Discover the best road trips with dogs across Australia

One of the best things about taking off on a road trip in your campervan is that your much-loved furry friend can come along for the ride. No need to organise a pet sitter, no need to feel that twinge of guilt as you depart without them. You can take a family vacation that everyone can enjoy with our top picks for best road trips with dogs.

If you’re in NSW, we have the perfect route mapped out to help you and your furry friend get the most out of your next trip. We also share some top tips to help you out in your travels, as well as some amazing dog-friendly spots to visit in each state around Australia. It’s time to grab that campervan and get exploring.

Sydney to Byron Bay road trip with dogs

Stop 1: Central Coast

Just an hour out of Sydney will see you on the beautiful Central Coast, where there are plenty of beaches to explore with your furry friend. Head over to the lagoon at Avoca Beach and your dog can join the many others jumping in and out of the water and having a blast.

You can walk along the whole beach – from one end to the other – with your pet close by, enjoying the waves. It’s a 24-hour, dog-friendly beach, that is away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spot at Terrigal Beach. You can enjoy the laid back vibes that come with Coast life with your dog close by.

Stop 2: Forster-Tuncurry

There are plenty of awesome dog-friendly beaches in this area, you just have to go on the hunt. Many of them have time restrictions, so make sure you pay close attention before you set off.

Nine Mile Beach is leash-free from 3 pm until 8 am, while One Mile Beach permits dogs from 5 am to 8 am. There’s also plenty more to see and do in the area. Head to Booti Booti National Park, check out Cape Hawke Lookout, try some of the local seafood and much more.

Stop 3: Bretti Reserve

Located just a 30-minute drive from Gloucester, Bretti Reserve offers the perfect riverside camping area that is not only dog-friendly but also completely free. It’s the ideal opportunity to escape life for a little while, and enjoy some peace and quiet connecting with nature with your furry friend.

You can even head over to Gloucester for the day and enjoy one of the many hikes, or immerse yourself in some culture at one of their galleries. You might have to leave your dog behind for the latter!

Stop 4: Moonee Beach

While everyone else heads over to Coffs Harbour, you can escape the crowds with your furry friend and check out this massive tidal lagoon and beach. Take off on the bush track to the headland and enjoy some amazing sites as you go. There’s the Reflections Moonee Beach Holiday Park right next to the lagoon as well, which is dog friendly.

It’s a great area to enjoy a picnic, go for a hike, canoe or whale watching.

Stop 5: Byron Bay

Next stop, Byron Bay! This tourist hub has so many different beaches where dogs are allowed to roam without a leash. From Belongil Beach to Suffolk Park and Tallows Beach.

Of course, this popular spot can get busy. It’s best to head out first thing in the morning before there are too many crowds getting in the way.

Top 5 tips for road trips with your dog

• Make sure your four-legged friend travels well. While it’s all good in theory to bring them along for the ride, if they aren’t used to vans, it could be traumatic for everyone. Take them on a test drive to see how well they go.

• Check your accommodation for each stop is dog friendly. The last thing you want is to turn up and get told your beloved pet can’t stay with you.

• The key to enjoying the best road trips with dogs is planning their stops around your pup. They need to get out and stretch their legs frequently, as well as toilet and water breaks along the way. Find an off-leash area along the way they can enjoy a good run at.

• Bring along your dog’s regular food and treats. You don’t want to upset them with new foods along the way – especially as you don’t know how they will react to it.

• Keep a towel in the car ready to go. There’s plenty of stops at beaches in Australia, so you want to be able to dry off your pooch as quickly as possible before letting them back in the van.

Top spots for dogs

While we have covered off some amazing spots to take your furry friend to in New South Wales and Queensland, you also have plenty of options in the other states. Here are some of our favourite places to venture with four-legged friends around Australia.

Top spot in Victoria

Great Ocean Road

If you’re heading to Victoria, this is a spot that is often recommended for tourists to hit up. It’s the perfect road trip for you and your furry friend. While there are some areas along the way dogs aren’t allowed, such as Port Campbell National Park, there are plenty of others where they can join you that make it worth your while.

Check out the trail and beach at Sandy Cove, let your dogs explore the mouth of the Curdies River and then head to some of the dog-friendly cafes, such as Café Moby, Growlers and more.

Top spot in Western Australia

Margaret River Region

Who doesn’t love a trip to check out some amazing vineyards – and have a sample or two along the way. While you won’t be letting your dog off the leash nearly as often on this trip, most vineyards let you bring them along in their outdoor areas.

After a bit of wine tasting, you can head to some of the dog-friendly beaches that all off lead, including Gnarabup dog beach, or Gracetown Beach.

Top spot in South Australia

Fleurieu Peninsula

This amazing spot is located just 40 minutes from Adelaide, with plenty of coastlines and trails just waiting to be sniffed and explored by your furry one. Take a walk down the Encourage Bikeway, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and then settle back at one of the local cafes to have a delicious bite to eat. The perfect holiday.

Top spot in Tasmania

The Kingborough Region

Home to one of the longest coastlines in the state, this place is a heaven for those who love to get out and about in nature. There are also plenty of options when it comes to dog-friendly accommodation for your trip, from apartments to caravan parks and more.

Plan your perfect road trip with pets

There’s doubt thatvan life with pets is heaps of fun! Are you looking to bring your furry friend along on your next road trip? Organisepet-friendly campervan hireand then hit the open road on one of our best road trips with dogs. Check out one spot, or visit them all, and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with your pooch.