Rupert the Cavoodle (featured above) and the team at PETstock suggested some great campsites where you can take your dogs. This list is by no means exhaustive but we certainly hope it will inspire you to explore more! So happy holidaying to the whole family including your fur kids!
NEW SOUTH WALES
1. Mystery Bay Camp Ground is on the South Coast of NSW, just over five hours from Sydney.
Right on the ocean, this bush camping site is surrounded by turquoise beaches, rocky coves and spectacular views over cliff headlands. What dog (or owner) doesn’t love a beach holiday?
Right on the ocean, this bush camping site is surrounded by turquoise beaches, rocky coves and spectacular views over cliff headlands. What dog (or owner) doesn’t love a beach holiday?
2. Coachwood Camping Area is located on Chinchester State Forest, 3.5 hours north west of Sydney. This small clearing on the Telegherry River offers a cool, quiet rainforest setting with a lagoon to swim in and you will love the serenity there.
You and your fur baby can enjoy shady walking trails, tall mountains and cool, fresh mountain pools.
4. Turon Gates campsite is situated in a valley in the Blue Mountains on the Turon River, only 2.5 hours from Sydney. Pets are allowed off-lead, so long as they are kept under control. Your buddy will love joining you for a mountain bike, bird watching, panning for gold and a river swim.
Pets are allowed off-lead, as long as they are kept under control at all times. Fishing and attending camp oven cooking demonstrations are perfect for humans, while pets can swim, bushwalk and enjoy evenings under the stars.
QUEENSLAND
6. Darlington Park camping area, Beaudesert
Beaudesert is a great stopover point for drivers coming off the inland drive up from Melbourne, and is not too far from both Surfers Paradise and Brisbane. Darlington Park offers fantastic facilities for families with pets including a kiosk, a playground and cricket ground for the kids, although you do need to bring your own drinking water.
Other camping areas around Brisbane that welcome pets: Burgess Park camping area, Atkinson Dam Waterfront Caravan Park, Boonah Showground
The beautiful Amamoor State Forest and Reserve is an amazing area for camping and dog walks alike. Located 180kms from Brisbane City, the Amamoor forest includes riverine rainforests, hoop and bunya pine plantations.
8. Brooyar State Forest
The Brooyar State Forest is only 20 minutes north-west of Gympie and a sight to behold, especially from the Point Pure lookout. The camping area lies between Widgee and Glastonbury Creeks. This quiet retreat contains rainforests and hoop pine plantations. There are plenty of walks to be had with your dog. This would make a fantastic day trip or why not treat the family to a weekend of camping?
9. Lake Placid Tourist Park, Cairns
It is adjacent to Lake Placid at the base of the World Heritage Barron River Gorge National Park. Close to hiking/walking and bicycle trails and in close proximity to an off lead dog exercise park with a lake for swimming.
Loyalty Beach Campground & Fishing Lodge has combines excellent facilities with a prime beachfront location but you’ll need to watch out for crocodiles!
Just 45 minutes from the tip of Cape York, this campsite is spectacular, offering 500 metres of grassed beachfront sites where you can set up shop. The amenities at Loyalty Beach include everything from powered sites to hot showers, and pets are allowed under supervision.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
11. Tantanoola Rest Area
This free 48 hour rest area is located 28 km North of Mount Gambier, between the railway and the road. It is pet friendly and comes with a large open, grassy area with plenty of shade. It has a children's playground to enjoy. The general store/post office and pub are next to the rest area. Here you will find toilets with disabled access, water, picnic tables, BBQ.
This pet friendly site located 35 km North East of Whyalla comes with all the required amenities (water, toilets, shower, mobile reception but no power) and there's a boat ramp access.
Dolphins and birdlife often frequent the waters around Point Lowly, while the rocky shoreline is popular for fishing, sightseeing, or a relaxing and leisurely stroll.
TASMANIA
13. Blackmans Lagoon Camping Area
Located in the Waterhouse Conservation Area, it is reached along Blackmans Lagoon Rd off Waterhouse Rd, 23 km east of Bridport. Camping is in a pine plantation by a network of lagoons some way from the coast, but there is 4WD access through the dunes to the beach. Suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Access only during dry weather.
Dolphins and birdlife often frequent the waters around Point Lowly, while the rocky shoreline is popular for fishing, sightseeing, or a relaxing and leisurely stroll.
