June 23, 2021
8 Best Travel Spots in Australia to Explore with Your Dog
Here are the 8 best travel spots in Australia to explore with your dog.
Australia is a fantastic continent with incredible flora and unique wildlife, worth exploring and getting familiar with. And as a pet owner, you may want to have your four-legged companion by your side to experience these new places together or you simply do not have anybody to leave it with while you’re away.
If you are planning to travel around Australia with your dog, this article will provide a list of pet-friendly destinations in Australia, including Great Ocean Road and Gippsland in Victoria, Port Stephens in New South Wales, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast in Queensland, Tasmania, and so many more.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Famous for its road with the same name, Great Ocean Road is one of the best destinations to explore with your dog in Australia. It is a 132 km long scenic route that stretches between Torquay and Allambie Heights, with numerous walking trails and cycling tracks along the way.
There are many incredible things to do along the route. You can visit the seaside town of Apollo Bay, enjoy swimming in the pristine Shipwreck Coast, go fishing at Lorne, or visit the famous 12 Apostles rock formations.
It is important to note that there are restrictions on where you can walk your dog in this area – read our tips on the best dog-friendly walks in the area. You must always keep your pet on leash on beaches and inland areas except for designated parks. Read on for the best pet-friendly accommodation in the area.
Gippsland, Victoria
Another fantastic destination to explore with your dog is Gippsland in Victoria, which features a number of beautiful places. For example, you can visit the Snowy River, a river that flows through the region and is known for its trout fishing spots or take a boat ride on Alberton Lake together.
Port Stephens, New South Wales
Port Stephens has a lot to offer all kinds of travellers. Beautiful dog-friendly beaches such as Bagnalls, Fingal Bay and Birubi Beach at Anna Bay is located with the Stockton Sand Dunes which run behind. You can find a great coastal walk between Bagnalls Beach and Little Beach with spectacular scenery. There are a number of caravan parks in the area that allow pets or if you are looking for something upmarket try Bannisters Port Stephens.
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Sunshine Coast is a popular destination for tourists travelling with their dogs because it has an awesome climate and beautiful beaches. With many things to do in the area, you can have an unforgettable vacation together with your pet, including a visit to the Surfing Dog Spectacular at The Noosa Festival of Surfing held in March, the picturesque Maleny trail or Noosa Botanic Gardens, to enjoy a quiet walk with a spectacular view of Lake Macdonald, and soak up the tranquillity with your pooch.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Gold Coast is the perfect holiday destination for everyone who loves beaches and water sports! The area offers various activities which you can enjoy with your dog. For instance, you can go surfing and body-boarding at Burleigh Heads, Currumbin; swim at Coolangatta Beach, or the very popular The Spit. If yoga’s your thing, then you’ll enjoy Doga with your pup at Coolangatta Beach Front. Bookings by request. Call on 0402 717 742
Hobart, Tasmania
Tasmania is known for its striking natural beauty and unique wildlife. However, suppose you want to discover Tasmania with your dog as well. In that case, you should definitely visit Hobart – the city capital of Tasmania – and its two surrounding regions: the South and East Coast.
The city itself has a lot of exciting things for tourists to do. You will also find some excellent dog-friendly places around Hobart. Check out Elizabeth Street Pier, Mount Nelson Hotel’s beer garden, Tasmanian Tiger Brewery & Beer Hall, Salamanca Market’s Doggies Lounge, and many others.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin is an exciting destination for travellers who are looking for a warm climate with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Are you planning to travel there with your dog? You will find many interesting things to do in the area. If visiting national parks are on your itinerary, but dogs aren’t welcome, luckily the nearby caravan park offers pet sitting while you explore. BIG4 Howard Springs offers pet guests a dog-minding and grooming service. Considering nearby national parks like Litchfield and Kakadu doesn’t accept dogs, this is a great way for pet owners to get the best of both worlds.
In Conclusion
Australia is a great place to travel with your dog because you will find numerous dog-friendly places in every state and territory. And if you are looking for some inspiration, we hope our list of the 8 best travel spots in Australia to explore with your dog comes in handy.
Also, before you go for your big Australian road trip, make sure you prepare yourself and your dog. Provide them with enough food, water, and toys. It’s also recommended to double-check whether your dog has everything it needs to travel. For instance, you should equip it with a proper crate and if you are travelling with an anxious pet, you could try calming treats or CBD oil for dogs to keep them calm and comfortable. That way, you’ll make your trip much more enjoyable and less stressful.