Holidays are all about having fun and making memories, and who better to share the journey with than your four legged friends? Whether you’re jetting off on your next holiday or planning a road trip around Australia, travelling with your dog takes a little bit of forward planning for smooth sailing on-the-go. Australia isn’t quite as dog-friendly as North America and many European countries, so be sure to make notes and plan your trip in a way that’s fun for all involved!
Here, we’ll share some pet etiquette and useful tips for travelling with your pooch, as well as some top dog-friendly destination options in each state.
Your Best Travel Pal
Companionship
From personal commitments to annual leave balances, organising a trip with friends and family can be difficult, not to mention trying to agree on where to go! If you’re keen to get away and already know your ideal timing and itinerary, by taking your dog as your travel pal, you can do what you want with a companion that’s just happy to be there.
Exercise
Did you know that dog owners get more exercise than non-dog owners? Particularly in bad weather when we can be partial to hiding out indoors, which can put a real damper on holidays. Dogs need walking whatever the weather, giving you a good reason to get out and explore your destination, come rain or sun. If you find a dog park in your area, then even better – your puppy can have playtime and you can mingle with other dog owners!
Dog-Friendly Destinations in Australia
Queensland
Queensland’s Great Keppel Island is perfect for dogs and owners who want an island getaway! This stunning spot has frequent ferry transfers from Rosslyn Bay, and a journey time of about 30 minutes. The beaches here welcome pups as long as they’re leashed and cleaned up after, and if you want to extend your stay, you can find pet-friendly accommodation here too.
New South Wales
While you can’t have your dog accompany you to a National Park in New South Wales, they can join you on adventures in many of the state’s Regional Parks. Berowra Valley, Coffs Coast, and Murray Valley Regional Parks, among others, all welcome dogs, as well as spots like Hill End Historic Site.
Victoria
For a history lesson outside of Melbourne, head to Walhalla with your dog and explore the former gold mining town. Here, you can head on an underground tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, stroll through the village, or embark on a self-guided heritage walk. If you time your visit right, you can even hop on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and see the town on this dog-friendly train ride.
South Australia
Just 25 mins from Adelaide, Belair National Park is open to dog owners and leashed dogs. You’ll need to stay on the designated walking tracks, and make sure that your dog’s lead is no more than two metres in length.
Northern Territory
If you’re heading north, then make a trip to Casuarina Coastal Reserve, where you and your dog can have a run around on the off-leash dog-friendly beach. Located just 15 kilometres from Darwin CBD, this is the perfect spot to burn off some extra energy on the sand. The winter months are considered safe for swimming, but the rest of the year sees box jellyfish and the occasional crocodile pass through, so it’s best to stay on dry land!
Western Australia
Esperance, WA, is perfect for dogs on the go. The coastline features multiple dog-friendly beaches along the Great Ocean Drive, including Blue Haven Beach and Ten Mile Lagoon. Some of these have specific off-leash times, so check these out before setting your pooch free.
Tasmania
In Australia’s southernmost state, the Tasman Peninsula is a must-see for travellers with their dogs. You won’t be able to access museums or go on the cruises here, but with plenty of sites to explore on-leash, you won’t be short of things to do with your dog while you’re here!
Top Tips for Travelling with your Dog Pal
To-dos before you travel
While working through your own pre-holiday checklist, you’ll also need to take care of some travel admin for your dog.
If you’re flying with your dog, it is always good practice to ensure your furry friend is fit and healthy and their vaccinations are up to date, before taking off.
Pack anything you might need for your dog that you don’t want to have to buy on the road. Our pet travel packing checklist lays out some of the most important things to take with you! This includes their favourite food and treats, as well as any bowls or toys they’re used to. We also recommend taking a comfort item they’re familiar with that smells like home, such as a blanket, toy, or pillow. This can help them to settle in new and unfamiliar places!
Also be sure to have up-to-date ID tags with your contact information, and any medications they may need while away.
Transportation
Dogs are generally welcome on public transport throughout Australia, but some states might have different requirements, such as needing dogs to be muzzled. For longer journeys, you should also consider your pets comfort when choosing the transport option, and if they’ll have space to stretch out and move around.
Finding pet-friendly places
Privately-owned businesses are allowed to set their own rules when it comes to pets. Before setting your sights on a particular restaurant or attraction, find out if they’re pet-friendly or not to avoid potential disappointment when you get there.
Weather planning
During the hot Aussie summer, some parts of the country can hit temperatures of over 40° for days, if not weeks, at a time. Wherever you’re heading, keep the temperature in mind and make plans to keep your travel companion cool and safe in high heats. Just like with humans, there are various factors that can impact a dog’s ability to withstand heat, including breed and age. Temperatures of 25° are enough to burn dogs’ paws , and can be dangerous for them to be out in for too long.
Cooling Ice pads and iced treats are all great for preventing overheating, but can be tricky to provide when you’re travelling if you haven’t got access to a fridge or freezer. Cooling mats, on the other hand, are perfect for this, and work by simply absorbing body heat. Along with allowing frequent access to water and shade, cooling mats are great for on-the-go.
On the other side of the thermometer, temperature below 7° can be too cold for some dogs , and you should take appropriate measures to keep them warm if you’re travelling in Australia’s colder climate locations.
Pet Etiquette on the Road
Whether you’re at home or abroad, following pet etiquette is a must!
Leash laws
Throughout Australia, pets must be kept under “effective control ”, meaning your dog must be under or within your control at all times. As for leash laws, these are set by local councils who can specify on-leash and off-leash areas. So, this is another topic to research depending on your location, and stay up-to-date with as you move. Remember that following laws and regulations around this isn’t just about other people, but helps to protect the environment and wildlife, too.
Cleaning up
Dog owners are responsible for everything to do with their pets. This includes cleaning up after them, and owners can face fines for leaving faeces behind. The financial loss shouldn’t be the only motivator to bag and bin dog poo though, as keeping spaces clean for other people to enjoy is just as important.
Planning Your Trip
When it comes to interstate pet travel or travelling overseas with your dog, Jetpets are the industry experts. We can help get your dog to where they need to be to start the trip of a lifetime, so get in touch today.
