Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world – with almost 70% of all households welcoming four-legged friends, birds, reptiles or fish into their home. Given our love for including furry companions in our lives, it comes as little surprise that their influence on our lives is wide-reaching. No matter their shape, size, or if they make the Best Dog Breeds list’, they have the power to impact the communities we choose to live in, how we like to socialise, and even shape our home design. But it’s definitely not a one-sided affair. Pets give back in droves – offering companionship, unwavering emotional support, motivation for us to get moving, a sense of purpose and many other health benefits. As a result, our pets have become part of our families, and we’re always looking for ways to include them in our daily lives, bring them along on adventures, and experience new things together. And while it’s sometimes difficult to find pet-friendly establishments and adventures, we’ve taken the lead and compiled 6 paw-fect options where your doggo will be more than welcome.
1. Dog-friendly beaches
Pooches love the salty breeze on their face, a frolic in the surf, the sun on their back and the sand between their toes just as much as their human counterparts. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog-friendly options dotted across Australia for you and your canine companion to enjoy. Here are a few of our faves:
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Noosa Sunrise Beach, Noosa, QLD:
Catch the sunrise with your pup at this pristine, expansive stretch of golden sand. With a large designated off-lead area, this is the perfect place for frolics in the surf.
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Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, NSW:
Just a few kilometres from the heart of Byron Bay, let your pooch run free off lead while you try your hand at whale spotting. As one of the longest beaches in the area, they’re sure to burn off plenty of energy!
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Sirius Cove, Sydney NSW:
The perfect spot for Sydneysiders to catch up with fellow dog parents, this U-shaped beach is a doggy paddling delight thanks to its calm waters and shaded picnicking spots.
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St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, VIC:
Located in the heart of Melbourne, St Kilda Beach is a hugely popular spot with a dedicated dog-friendly area where your canine companion can play off lead.
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Tassells Cove, Safety Beach, VIC:
Located along one of the hottest spots in Victoria during an Aussie summer, is Tassells Cove. A small nook, near Martha’s Cove, and a 5-minute drive from the uber popular Dromana Beach, it’s a completely off-leash beach paradise for your four-legged friend.
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Peasholm Dog Beach, Floreat, WA:
This endless stretch of white sand and clear water is a dog-owner favourite thanks to its dedicated one-kilometre off-lead section. After all that fun in the surf, your pooch can rinse off at the freshwater tap and enjoy the doggy-drinking facilities.
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South Beach, Fremantle, WA:
A popular off-leash beach near Fremantle with plenty of space for dogs to explore, calm waters for enthusiastic paddlers, and even a few dog-friendly alfresco dining spots nearby.
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O’Sullivan Beach, Adelaide, SA:
Just south of the city lies a generously proportioned gem of a beach. O’Sullivan’s is a favourite among local dog owners, so if you’ve got a social pooch who likes to mingle, this is the place to be!
2. Dog-friendly parks
With parks a plenty across Australia and plenty of dedicated resources online to help guide you, it’s not difficult to find a local park that welcomes our furry friends. Many local parks feature off-leash areas, walking trails, and even agility equipment to entertain your furry friend. Here are a few top picks:
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Albert Park Reserve, Melbourne, VIC:
Although mostly an on-lead reserve, there are a few dedicated off-lead spots for your dog to frolic and run to its heart’s content. Surrounding the Albert Park lake, you can soak up the tranquil environment while Fido gets a workout – win-win! Finding more dog-friendly parks in Victoria is a walk in the park thanks to this resource.
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Centennial Parklands, Sydney, NSW:
As one of the biggest dog-friendly parks in Sydney – with over 150 hectares of dedicated off-leash areas – this is the ultimate spot for a doggy adventuring day out. Be sure to pack some dog-friendly snacks and plenty of water!
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Lake Tuggeranong Dog Park, Canberra, ACT:
This fully fenced spot is the perfect place for safe pooch play and socialisation while their humans relax in the picturesque surroundings and shaded seating area.
