State-by-State: Pet-Friendly Summer Getaways + Booking Tips 

Summer in Australia is made for road trips — windows down, your favourite snacks, and your four-legged sidekick by your side. More and more of us are choosing to holiday with our pets, and thankfully, plenty of places are getting better at welcoming them properly (not just “pets considered on request”).

According to an article on News.com,au, ‘The most pet-friendly destinations in Australia were Rye (Victoria), Rainbow Beach, (Qld), Mudgee (NSW), Robe (SA) and Dunsborough (WA).’ 

At Pet Friendly Accommodation, we spend the year tracking down stays where animals are genuinely welcome — the kind with real thought put into welcome treats on arrival, shade, space, and the little details that make travel easier. Here’s a state-by-state round-up of great summer escapes, plus a handful of booking tips to help your trip run smoothly.

This post is in collaboration with Knose, award-winning Pet Insurance in Australia and Travelling with Pets Guidebook.

New South Wales

From coastlines to cool-climate hideaways, NSW is packed with pet-friendly options.

South Coast
Jervis Bay, Ulladulla and Merimbula are classics for a reason: dog-friendly beaches, holiday parks and beach houses that often come with fenced yards, outdoor showers and shady corners for hot afternoons. Try boutique beach cabin accommodation in the heart of Huskisson at The Sandcastles, which offer 3 charming 3-bedroom cabins.

Blue Mountains
Prefer crisp mornings and long walks? Katoomba, Blackheath and Wentworth Falls have plenty of cosy cottages and pet-welcoming stays. Many of the walks on the outskirts of national parks are dog-friendly — ideal if you want nature without breaking the rules.  Leura Gardens Resort offers pet-friendly accommodation – book your furry friend into one of their Courtyard Rooms.

Don’t forget to try these 7 dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains.

Hunter Valley
A favourite with pet lovers, especially for weekenders. You’ll find outdoor winery seating, farm stays and boutique lodges that happily host pets. It gets warm in summer, so aim for early starts and late afternoons. Neudorf Country Retreat is a self-contained 2-bedroom cottage set in the heart of the Hunter Valley countryside, and offers tranquillity on 100 acres of pristine bush – pets must be restrained to protect the precious wildlife.

 

Victoria

Perfect for road-trippers who want to blend coast, countryside and cooler inland towns.

Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay and Lorne have loads of dog-friendly cabins and beach houses. Apple Tree Cottage in Apollo Bay is perfect for couples, here you can relax and enjoy a wine by the fire or in the spa bath.  Countrywide Cottages near Lorne offers four self-contained cottages that are fully fenced. Horses and birds are also welcome. There are lots of dog-friendly beaches within half an hour’s drive. Just double-check beach rules — some off-leash areas change over summer.

Mornington Peninsula
One of Australia’s most pet-friendly destinations. Off-leash beach times, pet-welcoming wineries and plenty of accommodation options make it an easy choice. We recommend Seafarer’s Cottage for a weekend away with your pooch.

High Country
If you’d rather skip the coastal crowds, Bright, Mansfield and Beechworth are brilliant: cooler nights, more space, and lots of dog-friendly outdoor dining. Located about 13 kilometres from Mount Hotham Alpine Resort, Dinner Plain Alpine Village offers some pet-friendly properties or Riverbank Park Motel has comfortable rooms for a restful stay for those travelling with pets.

For pet-friendly ferry information between the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula read more about Searoad Ferries. 

 

Image courtesy of @searoadferries

Queensland

Tropical, sunny, and very do-able with pets — you just need to plan around the heat.

Sunshine Coast
Caloundra, Coolum and Noosa North Shore are regular favourites. Many stays have secure fencing, shaded outdoor areas, and easy access to dog beaches. Saltwater Villas in Mooloolaba offers the perfect pet-friendly getaway with waterfront and garden view villas, private fully fenced courtyards, and thoughtful services like pet minding and walking. 

Gold Coast
Burleigh, Palm Beach and Tallebudgera offer great accommodation choices, plus off-leash beaches and walking paths to keep dogs happy. QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise offers a special Pup Yeah! dog-friendly package that includes pet-centric amenities. Tambourine Mountain Glades in the South Downs Region has creek-side glamping for you and your pet as well as self-contained lodges.

Tropical North QLD
Port Douglas and Cairns have a number of pet-friendly stays, but think practically: heat, humidity, and wildlife. On the northern beaches of Cairns, guests with dogs and cats are welcome to stay at the beachside Sarayi Boutique Hotel in Palm Cove, or if you are venturing further north the Pink Flamingo Resort in Port Douglas has a lot to offer those looking to unwind. For an upmarket central base in Cairns CBD, try Crystalbrook Bailey.

National parks are usually no-go zones for dogs, so build your itinerary around alternatives.

Image courtesy of @tamborinemountainglades

South Australia

SA is quietly excellent for pet-friendly travel — especially if you like beaches and wine regions.

Fleurieu Peninsula
Victor Harbor and Port Elliot are easy favourites for pet travellers. Long beaches, walking trails and relaxed coastal vibes make summer trips feel simple. Bella’s Haven is the perfect farm stay destination in South Australia, offering all the comforts of home situated near the Inman Valley River, offering breathtaking views and soothing sounds of the flowing waters. Pet Friendly Accommodation guests can receive a discount with this code:  PETAUS10. 

