Dog friendly road trips NSW: ultimate guide for pets

Planning a pet-friendly adventure in New South Wales? There's no need to leave your furry sidekick behind! From pristine off-leash beaches to scenic bushwalking trails, NSW offers countless opportunities for memorable dog-friendly road trips. Last updated: January 2025

As Australia's leading van-sharing platform, Camplify connects you with local van owners who offer pet-friendly campervans and caravans. For comprehensive advice, read our ultimate guide to dog-friendly campervan hire in Australia and discover the best road trips with dogs.

Through our platform, you can easily find and hire the perfect vehicle for your adventure, complete with all the amenities you and your four-legged friend need. To learn more about how our platform works, visit our comprehensive guide.

Best dog-friendly road trips in NSW: 5 routes you can’t miss 1. Sydney to Hawkesbury Region

Total distance: about 88.4km | Recommended days: 2 days | Best time to drive the route: Spring

If you’re looking for a quick getaway with your dog, then head straight to the Hawkesbury Region and get exploring the amazing countryside. It’s one of the most dog-friendly road trips in NSW.

Sort out campervan hire in Sydney and set your sites on Yarramundi Nature Reserve, where you will find 12 hectares of countryside to explore. You can even stop for a dip in Grose River, which is an off-leash area.

Spend a day seeing the sites in town, popping your dog on a leash and making your way through the historic towns of Windsor and Richmond, or go in search of the Guringai Aboriginal rock engravings at Dangar Island.

Where to stay with your pet:

• Bielany Camping Ground, Colo - Spacious riverside sites, pet-friendly facilities, from $30/night

• Percy's Place Caravan Park, Pitt Town - Fenced areas for dogs, powered sites available

• Del Rio Riverside Resort, Wisemans Ferry - Large grassy areas, direct river access for dogs

Don't miss the Yarramundi Reserve , where you'll find 12 hectares of countryside to explore with your dog. The off-leash area at Grose River is perfect for a cooling swim during warmer months.

2. Sydney to Byron Bay

Total distance: about 1,002km | Recommended days: 6-8 days | Best time to drive the route: Summer | Route on Google Maps

This gorgeous dog-friendly road trip in NSW takes you from the Central Coast to Forster-Tuncurry, Bretti Reserve, Moonee Beach and then finally Byron Bay - with plenty of fun for your four-legged friend along the way!

The Central Coast offers up a plethora of beaches your dog can explore with you. Head straight to the lagoon at Avoca Beach where they can join all the other dogs jumping in and out of the way. The whole beach is completely dog-friendly and waiting to be explored. Next stop, you can check out even more beaches in Forster-Tuncurry, including Nine Mile Beach, which is leash-free from 3 pm until 8 am.

In Bretti Reserve you can enjoy some riverside camping, which is both dog-friendly and free! Moonee Beach takes you away from the tourists at Coffs Harbour and you can even take the bush track to the headland for some great sites. End up in Byron Bay, where there are plenty of beaches to choose from that allow dogs without a leash!

Where to stay with your pet:

• NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park, Myall Lakes - Waterfront sites, dog wash station

• Reflections Holiday Parks Moonee Beach - Off-leash beach access, dedicated dog areas

• First Sun Holiday Park, Byron Bay - Beachfront location, pet-friendly sites available

For more information, check out this article on the best road trips with dogs in Australia.

3. Sydney to the Blue Mountains

Total distance: about 752km | Recommended days : 7 days | Best time to drive the route: Spring | Route on Google Maps

Having your dog shouldn't stop you from enjoying the finer things on your trip. Here’s your guide to Wine Country Drive, which will take you along some of the pet-friendly wineries in the area. Start your trip in Sydney, then head to Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange and end up in the Blue Mountains.

There are several cellar doors in Hunter Valley you can bring your pet to, including Briar Ridge, Iron Gate Estate, Pepper Tree Wines, Hanging Tree Wines and more. There is also plenty of pet-friendly accommodation at Wine Country Tourist Park or Country Acres Caravan Park. And you can sit down for a bite to eat at The Deck Cafe Lovedale.

Next stop, Mudgee. Enjoy one of the many dog-friendly cafes, including Alby & Esther or The Quick Brown Fox, where you can fill yourself up before checking out the wineries. Head to Di Lusso Estate or Moothi Estate and settle back for an afternoon of indulgence.