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Edgar Griffiths Dog Park, Perth, WA:
With a large grassed area, sandpits for digging, woodchips for sniffing and agility equipment, this park has it all! Plenty of shade, picnic tables and water fountains also keep you and your four-legged friend well hydrated.
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Port Arthur Historic Site, TAS:
Like a side of history with your stroll? Dogs are welcome on-leash in most outdoor areas of this fascinating spot, allowing you to take a self-guided tour throughout much of the site. You’ll meander ancient ruins and wander along the scenic coastline – just let staff know on your arrival that you’re here with your pooch.
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Pigyarilla Dog Park, Adelaide, SA:
Dogs of all sizes will feel safe and catered for with dedicated fenced off areas for both small and large dogs. There’s plenty of shade, and even a water play feature for some summer-splashing fun! It’s parks-a-plenty for pooches in Adelaide, and you’ll find most of them listed here.
3. Dog-friendly hikes
If you love hiking or are up for an adventure, get out and explore the wilderness with Fido by your side. Australia is home to many great hiking spots, many of which are dog friendly. Here are some top picks:
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George Bass Coastal Walk, VIC:
At just over seven kilometres in total, this trail ranges from easy to moderate terrain, making it achievable with your pup in tow. It’s widely regarded as one of the most scenic walks in Victoria, with plenty of stunning viewpoints and beach stops along the way.
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The Noble Falls Walk Trail, Gidgegannup, WA:
A scenic 3.5km hike just under an hour from Perth, you and your trusty canine companion can weave your way alongside the Wooroloo Brook towards the picturesque waterfall.
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Earl Hill Conservation Park, Cairns, QLD:
Open year-round, this trail is dog-friendly, with plenty of spots where your dog can enjoy the sea breeze and sea views with some off-leash freedom. Taking just over an hour to complete the loop, it’s a perfect start or finish to your day.
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Birdwood Gully, Blue Mountains, NSW:
A favourite for the whole family, this medium grade under 3km bushwalk is packed with gorgeous scenery and plenty of creeks and small waterfalls for some splashing around.
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Port Arthur Historic Site, TAS:
Like a side of history with your stroll? Dogs are welcome on-leash in most outdoor areas of this fascinating area, allowing you to take a self-guided tour throughout much of the site. You’ll meander ancient ruins and wander along the scenic coastline – just let staff know on your arrival that you’re here with your pooch.
4. Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants
We’ve got a vibrant café and restaurant scene, and the indulgence isn’t just limited to us humans! Many cafés now welcome our pampered pooches, with some even offering special treats on the menu. Head along to one of these spots for a puppacino:
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Naked Brew, Sydney, NSW:
Located in Sydney’s trendy inner west suburbs, at this cafe, Fido will be treated to a bespoke menu featuring everything from pup-safe peanut butter to doggie doughnuts!
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Little Black Pug, Brisbane QLD:
As you’d expect from the name, dogs are welcomed with open arms at this award-winning café. It’s a perfect dog-parent outing with dedicated food options like meatballs and puggy-cinos and a dedicated outdoor dog-friendly dining area.
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Dear Daisy Cafe, Adelaide, SA:
A special spot in Adelaide’s Clarence Park, pull up a seat on the sunny patio at this cute retro café and enjoy breakfast, burgers, toasties and more while Fido feasts on a special Dear Daisy dog treat.
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The Dog Café, Melbourne, VIC:
Another aptly named café catering for dog lovers, this haven in Boronia is heavy on the doggy delights. Your pooch can roll around in the sandpit or ball pit, cool off under the sprinklers on hot days, and satiate their appetite with an extensive doggy menu. Humans are welcome, too!
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Slate Café, Perth, WA:
With an on-site Saturday treat truck, a doggy playground and organised play dates for particular breeds, Slate promises a paw-some day out for all. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events.
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Sisterhood, Hobart, TAS:
Bring your four-legged buddy along for a treat at this chic all-day brunch spot. Dogs are welcomed to the outdoor seating area, where they can luxuriate in the shade and dine on a puppycino.
Too far for Fido? You’ll find more dog-friendly spots in Tassie here.
