Top 10 Dog-Friendly Camping Spots in Australia

Australia has such incredible camping experiences for both you and your dog. Exploring the great outdoors with your dog can be an unforgettable adventure and there are plenty of dog-friendly camping spots across the country. Plus, enjoy the added benefit of ample space for dog exercise during your outdoor escapades.

1. The Gorge, Clarence River, New South Wales 

This privately owned land is an incredible working cattle station of over 8,000 acres and approximately 10km of river frontage to the Clarence River. The property has many waterfalls, rapids, rock pools and an abundance of fish in the river.  

If you are just up for a day trip or looking to settle in for a few nights, you and your pet will enjoy fresh mountain air and wide-open spaces to explore. You can canoe in the river, catch fish (catch and release), bird watch and go for a small hike to see waterfalls.

2. Coodlie Park Farm Retreat, South Australia

Coodlie Park Farm Retreat is settled on a 3000 acre property with lots of space for your dog to explore and play. Coodlie Park Farm Retreat has its own private beach for both you and your dog to enjoy and your dog is allowed to go off leash as long as they under your control and near you at all times in the campground. 

3. Reflections Moonee Beach, New South Wales

Reflections Moonee Beach is a dog friendly campsite with drinking stations, shaded tie up areas and lots of doggie bag dispensers throughout the park. You can walk your dog through the area, but you can also take them kayaking or paddle boarding too. The park is equipped with dog baths and there is even a dog sitting service available. There are also no restrictions on bringing your pet during peak times and they are welcome all year round. 

4.Captain Cook Holiday Park, Tasmania 

Captain Cook Holiday Park have their own doggo on site, so they are more than happy to have other dogs join in the fun. They have a play pen for your dog and even offer dog sitting services so you can adventure in the National Park that runs nearby or visit the nearby lighthouse where pets are prohibited. They don’t have a dedicated dog wash area, but you can use the wash down bays onsite, especially if your dog runs around on the beach. There are lots of dog friendly beaches on Bruny and many eateries are dog friendly too. 

Pets are welcome for a one-off extra fee of $30 and you must keep your pet on lead while on the park grounds.  

5. Lake Maroon Camping Ground, Queensland 

Lake Maroon Campground has many camp sites, cabins, donga and a huge Queensland homestead to cater for campers, caravans and big groups of people and families. There are many scenic adventures around including the mountains, lake and bushland. 

Located about 1.5hours outside of Brisbane and about 30kms south of Boonah it’s a great place to see the Great Southeast Scenic Rim. The park goes down the mountains to the lake edge of the Maroon Dam which has a variety of bush scenery, wildlife and mountain views. 

In the campground it’s important to keep your dog on a lead and secure as there are other guests staying on the campground.  

6. Burrill Lake, New South Wales 

For a laid-back coastal camping experience, Burrill Lake on the South Coast of New South Wales is a great choice. Many caravan parks and campgrounds in the area are pet friendly, allowing you and your dog to relax by the lake and explore the nearby beaches. Make sure you check for peak holiday times as some parks around Burrill Lake do not allow pets in the peak holiday season. 

7. Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park, Tasmania 

Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park is located in southern Tasmania and has cabins, powered sites and tent sites. Your pet will not be allowed inside cabins, and they must be on a lead when walking around the park. But there are plenty of attractions around for you and your dog to enjoy including Snug Halls and Snug Beach.  

8. Plantation Campground, Victoria 

Located in Victoria, Plantation Campground is a haven for nature lovers. Plantation Campground offers 30 campsites for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and campervans. All sites are unpowered. Maximum of 6 people per site.  

Plantation campgrounds is dog friendly, but they must be on a leash.  

9. Bay of Fires, Tasmania 

Tasmania is one of the most dog friendly places to visit and great for camping. The Bay of Fires is named for the fires of Aboriginal inhabitants spotted on the shore by early explorers and is about a 3-hour drive from Launceston.  

The Bay of Fires is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear blue water and orange lichen covered boulders. The area of the coastline stretches for 50km so there is plenty to explore. 

The majority of the bay is contained in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. But unlike a lot of national Parks in Australia, dogs on lead are permitted including all campgrounds except for Jeanerette and the northern area that lies within the Mount William National Park region. 

10. Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales 

Dogs are welcome at certain campsites at Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat. This area is surrounded by lush rainforest, has lakes and many places to visit and is a peaceful retreat for you and your dog to explore the spacious grounds. 

What To Bring on A Camping Trip with Your Dog: 

• Outdoor Leash and Harness: to keep your dog secure around campsites invest in a lead that can be staked into the ground and a well-fitted harness to keep them secure and safe with an ID tag. 
• Dog Bed and Sleeping Bag: Provide your dog with a comfy bed and maybe even a dog sleeping bag if it’s a chilly night. These create such a great cosy environment for your pet to snuggle up in. 
• Food and Water Bowls: Collapsible bowls are a great convenience for feeding and hydrating your dog if you are out on a hike or a long walk somewhere.  
• Poop Bags: Make sure you take poo bags for dogs to clean up after your dog, especially in public areas like beaches where people and other dogs may walk. 
• Dog First Aid Kit: Include items like any ointments, bandages, tweezers (for removing ticks) and any necessary medications your dog may need. 
• Dog Toys: Bring some of your dog’s favourite toys to keep them entertained at the campsite, Kongs and chew toys are great if your dog has trouble settling down into the new environment. 
• Doggy Wipes or Towels: Keep your dog clean by bringing wipes or small towels, this is especially useful if your dog loves water activities. 
• Dog Brush: A brush can help keep your dog’s coat clean, get out any prickles and minimise shedding inside the tent if you are sleeping with them inside. 
• Tick and Flea Prevention: Depending on your camping location, consider using a vet recommended tick and flea prevention method for your dog. 
  
• Comfort items: Bringing your dog's favourite blanket or toy can provide a sense of familarity in a new environment. 
• Doggy Life Jacket: If your camping trip does involve water activites you might want to consider a doggy life jacket for your pets' safety. 
• Tether or Stake Out System: Some campsites may require dogs to be on a leash, and a tether or stake out system can provide your dog with some freedom while keeping them secure. 

Australia's diverse landscapes provide a wealth of dog-friendly camping opportunities, allowing you to share the beauty of the outdoors with your furry friend. Whether you prefer coastal views, lakeside tranquility, or bushland adventures, these top seven dog-friendly camping spots offer a variety of experiences for you and your canine companion. Pack your camping gear, leash up your pup, and embark on a memorable journey to one of these fantastic destinations for an unforgettable camping experience. 

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