Where to stay with your pet:

• Wine Country Tourist Park, Hunter Valley - Dedicated dog run area

• Mudgee Valley Tourist Park - Pet-friendly cabins and sites

• NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park - Spacious sites, walking trails nearby

Orange is the perfect chance to stretch your legs with a number of pet-friendly walks, such as Wirrabara Walk and Orange Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the Borrodell Vineyards where you can stay the night amongst the vines or sample some wine. Finally, end the trip in the Blue Mountains where you can hike your way through Katoomba and see the sites.

Dog-friendly wineries:

• Briar Ridge Vineyard, Hunter Valley

• Iron Gate Estate, Hunter Valley

• Di Lusso Estate, Mudgee

4. Sydney to Merimbula

Total distance: about 455 miles | Recommended days: 5-7 days | Best time to drive the route: Spring | Route on Google Maps

A trip to the South Coast is the perfect pet-friendly destination for your furry pal. Start off in Sydney and head to Mollymook and end up in Merimbula. There’s plenty of stops for you to make along the way to make the most of van life with pets.

If you love checking out the scenery, then make your way down Ocean Drive and across Sea Cliff Bridge, where you will enjoy some beautiful views before stopping off at Little Austi Beach to stretch your legs. This beach is off-leash 24 hours, with lots of space for your dogs to play! Alternatively, the centre section of Mollymook Beach (between the northern end of Donlan Road and Mollymook Creek) allows dogs all day, provided you keep them on a leash. You can then rest your head at one of the many campervan parks, including Mollymook Caravan Park and Holiday Haven Ulladulla.

On your way to Merimbula, it’s worth stopping at Mogo Zoo. While dogs aren’t allowed here, you can check them into Caseys Beach Vet Clinic for the day! Onto Merimbula, where you can head straight to the beach. Head down Ocean Drive and you’ll come to the off-leash part of Merimbula Main Beach. You can also take a walk over the famous boardwalk and check out the headland at Short Point.

Where to stay with your pet:

• Mollymook Shores Holiday Park - Beach access, pet-friendly sites

• NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort - Fenced dog area, beachfront location

• Sapphire Valley Caravan Park - Large sites, close to off-leash areas

5. Sydney to Wagga Wagga

Total distance: about 881km | Recommended days: 5 days | Best time to drive the route: Spring and Summer | Route on Google Maps

Another of the best dog-friendly road trips in NSW, this trip will take you from Sydney to Tumut, Griffith, and then Wagga Wagga.

First stop, Tumut, where you can go on a number of great walks in the area to check out the countryside. When you’re in need of refreshments, head to Tumut River Brewing Co, where they make more than 50 types of beer and are very welcoming of your furry friends. You can park your campervan for the night at Blowering Holiday Park, Riverglade Caravan Park or Tumut Valley Holiday Park.

On your way to Griffith, you can stop at the famous canine statue: the Dog on the Tuckerbox. Perfect photo opportunity for your four-legged friend! Griffith offers up a number of dog-friendly cafes to stop for a bite on the main street, Miei Amici. Then rest your head at Griffith Tourist Park or Griffith Caravan Village.

Wrap up your trip in Wagga Wagga, and head off exploring the many off-leash areas, such as Walks Park and O’Halloran Park! You can even take a wander through the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens with your dog on a leash.

Where to stay with your pet:

• Blowering Holiday Park, Tumut - Waterfront sites, bush walking trails

• Griffith Tourist Park - Pet-friendly accommodation, large sites

• BIG4 Wagga Wagga Holiday Park - Dedicated dog exercise area

Planning your pet-friendly road trip

Before hitting the road, ensure you've got everything sorted for a comfortable journey:

1. Book your pet-friendly campervan

2. Pack essentials: water bowls, leash, waste bags, and your pet's favorite bed

3. Download pet-friendly apps like "Sniffr" or "Pawshake" for finding nearby dog parks

4. Keep your pet's vaccination records handy

5. Plan regular breaks every 2-3 hours for exercise and bathroom stops

For more travel inspiration, check out our guides on pet-friendly campsites in Australia and van life with pets.

For more travel inspiration, check out our guides on pet-friendly campsites in Australia, van life with pets, and our 18 best pet-friendly holiday parks in Australia. If you're new to traveling with pets, don't miss our 10 tips for travelling Australia with a dog.