The ultimate guide to dog-friendly campervan hire in Australia

Plan the ultimate dog-friendly camping trip in Australia with Camplify. Learn about pet-friendly vans, cost-saving tips, and essential advice for travelling with dogs. Your camping adventure awaits! Last updated: July 2024

Those big brown eyes, that wagging tail – for many of us, our dogs aren't just pets, they're family. If you've ever felt a pang of guilt while packing your suitcase or found yourself scrolling through photos of your pup while on vacation, you're not alone.

The dog owner's dilemma is real: to travel or not to travel? As we balance our wanderlust with devotion to our four-legged family members, questions arise:

• "Will my dog be safe and comfortable during the trip?"

• "How can I ensure they don't feel anxious or abandoned in an unfamiliar environment?"

• "What if our pets get sick or injured while we're far from home?"

• "Will I be able to find accommodations that welcome my furry friend?"

• "How can I make sure my dog enjoys the adventure as much as I do?"

We understand your concerns – the safety and comfort of our loyal family members matter. At Camplify , Australia's largest van sharing platform , we're dog owners and campers too. We've experienced the joys and challenges of travelling with pets, and we're here to help you adventure together.

How Camplify makes dog-friendly travel accessible and affordable

Now imagine the comfort of having your dog by your side as you explore Australia's diverse landscapes. With us, you can make this a reality while also getting great value for your money. On our platform, we connect you with van owners who welcome pets, offering a variety of vehicle options to suit your needs. Here's what you get:

1. Find truly pet-friendly vehicles : Our platform allows you to filter for pet-friendly options, ensuring you find an owner and a van that welcomes your dog with open arms.

2. Create a familiar environment : Unlike hotel rooms or unfamiliar rentals, a van allows you to create a consistent, comfortable space for your dog throughout your journey.

3. Enjoy flexibility and freedom : Need to change plans to accommodate your dog's needs? No problem. With your own wheels, you have the freedom to adjust your itinerary as needed.

4. Travel at your pace : Take breaks when your dog needs to stretch their legs, explore dog-friendly attractions without rushing, and create an adventure that suits both your needs.

With Camplify, you're not just renting a vehicle – you're unlocking a world of stress-free, flexible, and economical travel experiences for you and your beloved pet.

The economics of dog-friendly travel: Campervan vs car and hotels

Wondering how van travel stacks up against traditional options for a dog-friendly holiday? Let's break it down. We'll compare the costs of travelling with a Camplify van to the typical approach of driving your own car and staying in hotels. This side-by-side comparison will show you just how economical and convenient van travel can be for you and your pet.

For this example, we'll plan a 10-day trip from Sydney to Byron Bay (approximately 800 km one way) for two adults and a dog. This popular route offers beautiful coastal views and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way, making it perfect for our comparison.

Option 1: Travelling with a Camplify van

• Van rental (10 days): $150/day x 10 = $1,500

• Fuel costs (1600 km round trip, 10L/100km at $1.90/L): $304

• Campsite fees ($30/night x 9 nights): $270

• Meals (grocery shopping and some eating out, $40/day for two people x 10 days): $400

• Total: $2,474

Option 2: Travelling by car and staying in hotels

• Fuel costs (1600 km round trip, 8L/100km at $1.90/L): $243.20

• Hotel costs ($150/night for pet-friendly room x 9 nights): $1,350

• Pet fees at hotels ($20/night x 9 nights): $180

• Meals out (some grocery shopping, mostly eating out, $80/day for two people x 10 days): $800

• Total: $2,573.20

In this hypothetical scenario, travelling with a Camplify van is more economical, with a potential saving of about $100.

But the real value of hiring a campervan often goes far beyond any potential cost savings. Here's why a campervan frequently provides superior value for your dog-friendly holiday:

• Flexibility to change your itinerary

• No need to pack and unpack at each stop

• Ability to cook your own meals, saving on food costs

• A consistent, familiar environment for your dog

Remember, prices can vary based on the specific van or car you rent, the time of year, and the exact route you take.

Stress-free nights: Why staying with a dog in a campervan trumps tent camping

You might think, "I'll save more money, just pack the car, bring a tent, and adventure with my dog." Sounds simple, right? But picture this: it's 2 AM, and strange noises outside the tent have your dog on high alert. Suddenly, your pup's barking echoes through the campground, disturbing fellow campers. You're fumbling with zippers, trying to calm your anxious pet while apologising to angry neighbours. Not exactly the peaceful night under the stars you imagined.

Now, consider the serenity of a dog-friendly campervan. N o more midnight anxiety over wildlife scratching at your tent or your dog's nervous reactions keeping everyone awake. In a campervan, you're both safely enclosed in a secure, familiar environment. Your doggo can relax on their own bed, undisturbed by unfamiliar sounds and smells. You'll sleep soundly, knowing you won't wake up to a wet tent or a muddy, stressed-out dog after a rainy night. With a campervan, every evening becomes a stress-free extension of home - for both you and your pet.

