The best pet-friendly getaways
So you want to go on a holiday but you don’t want to leave your pet behind? You’ll be pleased to know there are lots of ideas for getaways with your furry friends in tow.
From swanky hotels in Australian cities to rustic mountain escapes, there are even loads of pet-friendly beaches across our sunburnt country. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite holiday ideas for you and your furry friend.
The Hughenden Boutique Hotel, Sydney NSW
Having once served as a temporary home for poodles, terriers, golden retrievers, Burmese and Siamese cats and even a baby kangaroo, furry friends are more than welcome at this hotel which sits on a tree-lined street in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The Hughenden is a charming boutique hotel that offers pet-sitting, dog-walking, and even a visit to the Doggy Day Spa. Oh my! Pets can even join you for breakfast! Conveniently located just across the road from the expansive Centennial Parklands, you can take your pet to the park to a number of the special leash-free areas for a play.
Gold Coast Holiday Park & Motel, Qld
If holiday parks are more your thing, this laid-back holiday park and motel offers dog-friendly cabins and sites for campervans, caravans, tents and trailers. With a casual, family-friendly feel, there’s also dog grooming and dog sitting available. Set across 32 acres, you won’t be wanting for room for your animal to roam free.
Camp Tailwaggers, Qld/NSW border
More like a boot camp for pets and their owners, if you’re after and all-inclusive experience, Camp Tailwaggers have thought of it all. Offering dog-sport training seminars for owners and dog obedience, agility, tracking, competition-handling and dancing. Plus it’s set on 31 hectares with tropical rainforest walks and ocean views, your animal will love swimming in the dam and playing with other pets. With an onsite Coolangatta Pet Motel to keep your dog safe and happy, you can enjoy the nearby Coast nightlife.
Tara Valley Caravan Park, Gippsland Vic
Located near the Tarra-Bulga National Park, Victoria's Tarra Valley offers a selection of caravan parks that welcome dogs. But there's none better than the award-winning Best Friend Holiday Retreat where four-legged customers can roam free in six off-leash areas. Dog-agility equipment, doggydoo stations, tethering and drinking spots are dotted throughout the park. There's a hydrobath hut and kennels, too.
Redgate Farm Stay, Margaret River WA
If you want to give your little friend a taste of the farm life, check out Redgate Farm Stay. As well as being able to feed the calves, collect chicken eggs or pat a kangaroo, you’re right on Margaret River so you can take advantage of the superb wineries. Each of the six cottages has large fenced gardens for your animal, and dogs can run off leash in the paddocks or on the dog beach at Gnarabup Beach nearby.
Turon Gates, Blue Mountains NSW
With the sheer beauty of the surrounding in the Blue Mountains and the number of mountain walks you can do, it's the perfect cosy community place to holiday with your pet. Turon Gates is an authentic bush hideaway, tranquil and unspoilt and most importantly, pet friendly. Boasting seven rustic log cabins, the site is situated along a crystal clear trout stream. BYO bedding and feeding bowls for pets.
Moonshadow Villas, Darwin NT
Welcoming well-behaved cats and dogs, they’re so friendly here that they refer to pets as "furry children". Each villas has a fenced private courtyard and there's even one with a doggy door. If you want to drop your animal off at the nearby Purrs and Paws Resort while you go crocodile spotting, they can relax in the luxury kennels which are equipped with wading pools, lights, fans, music and television.
PS Federal paddle steamer, Goolwa SA
Both cat and dog friendly, the PS Federal paddle steamer also provide food and water bowls for their furry guests. Built in 1902, the old steamer now rests on stilts on the River Murray opposite a bird sanctuary. So expect to see spoon-billed cranes, pelicans, black swans, egret, purple swamp hens, dusky moorhens and black-winged stilts. Within walking distance to Goolwa beach, this is the perfect place for you and your pet.
Image: Getty