Posted Wed 08 Feb 2023 at 07:07am
If you’re looking for something different to do with your four-legged pal, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of pet-friendly activities in Sydney to keep you entertained all year round. From picnicking on a boat, taking un-fur-getable photos to sniffing out the best weekend markets, your pet’s calendar will never be empty again.
1. Captain your own electric picnic boat
Level up your picnic experience with GoBoat – a sustainable electric boat that doesn’t require a boat license to steer! With a shady canopy and picnic bench, pop open a bottle of champagne and snack on a charcuterie board while you sail across Parramatta River. Oh, did we mention that it’s dog-friendly? Yep, you heard that right, dogs are allowed to join in on the fun! Don’t furr-get to pack some treats, water and a life jacket for your furry friend. So, go on, gather up to eight human and furry friends and seas the day!
2. Strike a pose at a pet-friendly photo studio
Is your camera roll full of pictures and videos of your pet? Well, why stop there! Head to a pet-friendly photo studio to see your pet’s model pawtential and capture memorable moments on camera.
At Hachi Studios, you’ll get a 20-minute private photo shoot session for $40 which includes a Hachi designed backdrop, two high resolution digital photos and one outfit rental. If you show up without preparing for the shoot, that’s totally fine! You can get your pet groomed, buy some new fashionable outfits and grab some organic treats beforehand.
If you’re wanting to get a family style pawtrait, book into Grey Photo Studios’ ‘Self Photo Shooting’ session (from $70). You’ll have access to a private room with cameras, props and lighting already set up. There’s no photographer, so you’ll have complete control of taking unlimited photos (within the specified time frame) with a handy Bluetooth remote control.
3. Every hour is happy hour with your pup
Looking for a new favourite beer, wine or spirit? Visiting a dog-friendly brewery, winery or distillery is a great pet-friendly activity in Sydney. You get to learn from the masters themselves and find the liquid gold that speaks to you.
Head to Nomad Brewing Co in Brookvale for one of the best dog-friendly beer and food experience. With 36 craft beers on tap, you’re bound to find something that you fancy. Pair a schooner of beer with Argentinian BBQ and enjoy the outdoor beer garden with your pup and friends.
Other dog-friendly breweries to explore:
- Nomad Brewing Co
- Wayward Brewing Co
- The Grifter Brewing Co
- Wildflower Brewing and Blending
- Batch Brewing Company
- Mixtape Brewing and Bar
- Stockade Brew Co Barrel
- 12 Taps Marrickville
More of a wine drinker? Urban Winery Sydney is the place for you! Drop by and taste a glass or two of wine from the 14 different regions in NSW. Or, book in for a self guided wine flight ($30 per person) and get a taste of 6 different wines. You can order some antipasto, charcuterie or cheese board to enjoy while you sip the night away.
Bondi Liquor Co is the first and only distillery in Bondi, and it’s also dog-friendly! So, if you’re a fan of gin, let the celebrations be-gin. Sit outdoors with your four-legged friend and experience the Gin Tasting Masterclass ($60 per person), where you’ll be guided through three of their delicious gins and hear how they were made. You’ll even get a 200ml bottle of your favourite gin to take home!
If you’re not up for a tasting, order some delicious food and a gin cocktail and enjoy the bubbly vibe.
4. Grab some popcorn and snuggle in for a movie night
Another paw-some dog friendly activity in Sydney is pupflix and chill! Book a movie night at Moonlight Cinema and share the cinema experience with your pup. With food and drinks available for purchase plus, doggy beds and K9 Natural treat samples, your furry friend will have a ball whether or not they stay awake for the whole movie. To learn more about the different Moonlight Cinema experiences and what to expect, head here.
Or load up your car with pillows, blankets, and snacks and head to Skyline Drive In Blacktown! Open all year round, you and your pet can watch the latest releases without having to worry about booking a sitter for the night.
5. Sniff out the best puppuccinos and gourmet doggy meals
One of the easiest pet-friendly activity in Sydney is to take your pet out on a date to some of the best dog-friendly cafes in Sydney, Bondi and Surry Hills. Not only can you order them a puppuccino, there are plenty of cafes that have exclusive doggy menus, so you don’t have to share your meal.
Naked Brew has an extensive doggy menu that includes their signature doggie donut with yoghurt frosting, mixed berry and banana doggie ice cream, doggie belgian waffles, and more!
If your pup is more of a savoury lover, take them to Cafe Organica where they can order drool-worthy dishes like house-made minced beef with rice and brown jelly and lamb with sweet potatoes, oats and dog yoghurt.
6. Try new delicacies at Sydney’s best dog-friendly markets
Another fun pet-friendly activity in Sydney is to stop by a weekend market before heading off to the beach or park. Some of the best dog-friendly markets are Marrickville Organic Food Markets, The Rocks Markets, Rozelle Collectors Markets and Kirribilli Markets. You’ll be able to taste mouthwatering delicacies from around the world, purchase organic produce and goods, find fun trinkets, and so much more! There’s usually some dog treat and accessories stalls too, so your pup won’t feel left out!
7. Splash into dog-friendly water activities
If you’ve got a water-loving furbaby, add a little more adrenaline by going canoeing or stand up paddleboarding. You can hire a dog-friendly canoe at Sydney River Canoe Hire and paddle along Cooks River, Wolli Creek or Alexandra Canal. Pack snacks or a light picnic and enjoy midway through your paddle.
For a change of scenery, head to Rose Bay and hire a canoe or stand up paddleboard at Point Piper Kayak Centre. If your pups not a fan of staying still, they can swim in the beach or play around in the sand. Either way, it’s a great way to get the family together for a day of fun!
8. Get pampered with a luxury staycation
Need a little getaway to unwind? You don’t need to go far! Pamper yourself and book a staycation at one of Sydney’s luxurious pet-friendly hotels. With plush dog beds, welcome treat bags and toys, your pup will be treated like royalty. You can relax indoors, order room service and binge tv shows without judgement.
Book into Kimpton Margot Sydney and bring your pet for free! All pets are welcome as long as they fit in the lift. Grab a puppuccino from the lobby downstairs, feast at Bartolo in their outdoor dog-friendly seating area or indulge in a meal at The Walrus Cafe. There’s plenty of dog-friendly parks in the area too, just ask the concierge!
Looking for a staycation but not wanting to splurge? Check out these dog-friendly hotels that are less than $400 per night.