Where to stay: Dog-friendly holiday parks in Australia

One of the great advantages of travelling in a campervan is the ability to stay at holiday parks. Many of these parks across Australia are pet-friendly, offering excellent facilities for both you and your dog. Here are a few top picks from our 18 best pet-friendly holiday parks list:

1. Tathra Beachside, NSW : Offers dog-friendly campsites year-round (except during peak summer) and even provides a dog wash facility. To reach Tathra Beachside, you can start your journey from Sydney. The drive from Sydney is approximately 470 km and takes about 5.5 hours, while from Canberra, it's a shorter 250 km trip, taking around 3 hours.

2. NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Park, NSW : Located on the beautiful NSW Far South Coast, this park allows dogs on certain sites and is close to dog-friendly beaches. Merimbula is easily accessible from both Sydney and Melbourne. From Sydney, it's a 490 km drive, taking about 6 hours, while from Melbourne, it's a 570 km journey, approximately 6.5 hours of driving time.

3. BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park, VIC : This park in the heart of Gippsland provides doggy-doo bag dispensers around the grounds. Traralgon is conveniently located about 160 km east of Melbourne, making it an easy 2-hour drive.

4. Barossa Valley Discovery Park, SA : Perfect for wine lovers who don't want to leave their dogs behind, this park offers pet-friendly sites in South Australia's famous wine region. To reach the Barossa Valley, you can start your journey from Adelaide . It's a short 70 km drive north of the city, taking about an hour.

Remember to always check the specific pet policies of each park before booking, as rules can vary and may change seasonally. For more options in campgrounds, explore our guide to pet-friendly camping grounds in Australia.

Dog-friendly road trip ideas in Australia

Australia offers countless opportunities for amazing road trips with your dog. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Sydney to Byron Bay: This coastal route offers plenty of dog-friendly beaches and attractions. Check out our detailed guide on the best dog-friendly road trips in NSW for more information.

2. The Great Ocean Road, VIC: While some areas are off-limits to dogs, there are still plenty of dog-friendly beaches and trails to explore.

3. Perth to Margaret River, WA: Enjoy beautiful beaches, forests, and even some pet-friendly wineries along this scenic route.

For more inspiration, take a look at our article on discovering the best road trips with dogs across Australia.

Essential tips for travelling with your dog in a campervan

Ready to book your pet-friendly van? Here are more tips to ensure a smooth journey:

1. Plan and pack essentials : Research dog-friendly attractions, beaches, and hiking trails along your route. Pack your dog's food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, medications, and familiar items like their bed, blanket, and toys to create a comfortable space in the van.

2. Ensure safety and comfort : Keep your dog cool with proper ventilation and never leave them alone in a parked vehicle. Tether your dog at campsites and consider PPE like a collar torch or reflective patches for nighttime visibility. Ensure your dog's collar has your current contact information and that their registration and microchip details are up-to-date.

3. Health and vaccinations : Make sure your dog's vaccinations, especially heartworm vaccination in Queensland, are up-to-date. Carry their vaccination records and health certificates, particularly when crossing state borders. Be cautious of 1080 baits used for foxes and dingoes, as dogs often ingest these accidentally.

4. Be prepared for emergencies : Learn basic pet first aid, including snake bite first aid, and research emergency vet clinics along your route. Keep their contact information handy and consider getting pet travel insurance for added peace of mind.

5. Regular breaks and exercise : Take regular breaks every few hours to let your dog stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and explore. This helps keep them happy and reduces anxiety during the journey.

Following these tips will help you and your pet have a safe, comfortable, and truly enjoyable travel experience.

Choosing the right campervan for your dog

As a devoted dog parent, you've likely realized that a campervan is your ticket to a tail-wagging adventure with your dog. But just like choosing the right leash or bed, picking the perfect campervan for your canine companion requires a bit of consideration. Let's sniff out the best options based on your dog's unique needs:

• Small to medium breeds: Comfortable in most campervansand pop tops

• Large breeds: Prefer motorhomesor caravansfor more space

• Short-nosed breeds: Need extra ventilation; consider a motorhome or caravan with air conditioning

• High-energy breeds: Benefit from frequent exercise stops;toy haulersideal

• Older dogs or those with mobility issues: Choose a caravan or motorhome with easier entry/exit

How to book a pet-friendly campervan with Camplify

Ready to start your adventure? Here's how easy it is to hit the road with Camplify:

1. Search for pet-friendly vans: Use Camplify's search filters to find vans that welcome furry passengers. Just visit the van search page and click on “Pet friendly“ option under “More filters“.

2. Book your perfect van: Once you've found a suitable van, you can request to book directly through the platform. To get started, just sign upon the platform. It’s free to join.

3. Communicate with the owner: Discuss any specific needs or concerns about travelling with your dog.

4. Hit the road: Pick up your van and start your adventure with your canine companion!

Many van owners on Camplify understand the joy of travelling with pets and have set up their vehicles to be dog-friendly. Some even provide amenities like dog beds, bowls, or secure harness points for safe travel. Always discuss your dog's needs with the van owner. For a detailed explanation of how Camplify works, check out our How it works page.

No need to leave your furry friend behind or search for pet-friendly accommodations – your mobile home welcomes everyone, paws and all. Browse our selection today and start planning the ultimate Aussie road trip with your four-legged companion by your side.

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