Barossa Valley
Many vineyards welcome dogs outdoors, and there are plenty of cottages, B&Bs and farm stays that are happy to host well-behaved pets. Avoid the midday sun — it can spike quickly. Guests with pets can stay at the Mercure Barossa Valley or Barossa Country Cottages.

 

Western Australia

Big skies, big distances, and some truly beautiful pet-friendly regions.

Margaret River
A standout for pet travellers: spacious holiday homes, peaceful surrounds, and lots of breweries and wineries with dog-friendly outdoor areas. Considered the northern gateway to the Margaret River wine region, Dunsborough is a popular choice for people travelling with pets. Also, The Four Seasons Holiday Park offers dog-friendly cottages and DIY dog spa or try glamping with your dog at Busselton Villas & Glamping Village.

 

Important note (interstate travellers):
WA has strict quarantine rules. Some pet items — including certain foods and organic bedding materials — may be restricted, so check requirements before you travel.

 

Tasmania

Cooler summer temperatures, gorgeous scenery, and lots of pet-friendly stays.

Getting there
The Spirit of Tasmania allows pets to travel (either in onboard kennels or in your vehicle, depending on conditions). Summer books out fast, so lock it in early. For more information about travelling with pets on the Spirit of Tasmania and reserving a kennel, or on the newer ships, a pet-friendly cabin. However, it is important to note that for safety reasons, you won’t be able to spend time with your pet during the crossing. Crew members check on them regularly, make sure they have water, and take pets staying in cabins to a designated outdoor area for toilet breaks. There are also strict biosecurity requirements for travelling into Tasmania, please check the information online.

Where to stay
Hobart’s outskirts, the Huon Valley and the East Coast all have great options: cottages, holiday homes and farm stays — many with indoor access, which is a big win for longer stays. A great pet-friendly option near Hobart is Discovery Parks. It’s the closest caravan park to the city, making it really convenient – pets are welcome on powered sites and in selected Economy Studio Cabins. In the Huon Valley, guests with pets can stay at the popular River Front Estate holiday home right on the Huon River or House on the Hill in Huonville – pets welcome by arrangement.

 

Northern Territory

Rugged and unforgettable — but summer travel needs extra care.

Outback stays
Alice Springs and Katherine have motels, cabins and campgrounds that accept pets. National parks usually exclude dogs, but nearby reserves and town areas can still offer good walking spots. Heritage Caravan Park in Alice Springs has a large, fully fenced off-leash area, along with a convenient coin-operated K-9000 dog wash. Or try K – Town Hotel Katherine, which has select rooms that allow pets for an additional fee.

 

Summer considerations
Heat is the main issue. Travel early or late, carry more water than you think you’ll need, and never leave pets unattended outdoors.

 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Underrated, easy, and surprisingly pet-friendly.

Canberra
Dog-friendly cafes, wide open spaces, and plenty of pet-welcoming hotels. Lake Burley Griffin and Red Hill are popular for walks (with great scenery as a bonus).

For those travelling with pets, Mercure Canberra accepts pets of all shapes and sizes. Dedicated pet-friendly rooms are limited so it’s advised to make your booking well in advance. Pets are also welcome in the Bistro beer garden of the pub and the Courtyard restaurant terrace with their owners. If caravanning is more your thing, Capital Country Holiday Park has powered dog freedom sites (fenced sites where your dog can run free) and dog-friendly bungalows, and it’s just 15 minutes to all of Canberra’s attractions and venues.

 

Read more: https://www.pet-friendlyaccommodation.com.au/canberras-best-dog-friendly-walks/

 

Image courtesy of @mercurecanberra

Booking Tips for a Smooth Pet-Friendly Summer Holiday

✔ Read the pet policy properly
Look for the specifics: indoor access, fees, bedding rules, cleaning requirements, and any limits on size or number of pets.

✔ Confirm fencing (don’t trust photos)
If your dog is an explorer, ask directly about fence height, gaps, and whether the yard is fully enclosed.

✔ Check for heat-friendly features
Shade, air-conditioning, tiled floors, screened doors, and nearby safe walking routes matter more than you think in summer.

✔ Watch out for Paralysis Ticks

✔ Remember to contact the hotel directly

It’s best to call ahead to confirm your pet is allowed and check any conditions, as pet policies can change at any time.

✔ Plan transport like a pet parent

• Road trips: stop every 2–3 hours for water and a quick leg-stretch.
• Ferries (Tas): book pet spaces early.
• Flights: check airline rules well in advance — summer heat restrictions are common.

✔ Review your insurance
Pet insurance can help with unexpected illness or injury while you’re away, so keep your pet records and vet notes close. Worth checking before you leave, so there are no nasty surprises.

Conclusion

Australia is full of brilliant places to explore with your pet — and with a bit of planning, summer travel can feel easy, safe, and genuinely fun. If you’re looking for more places to stay, browse the Pet Friendly Accommodation directory, and check out the Knose blog for pet care and safety resources before you hit the road.

Happy adventuring — paws, bags, beach towels and all.

 

 

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