Looking for something closer to home? Have a browse here.
5. Dog-friendly getaways
Taking a holiday doesn’t have to mean booking your beloved into a kennel or finding a pet-sitter, plenty of camping and other accommodation types allow dogs to join you on vacation. Here are some great options across the country:
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BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks, St Helens, TAS:
Just a couple of hundred metres from the beautiful St Helens waterfront, this holiday park in Tasmania is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. The park offers pet-friendly cabins and camping sites, inflatable pillows for the kids to bounce on and a wood-fired pizza oven for everyone to enjoy.
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Capital Country Holiday Park, Canberra, ACT:
With pet-friendly bungalows and several fully fenced dog freedom sites, this 15-hectare holiday park has all the space and facilities you’ll need for a fun stay while being just 20 minutes from many of Canberra’s main attractions.
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The Langham, Sydney, NSW:
For the more discerning traveller and pampered pooch, The Langham Sydney offers a ‘pampered pets program’ which includes luxurious bedding, a specially designed menu and a pet sitting service. Add this one to your wish list!
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Port Vincent Caravan Park, Yorke Peninsula, SA:
With powered and non-powered sites available to pet parents and a number of pet-friendly cabins, bring your doggo for more beach and park strolls than you can shake a stick at.
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Discovery Parks, Kalgoorlie, WA:
Situated in the heart of a historic mining town in Western Australia, Discovery Parks Kalgoorlie has a range of pet-friendly accommodation options available, making it the paw-fect base for exploring the area with your furry friend.
6. Dog-friendly wineries, distilleries, and breweries
Australia is home to some of the best cocktail bars, wineries, distilleries, and breweries in the world, and many provide pet-friendly spaces, welcome pooches to outdoor areas, and some invite your four-legged friends to join you in their tasting rooms. You can even join a bespoke dog-friendly Yarra Valley winery tour with Pooches and Pinot. Here are a handful of Fido-friendly spots to add to your must-visit list:
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Petaluma, Adelaide Hills, SA:
Cruise 40-minutes from Adelaide, and you’ll find this converted farmstead cellar door with sweeping views across the Adelaide Hills. Your pooch will be well looked after with water bowls, treats and dog beds, while their human escorts indulge in wine tastings and delectable sharing platters.
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Four Pillars Distillery, Healesville, VIC:
Nestled in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Four Pillars Gin is one of the most awarded gin distilleries in the world thanks to its signature blends of orange, finger lime, turmeric and ginger. Head along with your pooch in tow for a gin tasting experience on the fully covered outside area.
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Granite Belt Brewery, Stanthorpe, QLD:
If beer is your tipple of choice, grab a tasting paddle at Granite Belt Brewery and enjoy it surrounded by beautiful bushland on the lawn. Your pooch is welcome to relax while you taste; if you’d prefer to stay a while, some of their onsite cabins are pet friendly too.
How to plan the perfect pet-cation
Holidaying or heading out with your pooch by your side is a rewarding experience. It allows you to explore new destinations, have new adventures, and share them with your furry friend. To make these trips stress-free, plan ahead with these tips:
- Always phone ahead to your destination or local council to double check their pet policies, rules, and regulations.
- Allow for plenty of rest stops if you have a lengthy road trip ahead.
- Don’t forget pet essentials like extra water, a collapsible drinking bowl, a sturdy lead, plenty of poo bags, favourite treats and ideally a pet first aid kit.
- Ensure your dog’s identification tags and microchip are up to date.
From adventures to home comforts, it’s all about making memories
No matter how you spend time with your furry friend – whether it’s exploring pet-friendly parks, beaches, cafes, or embracing a bit of ‘barkitecture’ while creating the perfect pet-friendly retreat in your home – there are endless ways to make memories with your four-legged companion. If you’re searching for a home that suits both you and your pet, speak to your local First National Real Estate team. Your local property experts will provide exclusive real estate insights and guide you through the process to buy real estate and find a happy haven for you and your family – furry, feathered or otherwise!
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use