TASMANIA
13. Blackmans Lagoon Camping Area
Located in the Waterhouse Conservation Area, it is reached along Blackmans Lagoon Rd off Waterhouse Rd, 23 km east of Bridport. Camping is in a pine plantation by a network of lagoons some way from the coast, but there is 4WD access through the dunes to the beach. Suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Access only during dry weather.
Green Point Beach has been voted one of the three best surfing beaches in Australia.
3km West of Marrawah, there is a small free camping area located on the oceanfront which is dog-friendly (on-lead). This area features some of Tasmania's most spectacular scenery. Bring your own firewood, food and fresh water as there are no water taps. There is an outside shower (cold water).
3km West of Marrawah, there is a small free camping area located on the oceanfront which is dog-friendly (on-lead). This area features some of Tasmania's most spectacular scenery. Bring your own firewood, food and fresh water as there are no water taps. There is an outside shower (cold water).
VICTORIA
16. Loch Valley
The Poplars camping area is around two hours out of Melbourne, close to Mount Baw Baw National Park, and you can camp beside the Loch River. Take your buddy for a long walk along the river while you both take in the tall trees and ferns.
The Poplars camping area is around two hours out of Melbourne, close to Mount Baw Baw National Park, and you can camp beside the Loch River. Take your buddy for a long walk along the river while you both take in the tall trees and ferns.
The campground is situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, with bushwalking, boating and fishing popular activities. Be sure to fit your buddy with a dog flotation vest before you head out on the boat.
18. Lake Hindmarsh Reserve is close to five hours out of Melbourne, near the Grampians. When filled, Lake Hindmarsh is the perfect location for water skiing, fishing, yabbying and boating, with red river gums and birdlife natural highlights. Your fur baby’s going to love napping under a shady old gum tree.
Four Mile Beach has more facilities than any of the other campsites around Lake Hindmarsh, including powered sites and a kiosk selling basic foodstuffs; the trade-off is that this is the only place in the reserve where camping fees are charged. It’s situated on the southern edge of the lake, about 5km from Jeparit.
Four Mile Beach has more facilities than any of the other campsites around Lake Hindmarsh, including powered sites and a kiosk selling basic foodstuffs; the trade-off is that this is the only place in the reserve where camping fees are charged. It’s situated on the southern edge of the lake, about 5km from Jeparit.
The Sheepyard Flat campsite is about three-and-a-half hours out of Melbourne, near Mansfield.
This old gold mining area is set on the beautiful Howqua River and is popular for picnics, horse riding, bushwalking and four-wheel-driving. Any old dog is going to love the serenity here!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
20. Sandy Cape Recreation Park
Located 10km north of Jurien, Sandy Cape is the perfect holiday destination for beach-loving humans and canines. Steep sand dunes and a beautiful, sheltered bay make for the perfect sand boarding and snorkelling conditions so you’ll have plenty to do all day.
21. Nanga Mill, Dwellingup
18 kilometres from Dwellingup, this is the largest campsite in the area. Once the site of a jarrah saw mill, Nanga Mill is now a peaceful camping and picnic spot. Explore the historical site with a bushwalk or go for a paddle in the river that flows through the campground.
Nature lovers can’t go past Alexandra Bridge. This tranquil spot has a stunning array of birds and wildlife, plus, the river provides activities such as swimming, canoeing, fishing and boating. Don’t forget your doggy life vest!
23. Duke of Orleans Bay
Situated between Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid National Parks, 83km east of Esperance is where you’ll find some of the most picturesque and breathtaking beaches in Australia. The Duke caravan park is the perfect place to stay with your pup with snow white sand and crystal blue beaches just a short walk away.
47 kilometres east of Geraldton, this scenic campsite has it all – gum trees, sandstone cliffs and a freshwater pool.
There are some great water-based activities to enjoy or you could relax under a gumtree with your dog, listening to the abundant birdlife that inhabits the area.
Now that you're excited about heading out on your next adventure, what do you need to pack? Check our "Camping with Dogs - Safety Tips and Essentials" for some suggestions...
Camping with your pooch should be seen as a privilege rather than an entitlement. To ensure more places allow access to dogs, it is essential that we respect these campsites and leave them in the same condition we found them.
 |
| How's the serenity? asks Rupert the Cavoodle - Photo Credit (and lead shot): PETstock Australia |
EmoticonEmoticon