take your pick from The White Elephant Beach Café, Hamelin Bay Wines and Swings and Roundabouts

Goomburra, Queensland

Goomburra is another great destination of dog lovers. We recommend setting your base at the Gordon Country Campgrounds in Goomburra, 163kms from Brisbane. This stunning yet rugged destination is a working cattle property set on more than 4,000 acres and bordering the Great Dividing Range. Adventure is certainly guaranteed with plenty of bush walking, swimming and four-wheel driving opportunities. If you and your dog are up to it, there’s also many mountain peaks to explore on a hike.

 

Where are some of your favourite pet friendly travel destinations? Be sure to get involved and let us know on our Facebook and Instagram.