Dogs are a beloved and timeless companion – man’s best friend. Taking your dog with you everywhere, even on holidays, is an up-and-coming trend in Australia. So, what dog-friendly accommodation can you find around Australia?
Travelling with your dog is an exciting experience, but it definitely introduces some challenges when booking accommodation. Luckily, accommodation providers are working to provide a solution for the new pet travel trend, with many options popping up catering to you and your pet’s needs. Airbnbs, for example, offer a home away from home, while hotels offer a more traditional form of holiday with service options – room service for you and your pooch! Depending on your preferences, you also consider a caravan park – a cost-effective and family-friendly option. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the best places to stay with your dog.
Best Pet Friendly Hotels
If inner-city pampering is more your style, you might consider one of these pet-friendly hotels in some of Australia’s busiest cities. Again, it’s always a good idea to double-check that any accommodation you’re considering allows pets, but we’ve compiled a list of dog-friendly options to get you started on your holiday plans.
Room at Crystalbrook Albion © Crystalbrook Collection
Photograph used with permission from Crystalbrook Albion
Crystalbrook Albion, Sydney
Live in luxury and party all night with your furry best friend in this boutique hotel, offering a 24-hour honour bar system and a puppy staycation package for your partner in crime.
Ovolo Laneways, Melbourne
Get the ‘V.I.Pooch’ treatment at Ovolo Laneways hotel and treat your pup with heaps of goodies, including a plush dog bed, custom mat and plenty of complimentary toys and snacks!
Spicer’s Balfour Hotel, Brisbane
Located in inner-city suburb New Farm, the Spicer’s Balfour Hotel offers ‘Pooch Packages’ to guests in Suites 10 and 11. The pooch package includes all your usual goodies and a cozy dog bed.
Pier One Hotel, Sydney
With a total of 10 dog-friendly rooms, this heritage hotel is partnered with luxury dog fashion frontrunner DOGUE to provide your pampered pooch with fabulous amenities such as a DOGUE minibar.
The W Brisbane Hotel, Brisbane
Get everything you need to set up your dog in comfort with the W Brisbane Hotel providing food, water bowls, pet toys, treats and even local pet information to keep you in the know on every local service available for your pet.
Dog in a porters trolley at Quest Apartment Hotels © Quest Apartment Hotels
Photograph used with permission from Quest Apartment Hotels
The Quest Hotel, St Kilda
If you want access to Melbourne CBD but crave the beach, this closely located hotel will be “paw-fect” for you and your furry companion, with all the essentials you need for your pampered pup provided for your stay.
Best Pet Friendly Airbnbs
It is crucial when applying for Airbnbs that you make sure to double-check that the owner allows pets, as this can be subject to change. Once you have the go-ahead, it’s merely a matter of establishing what rules and extra fees there are. A good tip for ensuring a successful application is to include details on your pet to put the owner at ease; as you spend more time travelling, you can build up Airbnb reviews on your pet.
To start you off on your search for suitable Airbnbs, here is a list of popular dog friendly stays! If you are keen to explore more pet-friendly options around Australia, Airbnb also provides a helpful directory for finding pet-friendly locations here.
Two beautiful dogs at Must Love Dogs B&B
Photography used with permission from Must Love Dogs B&B
Must Love Dogs B&B, Rutherglen, VIC
Located a 3-hour drive north-east of Melbourne, this beautiful Airbnb is owned by pet-lover Christine and her husband, who hope to deliver more pet-friendly experiences to guests. This B&B is a chandelier suite, which was built in 1850.
Getawayz Kirribilli apartment loungeroom
Photography courtesy of Getawayz NSW
Getawayz NSW Heatherbrae II, Kirribilli, NSW
Boasting expansive Sydney Harbour Bridge views from a large entertainer’s balcony, this two-bedroom Kirribilli apartment offers luxury comforts for up to 4 guests in the quiet suburb of Kirribilli.
Gorgeous infinity pool at the Hinterland Villa
Photography used with permission from the owner
Luxury Gold Coast Hinterland Villa, Mount Nathan, QLD
Located a 25-minute drive from Surfers Paradise, this luxurious villa can sleep up to 10 people and features gorgeous views and a 25-metre lap pool. With 10 acres of surrounding property, you and your pup can enjoy exploring the great outdoors together.
Dining and kitchen area at the Inglewood romantic getaway
Photograph used with permission from the owner
Inner City Romantic Getaway, Inglewood, WA
This beautifully renovated 1920’s Federation Home sits near the heart of Perth CBD and is perfect for a weekend photo shoot with its unique and luxurious interior design. Not only is this location pet-friendly, but it’s also a popular location for wedding photoshoots and bridal stays, letting you include your furry family member in the festivities.
Fenced-in Jingili tropic retreat pool
Photography used with permission from the owner
Tropical Retreat, Jingili, NT
Relax by the pool with your pup at this idyllic tropical retreat only 15 minutes away from Darwin City. This property’s large backyard will be an absolute treat to explore with your furry friend, with numerous fruit trees giving guests access to fresh banana, lemon, lime, mango, pawpaw, passionfruit and pomelo fruits when in season.
Deep Creek Tiny House’s relaxing deck
Photograph used with permission from the owner
Deep Creek Tiny House, Deep Creek, SA
Privately located at the edge of Deep Creek National Park, this tiny house is surrounded by 4 acres of natural wilderness for you and your pup to explore. The beautiful deck also offers a relaxing place to settle in and enjoy the view for older dogs.
The recessed garden entrance to Hounds Inn
Photograph used with permission from the owner
Hounds Inn, West Hobart, TAS
Moments away from Hobart CBD, this 1830’s Georgian Classic offers a spacious three-floor level layout and a secure lockable yard for your pup to explore. Take your puppy on a well-deserved walk or two with this conveniently located stay.
Dog Friendly Caravan Parks
For those who choose a caravan for their trip, a single Google search will reveal there are plenty of dog-friendly options when it comes to caravan parks. As a general rule, most caravan parks have restrictions on pets in cabins, so be sure to do your research before settling on a location. If you enjoy the ocean scenery, you may be interested in Seaspray Caravan Park, a fantastic retreat only 3 hours away from Melbourne by car. Enjoy the expansive 90 Mile Beach with your pup (on a lead, of course). This location has a two pet limit, so if you’ve got a whole pack, this might not be suited to you! Or, if you’d like to get in on the action in NSW, you may consider the pet-friendly NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park. This fantastic caravan location has heaps of entertainment options available for the whole family, from indoor cinemas to minigolf.
Ultimately, a good journey with your best friend comes down to good planning and one very good boy/girl! Accommodation might be tricky, but you can ensure a smooth trip for you and your lucky puppy through thorough research. If your pup needs a bath after all the fun and games, you can find the nearest K9000 DIY Dog Wash near you here and be back on the road in no time. Enjoy your travels, and stay safe!