Travelling around Australia with a dog is an adventure that most Aussie dog lovers no doubt have high on their bucket list. The thought of packing everything up and into the back of a van for a few months, or even longer, is definitely something we've considered, but how hard is travelling Australia with a dog, and is it really doable?
While Australia is a dog-friendly country with many destinations and activities that welcome pets, travelling with a dog comes with challenges, including varying regulations across states and territories.
In this guide, we’ll explore the joys and challenges of exploring Australia with your dog, and if we've done our job correctly, we'll inspire you to get out there and see all four corners of this beautiful country, armed with practical tips and advice for a smooth journey.
Is It Hard to Travel Australia with a Dog?
Travelling with a dog demands a decent amount of forward planning. If you’ve ever done a weekend away with your furry friend in tow, you’ll have some idea of what we’re talking about here.
The primary challenges include restrictions on where dogs are allowed, especially in national parks, keeping on top of their health requirements, and of course, finding suitable accommodation. Additionally, because of the sheer size of Australia and the huge distances between destinations, your dog must be comfortable with long car rides.
Preparation is the key to overcoming these challenges, especially if you’re looking to take your pup on an extended trip:
- Pre-Trip Vet Visit: Put your mind at ease with a pre-trip vet visit for a quick health check, especially for longer trips
- Keep Your Dog Hydrated: Bring lots of water to keep your furry friend hydrated and make every effort to keep him/her from drinking out of lakes and rivers
- Respect Wildlife: At night, keep your dog inside to keep him/her and local widlife out of harms way
- Routine and Comfort: Stick to the familiar routine with your dog's regular food, water, and bedding
- Use Pet-Friendly Apps: Apps like BringFido can help find dog-friendly locations and services
- Emergency Plan: Stress less with knowledge of nearby vet services in case of emergencies, and keep a dog first aid kit on hand
- Ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date: Vaccinating your dog on the road is probably going to prove challenging, so it’s important this is up to date before you leave
- Update Microchip Location: Update their microchip whenever you’re on the move incase the unthinkable happens
Can I Take My Dog to a National Park in Australia?
The answer to this question is maybe. Each state has its own rules regarding where dogs are allowed and if you're planning to visit multiple states, it's important to know where you stand to avoid getting into hot water:
- New South Wales: NSW is relatively dog-friendly, with many beaches and parks allowing dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. However, national parks are generally off-limits to dogs, with few exceptions, like the Snowy Mountains where some areas like Jindabyne permit dogs on a leash.
- Victoria: Victoria permits dogs in state parks but most national parks are off limits, with a handful of exceptions, such as Great Otway National Park. One thing to note if you're travelling through national parks in Vic is that dogs are permitted if they're "confined in a vehicle that's in transit".
- Queensland: Queensland has more restrictions when it comes to dogs in national parks. Most parks, like Daintree and Lamington, do not allow dogs. However, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches and camping sites throughout the state.
- South Australia: South Australia is known for its leniency, with many parks, including Belair National Park, permitting dogs on a leash. However, it's always important to check the specific rules of each park. You can search for dog friendly national parks in SA here.
- Western Australia: Western Australia is probably the strictest in terms of restrictions out of all the states and territories. It does however have a list of parks and attractions that you can take your dog to here. You’ll just need to filter by dogs allowed.
- Tasmania: Tasmania is less dog-friendly in terms of national parks, with most, like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet, prohibiting dogs to protect their delicate ecosystem.
- Northern Territory: The NT is largely restrictive, with iconic parks like Kakadu and Litchfield not allowing dogs. However, some urban areas and reserves are more accommodating.
- Australian Capital Territory: The ACT is small but has dog-friendly areas, however, for the most part dogs are restricted from entering national parks. You can find out more here.
Are There Any Requirements to Cross State Borders with a Dog?
If your dog is already based in Australia, for the most part there aren’t any requirements for crossing state lines with your dog when travelling around Australia.
The only exception to this is Tasmania which does have a special entry requirement that dogs be treated for hydatid tapeworm and ticks. You will need to provide evidence of this to present to officials upon entry, and more information on that can be found here.
Where Do You Leave Your Dog While Doing Day Activities When Travelling?
Short-Term Options For shorter activities, you might not need or want to book your dog into a kennel or utilise a pet-sitting service. Here are some options:
- Crate-trained dogs: If your dog is crate-trained and you’re only going to be away for a short period of time, this is an option. Be sure to leave a toy and some comforts to keep your dog stimulated.
- Doggy day care: Finding a reputable doggy day care on the road comes with its challenges but it gives you peace of mind that your doggo will be having just as much fun as you.
Dog-Friendly Activities We’re lucky to live in a country that has so many outdoor activities that welcome dogs:
- Hiking: Trails like the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria or Manly to Spit Bridge in Sydney are not only scenic, but also dog-friendly.
- Beaches: Iconic beaches like Noosa Spit in Queensland and St. Kilda Beach in Melbourne allow dogs to frolic off-leash.
- City Tours: Some cities offer dog-friendly tours, where your pup can join in the exploration.
Safety Considerations It’s important never to leave your dog in a hot car or in an unsafe environment. Always ensure they have access to shade, water, and ventilation. If leaving them in the car briefly is unavoidable, use sunshades, and keep the car well-ventilated.
Where Should You Leave A Dog Safely For Longer Activities When Travelling?
Dog Kennels and Pet Sitting Services Sometimes, you might want to engage in activities that aren't dog-friendly, such as long hikes in national parks or attending events. In such cases, finding a reliable dog kennel or pet-sitting service is crucial.
Personally, we don’t like the idea of leaving our dog in a kennel, so we’ve made use of services like Madpaws to research suitable pet-sitters. But equally, there are great hybrid kennels where dogs get to socialise and run free.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation When planning your trip, look for accommodations that offer dog-sitting services or have secure spaces where your dog can stay if you need to leave them for a while. Many hotels, motels, and Airbnbs are becoming more pet-friendly, offering fenced yards or even dog beds. We’ve used BringFido in the past and loved it.
Local Recommendations Sometimes, the best way to find a trusted dog-sitting service is by asking locals. Platforms like Facebook groups or local community boards can be invaluable for finding recommendations.
What is The Best Dog-Friendly Setup for Travelling Australia with a Dog?
The answer to this question will be probably be contingent on your budget and preparation for this trip. If for example you’re planning on completing a lap of Australia and/or doing an extended length of travel with your dog around Australia, most travellers opt for a caravan, campervan or motorhome.
Not only does this solve the challenge of finding dog friendly accommodatiom, but in the instance of a campervan or motorhome, it also serves as your transporation from A to B.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, we've used websites like Hipcamp to find dog friendly campgrounds across Australia and here are our pick of the bunch:
