The best pet-friendly stays around Australia

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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For a stay that is not only luxurious for us, but for our furry friends too, look no further than these pet-friendly stays.

We all love our pets and when booking a holiday, trying to figure out where our pets will stay is the most complicated part. Well, not anymore. We’ve found the best pet-friendly accommodation options all across Australia so your pet can come and unwind with you.

Pet-friendly accommodation NSW

Four Seasons, Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney’s Paw-fection package pampers all furry friends, providing exclusive perks including a plush dog bed, gourmet treats, an Aussie-themed toy, and natural dog bath amenities. Plus, the team can provide dog-sitting or dog-walking services highlighting the best pooch-friendly parks in the area.

A dachshund in between pillows at Four Seasons Sydney. (Image: Four Seasons Sydney)
The pawfect escape. (Image: Four Seasons Sydney)

The Langham, Sydney

If you wanted to treat yourself to a luxury night or two away, you no longer have to choose between that and your beloved pet! Guests at the Langham Sydney can bring their pooch (up to 20 kilos) or cat for a stay. With Langham Sydney’s Pampered Pets Staycation your pet will receive their own plush bed to match yours! Pet-sitting and afternoon teas for you and your pet are also available.

A King Charles Cavalier lies on bed with a pink dog bowl that says The Langham. (Image: The Langham)
The Langham offers a luxurious stay for your pet. (Image: The Langham)

Pier One, Sydney

Pier One welcomes canine guests into its Water View rooms with the Puppy Package, where they will enjoy their own bed, food bowl and water bowl, plus a $5 donation to the RSPCA is included in the price. For even more luxury, opt for a doggy minibar loaded with dog-friendly snacks or take your pup to The Gantry Restaurant for a doggy degustation. There is no weight limit for the dogs, and you can bring two!

A schnauzer sits on a bed at Pier One. (Image: Pier One)
$5 of your stay will go to the RSPCA. (Image: Pier One)

InterContinental, Double Bay

Let your puppy live its best life with InterContinental Double Bay’s Pet Stay package. With a dog bed in the lounge room, and water and feed bowls in the bathroom, they will be relaxing just like you. Plus, there is a fancy pet-friendly menu if you want to go that extra mile.

A dachshund stands outside the InterContinental Double Bay.(Image: InterContinental Double Bay)
Taking a walk… (Image: InterContinental Double Bay)

Bannisters, Mollymook and Port Stephens

Both Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook and Bannisters Port Stephens have pet-friendly rooms that will have your pup loving life. Not only will you get to indulge in the luxurious Bannisters, but you’ll also be accompanied by your little best friend.

Classic pet-friendly room at Bannisters by the Sea. (Image: Bannisters Mollymook)
Classic pet-friendly room at Bannisters by the Sea. (Image: Bannisters Mollymook)

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Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains

Don’t just enjoy the stunning Blue Mountains surrounds with your human friends, bring your furry friend along too! At Spicers Sangoma Retreat, the Pooch Package gives your dog a plush dog bed, lead, doggie bags, water bowl, food bowl, blanket and dog treats in the luxury Bush Suite.

Overlooking the sunset at Spicers Sangoma Retreat. (Image: Spicers Retreat)
What a view for you and your pup! (Image: Spicers Retreat)

Pet-friendly accommodation Victoria

Zagame’s House, Melbourne

Zagame’s House is a boutique hotel in Carlton where fur babies are just as welcome as you with the Fur Friendly package! They’ll be treated to a bag of goodies upon arrival and a free ‘Furry Movie of the Month’.

Dog and owner getting their nails painted at Zagame's House. (Image: Wasamedia)
Nothing better than relaxing with a mani. (Image: Wasamedia)

Plus, experience the seasonal menu of culinary dishes designed by renowned chef, Chris Bonello. If it’s your pup’s cup of milk, there are also bonding sessions available with Zagame’s Dog of the House, Hugo the Groodle – what a treat!

Two dogs sit on armchairs by a fireplace at Zagame's House. (Image: Wasamedia)
Warming ourselves up. (Image: Wasamedia)

Mount Sturgeon Cottages, Dunkeld

Once home to the station’s shearers and cooks, these renovated cottages, owned and operated by the two-hatted Royal Mail Hotel down the road, offer all the outdoor space your small friend could want… plus wooden floors so they’re allowed inside, too.

