Pawsome Australian Road Trips for You and Your Pup to Enjoy.

Looking to hit the road for the summer holidays with your pooch? You’re in good company. Research from Stayz shows that over 2 million Australians took their dogs on holiday last year, and Google searches for ‘dog-friendly road trips Australia’ have jumped by more than 40% in the past 12 months. It’s clear that more of us are chasing adventures we can share with our four-legged mates. And when it comes to road trips, it’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. With that in mind, we took a look at some of the country’s favourite drives and what makes them ideal for travelling with your dog in tow.

 

The Great River Road

The Great River Road in Victoria is the kind of road trip your dog dreams about. Winding alongside the Upper Murray River, it’s lined with sleepy towns, grassy riverbanks and country charm. If your idea of a great escape involves your four-legged best mate riding shotgun, windows down and nose to the breeze, this is the place.

 

Start your journey in Corryong, a town that makes travellers (both human and canine) feel welcome. There are several pet-friendly places to stay, including Snowy Mountain Holidays, where Cottage #1, Cottage #2 and the Miners Cottage all welcome dogs. Some caravan parks also allow pets, but it’s best to check ahead to be sure. Corryong’s wide open spaces and nearby bush walks offer plenty of opportunities for sniffing, exploring and tail-wagging adventure.

 

Heading west, Clarke Lagoon near Walwa is a peaceful spot for a riverside break. The shallow edges of the lagoon are ideal for a paddle, and the surrounding grassy banks are perfect for tossing a ball or laying out a picnic rug. Walwa itself is small but mighty, and a few local stays offer pet-friendly accommodation – again, call ahead, as details can change.

 

Not far down the road is Jingellic Reserve, just over the border into New South Wales. It’s worth the short detour. Park near the old bridge and walk along the river with your dog on lead. There’s plenty of pitstops along the GRR to roam and a laid-back country feel that makes you want to stay a little longer. You might even spot other dog-lovers having lunch by the river or letting their pups stretch their legs after a long drive.

 

As you continue on, Tintaldra Bridge Reserve offers more peaceful riverside calm. Dogs will love the open space, and you’ll appreciate the fresh air and quiet. For a place to stay nearby, Clearwater Caravan Park is pet-friendly and makes a great base if you’re planning to linger in the area. Throughout the trip, you’ll find that most towns welcome dogs with typical country generosity. Still, it’s good practice to keep them on a lead unless signage says otherwise. This stretch of the river is pristine, and it’s on all of us to keep it that way.

 

Legendary Pacific Coast

If your idea of the perfect holiday includes a wagging tail in the rearview mirror, ears flapping in the breeze and a backseat full of sand and slobber, then our next choice of trip is about to become your favourite kind of chaos. Stretching nearly 1,000 kilometres from Sydney to Brisbane, this route winds through beach towns, riverside escapes and lush hinterland, all generously sprinkled with pet-friendly stops to keep the humans fed and the dogs happy. It’s the kind of trip where nobody asks you to leave your best friend behind. In fact, they might just get better service than you.

 

One of your first must-stops is Frankie’s Café in Port Macquarie. Great coffee, friendly locals and outdoor seating made for dogs, it’s a crowd-pleaser for pups and people alike. Head down to Town Beach and you’ll find the Salty Crew Kiosk, another dog-welcoming pit stop where you can refuel while your furry companion lounges under the table pretending they haven’t just rolled in something questionable.

 

Further north, Coffs Harbour offers open stretches of coastline where dogs can stretch their legs and noses. While specific café names change like the tides, a good rule of thumb here is this: if the locals are sipping flat whites with a schnauzer at their feet, you’re in the right place. Many caravan parks and motels in the area are pet-friendly too – some offer fenced yards, others even offer pet-sitting if you want to sneak off for a human-only adventure.

