Top Pet-Friendly Holiday Destinations In Australia

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Pack you and your pet’s suitcase and plan your next escape to one of these pet-friendly holiday destinations in Australia.

It’s nearly that time of the year when you shut your work laptop down and head off on a family adventure. If you’re one of the many Australians who became a pet parent during the pandemic, then we know you’re itching to take your furbaby on a pet-friendly holiday! 

From luxury escapes to country stays, ocean getaways and camping spots, we’ve rounded up the best pet-friendly holiday destinations in Australia for you to visit with your dog. 

South Coast, New South Wales

South Coast, NSW is a pet-friendly holiday destination

The South Coast NSW is a well-loved pet-friendly holiday destination for its beaches, lagoons, and numerous campsites. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and treat your furbaby to a weekend of glamping. Choose from one of 6 luxurious safari-style camping tents and unwind. There’s a queen-sized bed and a range of other facilities such as a microwave, kettle and toaster. The best part? Dogs are welcome to cosy up inside with you! 

Got a water-loving pooch? Book your next pet-friendly holiday stay at the HamptonsShack Boathouse. You’ll get to wake up to a private beach and stunning waterfront views of Dangar Island. Filled with a beach-style interior, this holiday rental allows pets and offers a range of facilities to make your stay comfortable. 

Nestled in an ancient rainforest, The Red Dog Retreat is made for pups and their parents looking for a secluded escape. Your dog will have a field day exploring the 18 acres of the rainforest. Choose from two-holiday cottages that are located less than a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley and Berry. Make your dog’s getaway extra special by taking them to the dog-friendly section of Shoalhaven Heads Beach. 

Mid to North Coast, New South Wales

Mid to North Coast NSW is a popular pet-friendly holiday destination in Australia

From coastal walks to wineries, this diverse area will tick every box on your pet-friendly holiday checklist! 

Located only 800m from a dog-friendly beach, Seahorse Diamond Beach is a luxury beach house on the breathtaking Diamond Beach. Whether you’re there to splash in the water or venture off through the private rainforest creek with your dog, this is a relaxing pet-friendly holiday destination. 

Reconnect with nature at the Fig Tree Studio near Pottsville, NSW. Here, you’ll enjoy a mix of rural life and a small coastal town with beaches and waterways to explore. The Fig Tree Studio recognises that pets are family and provides them with indoor accommodation, treats, toys and other goodies on arrival. You can even wash the sand off your pup at their complimentary shampoo and ‘Doggie Wash Station’. 

The Blue Mountains, New South Wales

The Blue Mountains is a well-loved pet-friendly holiday destination in Australia

The Blue Mountains may be known for its charming rock formations such as the Three Sisters, impressive lookouts and small mountain towns, but did you know it’s pet-friendly too? Yep, that’s right! The Blue Mountains is loaded with dog-friendly things for you to do and has some great accommodation options. 

 Pamper your pup by staying at the Lilanfels Resort and Spa. This heritage-listed estate has a ‘Bring Your Dog Package’, which features a dog bed, bowl and complimentary treat! You’ll get to stay in their Deluxe Resort View Room, which features lush furnishings and all the utilities needed for a comfortable stay. 

 Get your glamping on and treat yourself to a staycation at the Turon Gates Mountain Retreat. They have 6000 acres for your dog to sniff out, and a pet-friendly glamping tent available. With a queen bed, private bathroom and campfire, this room will immediately send you into relaxation mode. However, you’ll need to bring your pet bed and feeding bowls.

Gold Coast, Queensland

A vibrant pet-friendly holiday destination in Australia

The Gold Coast is a vibrant pet-friendly holiday destination in Australia known for its gorgeous weather and resort-style living. Not to mention its dog-friendly beaches, such as Tallebudgera Dog Beach, Biggera Waters Beach and more! 

Spoil your four-legged friend with a luxury stay at the Quest, Gold Coast. Its ‘Paw-fect Traveller’s’ package will make your visit easy. The Quest Robina has six pet-friendly apartments equipped with a pet mattress, food and water bowls, a welcome treat and an outdoor terrace for your pet to play. Ask reception for your personalised doggie travel guide and discover the best pet-friendly spots in the area! 

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is the perfect pet-friendly holiday destination if a vacation with the kids is on the cards. Suitable for furry and non-furry kids, you can book your escape at one of the 20 dog-friendly cabins. From a water park to the dog exercise area  and a resort-style pool and spa – there is something for the whole family to enjoy. 

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast is a beach lovers dream pet-friendly holiday destination

Say hello to relaxation at The Sunshine Coast! You’ll experience some real peace and quiet here as there are various dog-friendly beaches and walks for you to visit. 

Located in the heart of Mooloolaba, Saltwater Villas welcomes pets and their parents. The pet-friendly Saltwater Villas are just a 5-minute walk to Mooloolaba Beach and offer gorgeous waterfront views. Relax with a glass of white in hand while you watch your furbaby frolic in the outdoor garden. Or have fun with your dog in the sun by renting a kayak or SUP board.

Gibsons Pet Friendly is located in Agnes Water; a town loved by locals for its natural surroundings and laid-back vibe. With bushwalks and dog-friendly beaches close by, this pet-friendly holiday destination is one to add to your list! You can choose between a townhouse or a retreat-style house. 