Fireplace at Mount Sturgeon Cottage. (Image: Emily Weaving)
Cosy up with your pet! (Image: Emily Weaving)

Pet-friendly accommodation Queensland

Ovolo The Valley, Brisbane

Ovolo The Valley’s V.I.Pooch takes care of both you and your dog. Offering an indulgent experience, complete with amenities (and treats!) to pamper you and your pooch like a true VIP. The V.I.Pooch holiday accommodation package provides a doggy bed where your furry buddy can snuggle and relax like a real boss, an eating/drinking mat and food bowl so they can feast in style, a doggy bag with specially designed dog toys and treats, and dog-friendly staff on hand to provide assistance when you need it.

Dog on the bed at Ovolo The Valley (Image: @bozzie.the.aussie)
Just hanging out at Ovolo The Valley. (Image: @bozzie.the.aussie)

Crystalbrook Bailey, Cairns

Fur babies deserve to enjoy life’s little luxuries just as much as we do. The dog-friendly Crystalbrook Bailey Residences are located on the first floor, with access to a courtyard or balcony, so your four-legged pals can stretch their legs and soak up some tropical Queensland rays.

Just a short walk to the Cairns Esplanade, there are plenty of grasslands and parks for you to explore so now you can enjoy a guilt-free holiday with your best mate.

A dog sits in a suitcase with snorkel gear nearby in Cairns. (Image: Crystalbrook Bailey)
Ready for a day on the reef. (Image: Crystalbrook Bailey)

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Quest Robina, Gold Coast

Quest Robina has six exclusive pooch-friendly apartments on the ground floor, decked out with pet futon, food and water bowls, lounge cover, treat on arrival, and their very own outdoor terrace to roam and play in, these apartments are a slice of doggie heaven. There is even a personalised pooch guide available to help you find all the top local spots that are pet-friendly.

Dachshund with sunglasses and a hat at Quest Robina's pool. (Image: Quest Robina)
Soaking in those Gold Coast rays! (Image: Quest Robina)

Pet-friendly accommodation SA

Hilton, Adelaide

Pups are welcomed with open arms at Hilton, Adelaide – as long as they weigh less than 35 kilograms. They must also be on a lead or in a carrier whenever in public areas and mustn’t be left unattended. The ‘Dog-Friendly Package’ must be booked, and the hotel will charge you a $500 refundable deposit in case of any accidents that may occur – so allow for plenty of outside walks.

Dog receiving hotel breakfast at Hilton Adelaide.(Image: @sesamesuperhiro)
Room service breakfast for a King. (Image: @sesamesuperhiro)

Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide

The Mayfair Hotel’s Luxe Pets program offers five-star treatment for your four-legged friend. Available in the Deluxe King Rooms or Superior Queen Access Rooms, a Luxe Pets stay includes a comfy pet bed, food and water bowls, pet food and snacks, and a cheeky toy too. Maximum 2 pets per room. 20kg weight limit applies, but larger dogs may be allowed at management’s discretion.

Pet-friendly accommodation WA

QT Perth

QT Perth says Pup Yeah! to doggy visitors under 20kg. The pet-friendly rooms come with fetching features, including a mini-bar packed with treats, and decadent in-room dogs’ dinner menus designed by QT Head of Treats Andrew Barkham. It also has bespoke pupQ grooming leaving your bestie washed and looking gorgeous!

Pet-friendly accommodation ACT

Mercure Hotel, Canberra

Mercure Canberra accepts pets of all shapes and sizes, and the pet-friendly rooms feature a private courtyard accessible via your own French doors making nighttime bathroom breaks for your pet a breeze.

A small, black dog is covered in flowers as it stands beside the pool at Mercure Canberra. (Image: Mercure Canberra)
Pippa being pampered by the pool. (Image: Mercure Canberra)

Prior to booking your stay, be sure to contact the hotel first so that they may approve your pet. Note that bringing your pet may also incur extra fees for the dog-friendly amenities and services offered by these hotels. 

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.