 

Keep rolling and you’ll hit Byron Bay, where the vibe is as relaxed as your dog after a long beach run. Pet-friendly cottages, beachside bungalows, and cafés with water bowls as standard – it’s a canine daydream. Walk along Belongil Beach or Clarke’s Beach during off-lead hours, and you’ll quickly realise your dog thinks you’re the greatest travel agent of all time. Eventually you’ll coast into the Gold Coast, where it’s not just the glitter strip that welcomes four-legged tourists. From Broadwater Parklands to the off-leash heaven of The Spit, there are endless chances to let your dog be part of the action. Many restaurants with alfresco dining here won’t blink twice at a dog under the table and in some cases, they’ll bring them their own menu.

 

By the time you roll into Brisbane, your dog will be a seasoned road tripper with a thousand smells under their collar. One last stop? Method to the Madness in Kenmore. It’s a charming, Shakespearean-inspired café where you can order a boozy brunch while your pup watches curiously from underfoot, probably still thinking about that fish and chip wrapper they tried to eat back in Ballina.

 

The Great Ocean Road

Sure, some of the national parks along the route are off-limits for dogs (those rules are there for a reason, after all), but that doesn’t mean your pup has to sit this one out. This road has plenty of stop-offs where four legs and a wagging tail are welcome to sniff, splash and sprawl. Kick off in Torquay or nearby Anglesea, where many beachside cafés have outdoor tables and water bowls on standby. 

 

Aireys Inlet is a quieter stretch, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a goldmine for dog-friendly holiday homes and sleepy walks along the cliffside. Fairhaven Beach has an off-leash section outside of summer holidays, and your dog will thank you for the chance to run full tilt into the wind. Lorne is where it starts to get lush. While you’ll need to be mindful around the national park boundaries, there are still plenty of places where dogs are welcome to walk by your side. 

 

The town itself is extremely dog-friendly, with a bunch of cafés happy to let pups park themselves under your table while you dig into eggs and bacon. For accommodation, options range from modern beach shacks to rustic cabins in the trees – many of them welcoming dogs with open arms (and often, a treat at check-in).

 

If you’re chasing waterfalls, Beauchamp Falls is technically in Great Otway National Park, so dogs need to sit that one out, but nearby Stevenson Falls has a separate picnic area where dogs are allowed on-lead, and the walk is just long enough to tire out even the most energetic tail-wagger. If you’re lucky, you might even find a little river bend where your dog can dip their paws in for a cool-down. As you cruise toward Apollo Bay and beyond, the landscape opens up and so do the dog-friendly options. Apollo Bay is particularly generous when it comes to Great Ocean Road pet-friendly accommodation, and the main strip is full of cafés and pubs that won’t blink twice at a dog under the table. 

 

Further along in Port Campbell, grab fish and chips and watch the waves crash near the Twelve Apostles viewing area – dogs can’t access the boardwalks, but there’s space nearby to park and take in the view with your furry co-pilot. By the time you reach Allansford, chances are your dog has clocked more fresh air and ocean views than most humans do in a year. And while you may not have been able to take them everywhere, there’s been no shortage of grass under their paws and wind in their fur.

 

Grand Pacific Drive

This stretch of road might only be 140 kilometres long, but the Grand Pacific Drive packs in some serious views. Winding its way from Wollongong down the coast and dipping into Victoria, it’s all about ocean breezes and winding cliffside roads.

 

One of the standout stops for anyone travelling with a pup is Little Austinmer Beach. It’s off-leash, wide open, and has that soft sand dogs love to zoom across. You’ll probably lose count of how many times yours runs back and forth from the waves. And don’t worry about muddy paws or salty fur – there are showers nearby so you can give your sidekick a quick rinse before hopping back in the car. Further along, Shellharbour makes a great pit stop. The cafes here are dog-friendly in the best kind of way – think water bowls out front, treats at the counter, and sunny spots where your dog can flop under the table while you enjoy your coffee. And if you’ve still got energy to burn, there are some gorgeous coastal walks and parks in the area that are perfect for a casual stroll with your four-legged mate.

