A RUFF GUIDE: HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND AUSTRALIA WITH YOUR DOG

When I traveled around Australia in a campervan, it was a given that my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel, would be coming along. After all, he’s part of the family, and wherever we go, he goes too.

Fortunately, traveling with pets in Australia has become easier in recent years, thanks to a growing selection of pet-friendly accommodations, including boutique motels, holiday rentals, caravan parks, and farm stays.

Travelling from A to B

Your own car

Before embarking on a long journey with your dog, ensure they are comfortable on shorter trips first. Puppies often experience car sickness but usually outgrow it; ginger chews can help, as can a car seat for smaller dogs to help them see out the window.

Always secure your dog for their safety and the safety of other passengers. A seatbelt attachment is a common option, or consider using a secured crate in the rear of your vehicle.

Your campervan or caravan

With a caravan or campervan, you’ll have the comfort of your own accommodation and only need to find pet-friendly caravan parks or campsites.

Hiring a campervan

Apollo and Britz permit pets in select campervans. Additionally, you can use Camplify to rent private vehicles directly from their owners—just make sure to apply the pet-friendly filter.

Hiring a car

Finding a pet-friendly rental car in Australia can be challenging. While some large rental companies prohibit pets in all their vehicles, others leave the decision up to individual depot managers. Be sure to return the car free of dog hair.

For short trips, if you’re based in a major city, consider using a car-share network like GoGet or Popcar. These services often permit pets in some of their vehicles.

Flying with your dog

cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on select flights, pending regulatory approval. Pets would need to stay in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you at all times.

Additionally, both small and large pets can travel 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.

Victoria is the most pet-friendly state, where dogs of all sizes are allowed on metropolitan trains in Melbourne, provided they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle or in a container. Small pets in suitable containers are also welcome on trams, buses, and regional V/Line trains.

In New South Wales, pets are generally prohibited on trains and the Metro, but small pets in enclosed carriers are permitted on buses, light rail, and ferries with the driver’s or crew’s permission. This policy also applies to Canberra’s light rail and buses.

In Queensland, dogs can board Brisbane River ferries and CityCats outside of peak hours, as long as they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle or in an enclosed carrier, and travel on the outside deck.

In South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania, only service animals are allowed on state-run public transport.

Pet-friendly accommodation

Hotels and motels

A growing number of hotels and motels across Australia now welcome pet dogs. Many small country motels offer one or two pet-friendly rooms, and recently, luxury and boutique hotels in cities and popular tourist spots have introduced pet staycation packages. These packages often include luxury dog beds, in-room dog dining menus, and plenty of treats.

Pet fees vary widely, ranging from as low as $20 per stay (or even free) to over $100 a night at some luxury hotels. Generally, pets are not allowed to be left alone in rooms.

Holiday homes and Airbnb’s

All major holiday home booking platforms, including Stayz and Airbnb, feature pet-friendly filters. Additionally, there are specialized booking sites like Pupsy that focus on pet-friendly vacation rentals.

While some properties allow pets indoors (usually with a request to keep them off furniture and beds), others permit pets only outdoors. Be sure to verify if the yard is securely fenced.

For caravan parks and cabins

Approximately three-quarters are pet-friendly. However, some parks restrict pets to specific sites and many in popular coastal areas have blackout dates during peak times.

Most pet-friendly caravan parks allow pets only on sites where you are camping in your own caravan, campervan, or tent. Some parks also offer amenities for dogs, such as fenced dog parks, dog washing stations, and even dog-sitting services.

Free and budget campsites

While national park campsites generally do not allow dogs, many affordable or free dog-friendly campsites are available through local councils, state forests, and other natural reserves.

Showground campgrounds, which offer basic amenities, typically welcome pets and are usually quite affordable. However, tents are often not permitted.

In outback areas, staying at roadside rest areas for a night or two to break up your drive is often allowed.

Several apps, including WikiCamps Australia, list campsites and caravan parks and allow you to filter by pet-friendly options, whether available year-round or seasonally.

Dog-friendly sightseeing

One of the biggest concerns for dog owners planning a trip is whether they can enjoy sightseeing with their pet. While many popular tourist attractions may not allow dogs, there are still plenty of interesting sights and activities you can enjoy together with your pup.

National parks

It’s commonly believed that pets are universally banned from national parks in Australia, and while this is generally true with penalties for non-compliance, there are some exceptions.

In South Australia and Victoria, there are notable pet-friendly parks like Belair National Park near Adelaide and sections of the Murray River National Park around Renmark and Berri. In Victoria’s Great Otway National Park, leashed dogs are permitted at Johanna Beach.

In New South Wales and Victoria, dogs are allowed in most regional parks. Additionally, in NSW, pets are welcome in all state forests.

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

Many regional areas offer dog-friendly beaches for you and your furry friend to enjoy.

Beach rules for dogs are set by local councils and can vary significantly. It’s best to check the council website or look for signs at the beach to understand the specific regulations.

Typically, dog-friendly beaches fall into three categories: off-leash, time-restricted, and on-leash areas.

Off-leash parks

Most towns in Australia offer off-leash exercise areas for dogs, and the local council website is the best resource to find them.

When you visit a park, be sure to check the signage for any restrictions on off-leash areas, particularly near playgrounds and barbecue spots.

Fenced dog parks are becoming more common across Australia, many of which feature separate areas for small dogs. Some of these parks also include agility equipment, swimming lagoons, picnic tables, and barbecues for added enjoyment.

Dog-friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs

Since a rule change by Food Safety Australia & New Zealand in 2012, dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining areas of cafes, restaurants, and pubs across Australia. However, the final decision is up to the individual establishment.

Many cafes offer water bowls for dogs, and some even have special dog-friendly menus featuring treats like puppyccinos, chews, and 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.