South West, Western Australia

A breathtaking beach in Western Australia

Western Australia boasts clear ocean waters, green vineyards and world-class wineries. It’s home to the Margaret River wine region, a paw-some pet-friendly holiday destination in Australia. Petra Extra Virgin Olive Oil Estate is a boutique olive grove that offers luxury farm stay accommodation. Your dog can duck and weave through 30 acres on this estate. Dogs 1-year-old and above and fully vaccinated are welcome to join in on the fun. 

Craving a beachside stay? Look no further than Emu Beach Chalets! Make the most of your vacation by taking a short stroll to Middleton Beach or enjoying a meal at nearby restaurants. Pet beds and bowls are supplied for your four-legged friend upon request. While dogs are allowed inside, Emu Beach Chalets ask that dogs do not go into the bedrooms or sit on the furniture. 

Imagine waking up to a beach that’s right at your doorstep. Well, what if we told you that dreams can come true? Peppermint Beach Accommodation offers a beach holiday home for pets and their parents. You’ll have full access to Peppermint Grove Beach – a long stretch of clear waters and white sand. Plus, the Margaret River Wine region is only a short drive away from the premises! 

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Home to a variety of native wildlife and natural beaches, Kangaroo Island, is a must-visit pet-friendly holiday destination in Australia.

Enjoy all that Kangaroo Island offers by booking your pet-friendly stay at the Sunrise on Falie Court. Disconnect from the world by staying in one of its three fully self-contained apartments. Pets are welcome to stay for a small fee of $30 – just make sure you notify the reservations team so they can find suitable accommodation for you and Fido. 

If your dog is an adventure enthusiast, try a rustic cabin getaway instead. Discovery Lagoon offers cabins and campsites in the heart of Kangaroo Island; their campsite is also run entirely on renewable energy. Your dog can roam through 4 acres of bushland that’s set beside a lagoon. There’s also plenty of wildlife, such as wallabies, for your dog to watch.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria 

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage-listed 240-kilometre stretch of road that is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. Finding pet-friendly accommodation in the area can be tricky, but Countrywide Cottages are known for welcoming pets with open arms. Furry visitors will be provided with a bed, blanket, bowls and homemade dog treats. Your furbaby can roam off-leash as they please, as their dam is securely fenced. 

Alternatively, you can swap the bush-style cabins for a beach stay instead. Beeches by the Sea is situated in the town of Apollo Bay and is at the start of the Great Ocean Walk. Stay in one of their luxurious villas that’s only 250 meters from the beach. Whether you’re swimming, surfing, bush walking, or dining out – there’s plenty to do here! If it couldn’t get any better, they’ve been a finalist for the Holidaying with Dogs award for two years. They have expansive, secluded gardens with lots of grass for your dog to roll amongst. 

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Aerial shot of the Mornington Peninsula

Located just one hour from Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is a little coastal town with a European touch. Its beaches, hot springs and wineries make it a great pet-friendly holiday destination. 

Make your next getaway the Views Cape Schanck Boutique Hotel. Witness all that nature has to offer from the comfort of this boutique-style hotel and prepare to be blown away by stellar views of the Peninsula. Their ‘Pampered Pet’ program will make travelling with your little friend a memorable experience. Pets of all sizes are welcome to enjoy the two leash-free areas on site, including the ‘Pawninsula Hot Springs’, which involves small ponds for your pet to cool off. 

Blue Moon Cottages provides four cottages that are perfect for exploring the wonders of the Mornington Peninsula. Filled with French-style decor, this double-storey cottage is ideal for big and small families. Stay here, and you’ll be only a short walk away from Rye’s off-leash dog beach and pet-friendly eateries. Water and food bowls are provided for pets, as well as a towel to clean your dog after a visit to the beach.

South Yarra, Victoria

South Yarra River in Melbourne captured during twilight hour

With countless dog-friendly restaurants, bars and pubs, South Yarra will send you and your pooch on a culinary adventure. Plus, it’s only a short distance away from the Royal Botanic Gardens, which is pet-friendly! 

 The SoYa Partment Hotel is the perfect inner-city spot for a getaway with your dog. Its spacious rooms and colourful furnishings will create a unique experience for you and Fido. Just make sure to notify the staff that you’re bringing your dog before your arrival.

 The Ovolo South Yarra’s ‘Very Important Pooch’ package makes travelling with your pet hassle-free. You can expect a comfy bed for your furry friend, bowls for eating and drinking, a special toy, and a treats bag made just for them. Whether you’re staying for one night or the whole week, your dog will be treated like royalty! Discover what pet-friendly activities in Melbourne you can experience during your stay. 

Tasmania 

Mountains in Tasmania

Discover the natural beauty of Tasmania and connect with wildlife like you never have before. Besides its breathtaking landscape, Tasmania has amazing products such as apple cider, cheeses, wine and oysters for you to try. 

Situated in a quiet seaside village, Madsen Retreat Penguin gives you access to the best beaches, shops and eateries in the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s only a 15-minute coastal drive from the towns of the North West region. Choose from one of their suites and witness gorgeous seaside views. Pack your sunglasses, and grab your dog’s leash, as there are plenty of paw-some activities for you to do during your staycation. 

Venture to Douglas River and bring Fido along to Sandpiper Cottages. Located on 4 acres of natural coastal gardens, these cottages are private and spacious. All cottages are fully self-contained but require a $10 fee per dog. Dension Beach is a short walk from the cottages and has a 24-hour off-leash dog beach! 

On the hunt for pet-friendly campsites? Check out our list of the best pet-friendly campsites across Australia. Alternatively, see what dog-friendly beaches in Australia you can visit while on holiday.