 

As you make your way to Kiama, a stop at the famous Kiama Blowhole is a must. While dogs aren’t allowed right near the blowhole, there’s plenty of open space in the surrounding parklands for your dog to enjoy.  Along the drive, there’s no shortage of south coast NSW pet-friendly accommodation, from charming coastal cottages to more modern hotels and motels that happily accept dogs. You’ll find plenty of options that cater to both you and your dog. By the time you reach the Shoalhaven region, you’ll have experienced not just the incredible beauty of the Grand Pacific Drive, but also the joy of sharing it with your dog.

 

South West Edge 

This jaw-dropping coastal loop stretches from Perth to Esperance and is packed with pit stops your pup will love just as much as you do. Kick off in Perth, where dog-friendly cafes are easy to come by – most with water bowls and shady spots ready to welcome wagging tails. Once you hit the road, Bunbury makes a brilliant first detour. Not only is it home to off-leash beaches, but the long coastal pathways are perfect for a morning sniff and stroll before coffee.

Then it’s down to Busselton, where the jetty might be off-limits for paws, but there are plenty of grassy areas and dog-friendly parks to explore. Keep cruising and you’ll reach Margaret River. Yes, it’s famous for its wine but did you know that several cellar doors welcome dogs in their outdoor areas? Some even offer dog treats, so no one misses out on a tasting.

Further south, Denmark and Albany deliver big on natural beauty and pup-friendly adventures. Think empty beaches, breezy bushwalks, and plenty of wide-open space to run wild. In Albany, the Luke Pen Walk along the Kalgan River is a winner – easy on the legs and big on views. And over in Denmark, there are cottages, farm stays, and holiday homes that roll out the welcome mat for dogs just as much as humans.

What makes the South West Edge extra special is how easy it is to enjoy the whole experience together. Beach? You can do it. Bushwalk? Bring the leash. Long lunch? There’s usually a shady spot for your sidekick too. It’s all the best parts of a classic road trip, but better because your dog gets to come along for the ride.

 

Nullarbor Plain 

First things first: this isn’t a trip where you just throw a lead in the car and wing it. The Nullarbor is remote, wild, and stunning but it demands a bit of planning, especially with a pet. The good news is, many of the iconic roadhouses along the way, like the Nullarbor Roadhouse, Eucla Motel, and Mundrabilla Roadhouse, welcome dogs. They’re your lifeline out here – offering food, fuel, a comfy bed, and a patch of grass for your pup to stretch out under the stars.

There’s plenty to see out here. Places like the Bunda Cliffs offer spectacular views and are perfect for a quick stroll with your dog (on leash, always). And if you’re lucky enough to be passing through during whale season, the Head of Bight is a must. Dogs aren’t allowed on the viewing platform, but they can wait nearby in the car park if you’ve got a travel buddy to take turns with.

Now, let’s talk safety tips for your pets. This is wild country, and it comes with real risks. One major one? 1080 bait. It’s used widely for pest control across the region and is lethal for dogs – so off-leash frolicking is a no-go. Also, keep an eye out for wildlife. It might be exciting for your dog to spot a kangaroo, but you don’t want that turning into a chase across the desert. You’ll also want to plan your drive to avoid early mornings and dusk (prime time for roos on the road)  and keep your dog hydrated. It gets hot out here. Really hot. So shade, water, and regular breaks aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential. Tick checks are also smart after every stop, especially if you’ve ventured into bushy areas.

Sure, it’s remote. Yes, it’s a bit wild. But with the right planning, the Nullarbor makes for a dog-friendly road trip that feels like a proper adventure. It’s the kind of journey you’ll tell stories about for years, with your four-legged mate snoozing in the backseat, dreaming of red dust and open roads.

Pack Your Bags, Grab Your Pup, and Start Your Journey 

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sniffing out beachside cafés, or simply watching the world go by with your best mate riding shotgun, Australia’s got no shortage of dog-friendly drives worth exploring. With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you and your pup can turn any road trip into a tail-wagging memory. 

 

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