When I travelled around Australia in a campervan, there was no question about leaving behind my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel. After all, he’s part of my family and where we go, he goes too.
Luckily it’s become easier in recent years to holiday with pets in Australia, thanks to an increasing range of pet-friendly accommodation, from boutique motels and holiday rentals to caravan parks and farm stays.
Travelling from A to B
Your own car
Before taking your first long trip with your dog in your car, first make sure they’re comfortable on shorter trips. Puppies often get car sick, but usually grow out of it; ginger chews can help, as can a car seat for smaller dogs so they can see out of the window.
Always make sure your dog is securely fastened, for their own safety and the safety of other occupants. A seatbelt attachment is a common option, or consider a secured crate in the rear of your vehicle.
Your campervan or caravan
With a caravan or campervan you’ll always have your own comfortable accommodation and you only need to look for pet-friendly caravan parks or campsites.
Hiring a campervan
Apollo and Britz allow pets in selected campervans. You can also use Camplify to rent private vehicles directly from their owners – make sure you apply the pet-friendly filter.
Hiring a car
Finding a pet-friendly hire car in Australia can be tricky. Some of the large hire car companies ban pets from all their vehicles, while other companies leave it up to the manager at the depot. Always return the car free of dog hair.
If you’re just heading away for a couple of days and live in a major city, another option is a car-share network such as GoGet or Popcar. These schemes usually allow pets in some vehicles.
Flying with your dog
Soon, you may be able to fly with your pet in the cabin on domestic flights in Australia. In March 2024, Virgin Australia announced plans to allow small cats and dogs to fly in the cabin on selected flights, subject to regulatory approval. They would need to remain in an approved carrier underneath the seat in front at all times.
Small and large pets can also fly in the hold on flights operated by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Regional Express.
Pets on public transport
The rules for pets on public transport vary greatly throughout Australia.
The most pet-friendly state is Victoria. Dogs of all sizes are allowed on metropolitan trains in Melbourne, as long as they’re wearing a leash and muzzle or are in a container. Small pets in suitable containers are also permitted on trams, buses and regional V/Line train services.
In New South Wales, while pets are prohibited from trains and the Metro, small pets in enclosed carriers are allowed on buses, the light rail and ferries, if you receive permission from the driver or crew. The same applies on the light rail and buses in Canberra.
In Queensland, dogs are allowed onboard the Brisbane River ferries and CityCats outside peak hour. They need to be either wearing a leash and muzzle, or be in an enclosed carrier, and travel on the outside deck.
In South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, only service animals are permitted on state-run public transport.
Pet-friendly accommodation
Hotels and motels
A growing number of hotels and motels around Australia have put out the welcome mat for pet dogs. There are a surprising number of small country motels that have one or two pet-friendly rooms, plus in recent years many luxury and boutique hotels in the cities and popular tourist spots have started to offer pet staycation packages, complete with luxury dog beds, in-room dog dining menus and plenty of treats.
The rates charged for pets vary widely, from some properties that only charge $20 a stay (or pets even stay for free) up to fees of $100-plus a night at some luxury hotels. Generally, pets cannot be left alone in rooms.
Holiday homes and Airbnbs
All the major holiday home booking sites, including Stayz and Airbnb, have pet-friendly filter options. There are also multiple booking sites that specialise in pet-friendly holiday homes, including Pupsy.
While some homes allow pets inside (though generally it’s requested pets stay off the furniture and beds), other homes are advertised as allowing pets but they have to stay outside. Be sure to check whether the yard is securely fenced.
Caravan parks and cabins
I’d estimate around three-quarters of caravan parks allow pets. Note, however, that some caravan parks only allow pets on selected sites, and many caravan parks in popular coastal areas have blackout dates during peak periods.
Most pet-friendly caravan parks only allow pets on sites where you are camping in your own caravan, campervan or tent. Some caravan parks also provide facilities for dogs, ranging from fenced dog parks to dog washes and even dog-sitting services.
Free and budget campsites
While campsites in national parks are largely off limits to dogs, there are still plenty of cheap or free dog-friendly campsites run by local councils, in state forests and at other natural reserves.
Also consider showground campgrounds, which only offer basic facilities but usually pets are welcome and the rates are quite cheap. Just note that tents are often not allowed.
In outback areas, it’s often permitted to stay for a night or two at many roadside rest areas to break up your drive.
There are a number of apps listing campsites as well as caravan parks, including WikiCamps Australia. You can filter by whether pets are allowed year-round or seasonally.
Dog-friendly sightseeing
One of the most common concerns dog owners have before travelling with their pet is whether they can do any sightseeing with their dog. Many popular tourist attractions don’t allow pets to join you. Luckily though, there are still plenty of interesting sights that you can enjoy together with your pup.
National parks
It’s often assumed there’s a blanket ban on pets visiting national parks in Australia. While this is generally the case (and fines apply for violating the laws), there are a few exceptions.
