Another month, another public holiday for us Australians. Make the most of it by spending the day with your pet relaxing, exploring and lapping up some quality time together. These are the best things to do with your family and pet this Australia Day.
#1 Share a Family Style BBQ With Your Pet
Australians love outdoor BBQ, and who can blame us? Freshly grilled meat, veggies and seafood with a cold glass of your favourite drink surrounded by your loved ones can never go wrong. If your backyard isn’t big enough, there’s plenty of dog-friendly parks with BBQ facilities, so gather your friends, family and furry pals for an outdoor extravaganza.
#2 Head Out For a Dog-Friendly Picnic
It’s time to grab a blanket and head outside for a dog-friendly picnic! You can go all out and create a luxurious picnic spread with cheeseboards, gourmet sandwiches and bite-sized desserts, or you can go simple with some takeaway from your local cafe.
Make sure you pack poop bags, treats and water for your dog. Oh, and don’t forget the toys! Whether your dog loves chasing balls or catching frisbees, make sure you bring something to entertain them. If the sun is out, ensure your dog has shade, plenty of water and has sunscreen on!
If you haven’t gone camping with your pup, this is the pawfect opportunity! Spend time outdoors while you appreciate the beauty of nature together. You’ll be able to let them off leash while they run around and explore, and they’ll love getting to sleep on their own bedrolls under the stars (if it’s cold out, make sure you bring a comfy blanket). Don’t forget to research local rules and regulations about where dogs are allowed before heading out into the woods, as some campsites have restrictions on where pets can go. Don’t know where to start? Here are some of our favourite pet-friendly campsites in Australia.
#4 Take Your Pup on a Doggy Date.
For a fun, easy, dog-friendly activity, head out for a drive and stop by a pet-friendly cafe or go on a doggy pub crawl. There are plenty of dog-friendly venues in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, so take your pick and enjoy a good feed with your best friend.
#5 Burn Some Energy at a Pet-Friendly Beach or Park.
Nothing beats going to a park or beach with your dog for some off-leash fun. If your pup is always full of energy, get some fresh air outdoors and tire them out playing fetch or swimming in the ocean. If you’re in Queensland, go for a drive and explore some of the Sunshine Coast’s best off-leash dog beaches.
#6 Attend a Dog-Friendly Event.
On January 26, Darlo Bar will be hosting a Darlo Dog Day, and it promises to be a fun-filled day for you and your pup. You can expect premium dog stalls, giveaways, treats, best-dressed competitions, and of course, the opportunity to reconnect with old furr-iends or make new ones!
Location: Darlo Bar | 306 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Time: January 26 | 12-3 pm
Here are some other simple yet enjoyable activities your pet will surely enjoy.
Make them feel special—give them a treat from their favourite store (or even better, make one yourself).
Give them an extra-long cuddle or playtime session so you can increase your human-animal bond!
Get some extra exercise in and go for a walk around the neighbourhood.