Posted Wed 15 Mar 2023 at 07:19am
The Easter long weekend is nearly here, so prep your bags and get ready for fun adventures with your pet! Whether you’re a cuddle bug, thrill seeker or nature lover, there are plenty of pet-friendly activities to keep you entertained.
Haven’t had time to plan and research what you can do over the Easter break? You’re in luck! Here are some of our favourite pet-friendly activities for you and your furry pal to get your claws into.
Go camping and escape the hustle and bustle of the city
Unplug and recharge your soul by spending a day or two in the great outdoors with your pet. Plenty of campsites and caravan parks cater to humans and pets, so round up your friends and family or go on a solo adventure (with your pet). Most sites come fully equipped with facilities such as BBQ areas, kid’s play parks, and swimming pools, and you can experience the natural beauty of the nearby rivers and lagoons.
Holiday park destinations like Reflections and Discovery Holiday Parks accept dogs across their Australian locations, so be sure to check them out for pet-friendly camping near you! Or, comb our list of pet-friendly campsites in Australia to find one that interests you.
For NSW, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly campsites around the naturally beautiful Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay area. Mystery Bay is another hidden gem – don’t forget to head to the nearby ocean lookout, where you can regularly spot dolphins and whales migrating. Check out these dog-friendly caravan parks in NSW if you’re looking for more options.
In WA, Discovery Park’s Woodman Point Camping in Cockburn welcomes pets with open arms. It comes complete with the hire equipment for fun-filled days, an activity room, a swimming pool, and a kid’s park to occupy your little monkeys, leaving you time to find a quiet spot to relax in the sunshine!
Located in VIC? Explore the natural beauty of the Southeastern state at these paw-some dog-friendly caravan parks.
Make a splash and catch waves at a dog-friendly beach
Is there anything better than being able to sunbathe, swim and smell the sea breeze? Of course, in April, it gets a little chilly, but there are always many fun things to do on the sand. You can get competitive and set up a game of beach volleyball with your friends and family, including the furry ones. Or, you could set up a chair and read a book while your pup does zoomies and digs a hole in the sand.
Head to one of these egg-cellent off-leash dog beaches in Australia, where Fido can sniff and explore the beach to his heart’s content.
For a great day trip just an hour from Sydney, check out Curl Curl Beach Dog Lagoon, Bayview Dog Park and Long Reef Dog Park. All have drop-dead waterside views that offer the perfect backdrop for a picnic with friends, a beach BBQ, or a birthday gathering.
Let your BFF roam free off-leash and run for frisbees all day at Altona Dog Beach in Melbourne. Or for Queenslanders on the road, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in Brisbane to explore, like Coolum Beach, where you can surf with your pup.
If you’re up to teaching your furry friend some new skills, you can try and tackle these dog-friendly water activities in Brisbane. From catching waves on a surfboard to kayaking and paddleboarding, water babies will have the time of their lives!
Stretch your legs and get your steps up
The Easter long weekend is no excuse to snooze around all day. Lace-up your sneakers and head outside to get some much-needed Vitamin D while on your daily walk! If you’re looking for a change of scenery, why not try a different route?
Head to the Blue Mountains and take in the breathtaking views on offer. With waterfalls to discover, hidden swimming holes to paddle in and glow worms to spot, you and your pup are in for an adventure! Here are some of the best dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains to tick off your list.
Go for a hike through some of Melbourne’s best dog-friendly trails. Explore the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, brush up on local history at Warrandyte River Reserve and spot some rare birds at Darebin Creek Trail.
In Queensland? Stretch your legs with these dog-friendly walks in Brisbane. Challenge yourself at Kokoda Track Loop, Samford Conservation Park Loop.
Bake drool-worthy doggy Easter treats
Get your chef’s hat on and buckle in for a fun day of baking! As we all know, chocolate is toxic for pups, so keep a close eye on them during the Easter period in case they get their paws on some. If you don’t want your furry friend to miss out, why not make your own dog-friendly Easter Eggs?
It’s super simple! All you need is a mini egg mould, yoghurt or carob drops and extra treats for garnish (optional). Or, you could bake some drool-worthy doggy pudding and use a bunny mould for some Easter fun.
Fido will love helping you in the kitchen by taste-testing every ingredient. Just make sure he leaves some for the recipe!
Pack a picnic and hunt for Easter eggs
Don’t say the word “P-A-R-K” too loud while planning this one because your pup is sure to get seriously wiggly and excited about a picnic in the park… complete with a sniff-tastic Egg Hunt! Get your friends and family down to your local dog-friendly park, or try out these agility dog parks in Australia for extra fun.
Pack a picnic or grab takeaway from one of these delicious dog-friendly cafes (just make sure they’re open over the Easter long weekend). Don’t furr-get to pack dog-friendly Easter treats for the egg hunt! You can even put a bet against your friends to see whose pup sniffs out the most treats.
A picnic is also a great activity if you prefer to stay at home, in which case you could spread out a blanket in the comfort of your backyard!