In South Australia and Victoria, some of the most popular pet-friendly parks are Belair national park just outside Adelaide, and sections of the Murray River national park around Renmark and Berri. In Great Otway national park in Victoria, leashed dogs are allowed at Johanna beach.
In NSW and Victoria, dogs are allowed inside most regional parks, while in NSW pet dogs can join you in all state forests.
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In national parks, the rules are in place both to protect the native wildlife and to protect your own dog from 1080 baits.
Dog-friendly beaches
There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches to visit, especially in regional areas.
The rules for dogs on beaches are determined by the local council and vary greatly. Check the council website or look out for signs at the beach.
Generally, dog-friendly beaches are divided into off-leash, time-restricted and on-leash beaches.
Off-leash parks
Nearly all towns in Australia provide off-leash exercise areas for dogs, with the local council website the best place to look.
Check the signage at the park, including whether there are any areas where dogs are not permitted off-leash, in addition to playgrounds and barbecue areas.
An increasing number of fenced dog parks are being built around Australia – many have a separate area for smaller dogs. There are also some excellent dog parks with agility equipment, swimming lagoons, picnic tables, barbecues and more.
Dog-friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs
Dogs are permitted in the outdoor dining areas of cafes, restaurants and pubs throughout Australia after a rule change by Food Safety Australia & New Zealand in 2012. However, the final decision still rests with the owner.
Some cafes provide water bowls for dogs, while others even have a menu for dogs, with options ranging from puppyccinos to chews, and even doggy high teas.
Wineries and breweries
Most wineries and breweries welcome pet dogs to join you. Some cellar doors and breweries even allow dogs inside – generally if they only offer tastings and don’t have their own kitchen.
Pet-sitting and kennels
There will be times when you want to do activities that can’t accommodate your dog, whether you are visiting a national park or taking a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef. On my trip around Australia, we used pet-sitting and kennels multiple times for Schnitzel.
In some remote places there are limited options. If there’s a vet, they may have kennels available during the day, although not usually overnight. Privately run kennels are better for overnight stays.
A popular website for finding pet-sitters is Mad Paws, although this site works best in more populated areas. For remote areas, inquire with the local tourist information centre or caravan park whether they have a list of local pet-sitters.
Preparing to travel with your dog
Crossing state borders
Currently, Tasmania is the only state in Australia with biosecurity requirements for dogs crossing its border. Before entering Tasmania, your dog needs to be treated for the hydatid tapeworm, with a product containing praziquantel.
You will need to complete a declaration and provide proof of treatment. This can be an official statement from your vet, your own statutory declaration, or a pill packet and receipt. Additionally, since the outbreak of ehrlichiosis in northern Australia, you need to also declare you have inspected your dog for ticks and that they are free of ticks.
Keeping your pet safe
There are a number of dangers to pet dogs when travelling in Australia, particularly in more remote regions of the country.
1080 baits
This is a type of bait that is used to control foxes and other pest species, but it is also deadly to dogs. These baits are used throughout Australia, including in many national parks and nature reserves, even in cities.
Don’t enter an area if there are signs warning of the current use of baits. Baits can also be transported by birds from their original location. It’s best to keep your dog on a short leash and don’t allow them to eat anything off the ground. In higher-risk areas, consider training your dog to use a muzzle that prevents them from picking up anything off the ground.
Paralysis ticks
The most problematic tick found in Australia is the paralysis tick, which causes paralysis and can be fatal. It’s found along the eastern seaboard, particularly from spring through to late autumn. Make sure you use a regular tick treatment for your dog and check them daily for ticks.
Ehrlichiosis
A relatively new danger for dogs in Australia is the tick-borne disease ehrlichiosis. Spread by the brown dog tick and potentially fatal, this disease is mainly found in northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory and northern South Australia. In addition to a tick treatment and daily checks, consider also using a tick collar.
Leptospirosis
This disease, spread through rat urine, is particularly concerning as it can be passed to humans. Most commonly found in rural areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory, there have also been outbreaks in Sydney and the Hunter region. Don’t let your dog come in contact with stagnant water or rats or mice. Also consider a vaccine if visiting these areas during the wet season.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles are a real danger to dogs in northern Australia, both around the coast and inland areas from Gladstone in Queensland to the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Always watch out for warning signs and don’t let your dog swim in or even approach waterways where crocodiles are present.
Other dangers to be wary of include snakes, dingoes, cane toads and eagles. Keep your dog inside at night and on a leash most of the time in areas where these animals are present.
It’s also just as important to keep your dog up-to-date with regular vaccines and have your dog microchipped in case they get lost. Consider a pet first aid kit and taking a first aid course for pets.
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This is an edited extract from Off the Leash in Australia by Shandos Cleaver, (Hardie Grant Explore, A$37.99), out on 31 July 2024
